Shopping without paying for your purchased goods and doing this legally is one dream come true for many. And this is one of the perks that mystery shopping provides. But what if you’re told that you’ll be doing mystery shopping but you’re parted from your hard-earned money instead of getting some freebies that the job promised? Two words – You’re Scammed! (Or are those three?)
I have always been interested in any information related to mystery shopping since I myself almost bagged a job as a mystery shopper a few years ago. Yes, I’m a frustrated mystery shopper.
So when I’ve learned about this old scam now also victimizing those who only want to earn some extra income through mystery shopping, I just have to blog about it.
Remember those money transfer or check cashing scams? Mystery shopper applicants are not safe from these scams as well. The modus operandi is they’d ask you to evaluate a money transfer service. And after a few days, long after the scammers got the money, the bank will hold you responsible for repaying it. Ouch!
The lesson here is clear. If a mystery shopper or customer service company says it wants you to cash a check and wire off money for any reason, stop and run from the deal.
Also, avoid any company that advertises for mystery shoppers and wants you to give them money. Legitimate companies don’t work this way. You don’t have to pay anyone to become a mystery shopper. Source
Again, you should think it over a lot of times before saying yes to any company that requires you to pay them first before you start working with them.
If you’re looking for legitimate mystery shopping opportunities, Mystery Shopping Providers Association is a better option than responding to just about any online ads that you come across or from emails.
A lot of us who are often online knows about these scams but those who are not into the Internet are not that well-informed. So, kindly tell this to your family or friends who are looking for mystery shopping jobs.
image from sxc.hu
I tried the Mystery shopping for a while and some of the company’s pay more than others. The best I found was Bare International. I also tried the online survey route to try and make some extra green, but the bottom line is that neither mystery shopping or surveys will make you enough extra cash to be worth the time spent. I came across a really good online marketing business that does not require ANY investment of any kind. I signed up, check it out at: http://chashtrek.myopenletter.com
Sorry I spelled my own link wrong. its http://cashtrek.myopenletter.com. Fat fingers I guess.
Great posting, you’ve made some solid points – but will you be posting a follow up to this?
Great posting, you’ve made some solid points – but will you be posting a follow up to this?
Hi i was contacted by Bare International and am not sure if this company is a scam or not as they want me to pay for a Pandora purchase and will be paid in Euros. they contacted me through my ad for work wanted on a website so i am unsure if scammers have found my details. if anyone has had this happen or can provide me with any info in regards to this that would be great
Responding to Amanda, I do work with BARE International and they are a quality mystery shopping company. They do post office shops as well as some clothing and jewelry, mainly for women. You need to go to their website directly and sign up, then you can check job lists by distance or by state. Can’t comment on the Euros; they pay me promptly by check. I generally plot my regular business day then check to see where shops may be along the way to maximize my time and reduce expenses. You can also check out jobslinger.com who’s basic service is free.