subject: Mystery Shopping- Some Basic Information And How To Avoid Scams [print this page] Some retailers hire marketing research companies to judge the quality of service in their stores; these businesses use mystery shoppers to get the information anonymously. They assign a mystery shopper to make a particular purchase in a store or restaurant, for example, after which set of the knowledge. Typically, the shopper is reimbursed, and can keep your service or product. Many professionals in the field consider mystery shopping a part-time activity, at best. And, they add, opportunities generally are posted online by marketing research or merchandising companies.
Do you know the Scams?
Fraudulent mystery shopping promoters are utilizing newspaper ads and emails to create the sense that theyre a gateway to lucrative mystery shopper jobs with reputable companies. These solicitations usually promote an internet site where consumers can register are being mystery shoppers - after they pay a fee for information about a certification program, a listing of mystery shopping companies, or perhaps a guarantee of the mystery shopping job.
The truth is that it is unnecessary to pay for money to anyone to get into the mystery shopper business. The shopping certification offered in advertising or unsolicited email has been nearly always worthless. A list of firms that hire mystery shoppers can be obtained for free; and legitimate mystery shopper jobs are on the web for free. Consumers who try to obtain a refund from promoters of mystery shopping jobs usually are out of luck. Either the company doesnt return the telephone calls, or if it will, its to test another pitch.
In another version of the scam, individuals are hired to become mystery shoppers and told that their first assignment is to evaluate a cash transfer service,. The shopper gets to be a check with instructions to deposit it in a personal bank account, withdraw the total amount in cash, and wire it to some 3rd party. By law, banks must make the funds from depositing checks available within days, but uncovering a fake check can take weeks. Individuals are accountable for the checks they deposit, therefore if a cheque turns out to be a fake, they're responsible to make payment on bank back. Its advisable not to deposit a cheque from someone you dont know, especially if the stranger asks you to wire money.
Becoming the best mystery shopper for a legitimate company doesnt cost anything. Heres how to do it:
Do your homework about mystery shopping. Check libraries, bookstores, or online sites for tips about how to find legitimate companies hiring mystery shoppers, as well as how to get the job done effectively.
Search the Internet for reviews and comments about mystery shopping companies that are accepting applications online.
Dont pay a fee to become a mystery shopper. Legitimate companies dont charge people to work for them - they pay individuals to work with them.
Never wire money included in a mystery shopping assignment.
consumers ought to be skeptical of mystery shopping promoters who:
Advertise for mystery shoppers in a newspapers help wanted section or by email. Although it can happen as though these companies are hiring mystery shoppers, its much more likely that theyre pitching unnecessary - and possibly bogus - mystery shopping services.
