Mystery or Secret Shopper Scams
Mystery shoppers are hired by market research companies to report on the quality of customer service in stores and restaurants. There have been many reports of scams whereby potential mystery shoppers are asked to pay for the privilege of becoming a mystery shopper.
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Mystery Shoppers
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Mystery shoppers are hired by market research companies to evaluate the quality of customer service offered by their client's stores or restaurants. Typically, mystery shoppers are asked to make particular purchases at a store and write a report of their experience. Often, the shopper is paid, reimbursed for purchases and allowed to keep them.
Scams
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Some mystery shopper assignments are scams and typically demand some kind of payment from the mystery shopper before he is given an assignment. For example, he may be told he needs some kind of shopper certification before he can earn money. Any money sent to the company is then lost.
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Prevention/Solution
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Generally, market research companies do not demand payment of any kind from their mystery shoppers. If you are applying for a mystery shopper job and the company asks you to send them, or someone else, money before you are allowed to work, this is your first clue it may be a scam. Find a company that does not demand advance payment.
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