How to Avoid Secret Shopper Scams

If you are new to secret shopping, you might notice a lot of websites offering a list of secret shopping jobs for a small fee. There are also companies that charge a fee to apply for a secret shopping position with the promise of making top dollar. Those who fall for such scams are usually disappointed when all they get for their money is a list of jobs in other cities or jobs that turn out to not even exist. The fact is, there are many legitimate secret shopping companies that are legit and won't charge you a dime to apply. Here are some tips for avoiding the scams when searching for work.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Avoid advertisements for secret shopping jobs, especially junk emails and pop-up ads on the Internet. These ads almost always lead you to a scam. Legitimate secret shopping companies rarely advertise like this.

2. Reject secret shopping companies that require payment for anything. If you have to pay to see a list of jobs or pay for a website membership, it's a scam. You should not have to pay your employer, your employer should pay you.

3. Pass on any secret shopping opportunity that promises huge amounts of money for little work. If you are told you will make $50 an hour as a secret shopper, you are probably looking at a scam. Chances are you will soon be asked for an application fee or membership fee. While some legitimate secret shopping companies offer periodic bonuses for last minute jobs, most jobs pay $5 to $20 per assignment.

4. Research each secret shopping company you find before filling out an application. There are many helpful secret shopping forums on the Internet where you can find valuable information from experienced shoppers.

5. Beware of secret shopper jobs that require you to deposit a cashier's check and wire funds. These jobs seem to pay big, but are actually scams that leave the shopper with bank fees after the check bounces.

Tips & Warnings

• If it seems to good to be true, chances are it is. Do your research and avoid falling for scams.
• Never pay to access secret shopping job information or for a list of jobs. These situations are always scams.

[rehannaqvi]

on 7/16/2009 I just came across secret-shoppers.biz. They dont charge you anything, however I am still not sure if it is a legit site!

[tarheelshopper]

on 2/6/2009 It's funny jpaint would say that something looks like a scam because it doesn't meet with her definition of "legit". She says that companies do not typically charge you to get a job... My understanding is that PremierShoppers (www.premiershoppers.com) doesn't hire shoppers but assists shoppers in finding jobs and offers other benefits. Has she called PremierShoppers herself? I'll bet she hasn't. I may not know much, but the site looks great and I have actually been assigned jobs because of them. No scam here. I have also used a company called Shadow Shopper (www.shadowshopper.com) to some success as well.

[jpaint]

on 2/2/2009 Premiershoppers.com looks like a scam to me! Legit companies do not typically charge you to get a job...beware...

[tarheelshopper]

on 2/1/2009 Yes, most retail establishments (stores and restaurants) conduct secret shopping programs to make sure their staff is providing the best customer service and taking advantage of every sales opportunity. Check out Premiershoppers.com (www.premiershoppers.com) they have some incredible jobs - like these - available.

[jpaint]

on 7/25/2008 Some companie employ their own secret shoppers, and many have contracts with secret shopping companies. Do some research on the web and you might be able to find what you're looking for.