Mystery Shopping Scams: Which Companies to Avoid

Mystery shopping scams abound on the Internet, but that doesn’t mean that you have to write mystery shopping off all together. Read on for advice on how to find the legitimate mystery shopping companies.

Avoiding Mystery Shopping Scams

If you’ve typed “mystery shopping” or something similar into a search engine, you’ve no doubt been overwhelmed by the search results. How are you supposed to sift through all of it to find the companies that you can trust?

Fortunately, it’s not as hard as you think. When evaluating mystery shopping companies there are several tried-and-true criterion that you can use to weed out the scams. These include:

• Make sure that the company does not charge a fee. You should never have to pay a membership fee or any other type of fee to shop for a company.
• Look for a company with a screening process. Mystery shopping is a job, and as such, you should have to prove your skills. Typical screening tests for mystery shoppers are designed to evaluate your attention to detail, grammar and spelling. If you aren’t asked to take any sort of test, move on to a different company.
• Pick a company that has received positive feedback. The Internet makes it easier than ever to find out information about a business. To find out if the mystery shopping company that you’re considering is on the up and up, check out Volition.com. This website features a list of all of the reputable mystery shop companies, as reported by actual mystery shoppers. It also features a discussion board where shoppers can post about their negative shopping experiences.
• Talk to mystery shoppers. Do you know someone who mystery shops? If so, find out who they shop for. This can save you a lot of research time and help you to avoid scams.
• Look for a company that belongs to an association. The Mystery Shopper Providers Association, like any industry association, has strict rules that govern its members. Find out if the company that you are considering is a member. If not, consider moving on to one that is.
• Look for a company with a good BBB record. Before signing on with a company, call your local Better Business Bureau to find of if complaints have been filed against the company.
• Avoid any company that directly solicits you. Received an enticing mystery shopping offer in your e-mail? Skip it. The same goes for advertisements heard on the radio or seen in the newspaper. Take a proactive approach to finding shops, and you’re far less likely to fall victim to a scam.

Finding Legitimate Mystery Shops

Once you’ve found one or more mystery shopping companies that meet the above criteria, you’re ready to test-drive the relationship to see if it works for you. Here are several tips to get you going:

• Start with one shop, and wait to receive payment before completing another.
• Make your first shop one with low or no out of pocket money. Say a required $2 purchase versus a $50 meal. Only move up to higher amounts if you’re satisfied with the way your reimbursements are handled.
• Keep track of how long it takes you to complete each shop, and evaluate whether you are being fairly compensated for your time.

Mystery shopping can be a fun way to bring in extra money. Spend a bit of time checking up on the companies that you’re considering, and you’ll save yourself the hassle of falling for a mystery shopping scam.

~Erin Huffstetler

Erin Huffstetler is a freelance writer specializing in frugal living tips and tricks. Her work has appeared in numerous print and electronic publications including Family Circle, Guideposts For Kids and Pregnancy. As the stay-at-home mom of two young kids, Erin is always looking for new ways to live better for less.