What is the Mystery Shopper Scam and How to Avoid it
The mystery shopping industry, like many others, is not without its challenges. Among these, there are well-documented cases of scam websites and companies that promise high pay for mystery shopping but demand upfront payments or involve suspicious activities. Understanding the nature of these scams is crucial for both potential mystery shoppers and existing ones to avoid falling victim.
Types of Mystery Shopper Scams
There are at least two major types of mystery shopper scams:
Upfront Payment Scam: In this fraudulent scheme, a company claims to offer high payment rates for mystery shopping but requires the individual to pay upfront for various services or products. This is despite the individual successfully completing numerous audits. Wire Transfer Fraud: This involves new mystery shoppers being asked to evaluate wire transfer companies. Initially, the scammer sends a check to the shopper. The shopper then deposits this check, with the instructions to withdraw the amount and transfer it to a specified person. However, the check is typically fake, leaving the unsuspecting individual out not only the money withdrawn but also the bank fees incurred.A Historical Perspective on Mystery Shopping
To put these scams into context, it's worth noting the experiences of real individuals who have participated in mystery shopping in the past. Both my father and my wife shared their first-hand experiences with mystery shopping, which can help clarify the legitimacy of such activities:
My Father's Experience: My father was a mystery shopper for Church’s Chicken. He would visit a store, eat as a regular customer, and turn in all his receipts for service, cleanliness, and food quality assessments. He was eventually refunded his meals and received some extra money for gas. He maintained this commitment for several years, receiving his refunds on a regular basis.
My Wife's Experience: My wife worked as a mystery shopper for McDonald's. Every Saturday, we would visit a different store, order specific items, and evaluate service and food quality. This role was seen as a dream job, as it provided free McDonald's every week. Health concerns, however, ultimately led to our decision to move on.
How to Avoid Falling for Scams
Based on the experiences above and general caution, here are some precautions to take to avoid falling for mystery shopper scams:
Verify the Company: Conduct thorough research by checking online reviews and evaluating the company’s legitimacy. Look for companies with established reputations and positive feedback. Avoid Upfront Payments: Legitimate companies do not require upfront payments. Be wary of any requests for money or other upfront expenses. Check the Details: Be skeptical of overly promising schemes with unrealistic payment rates. Legitimate companies assess service and quality based on specific guidelines without complex financial arrangements. Stay Alert for Wire Transfer Scams: If asked to evaluate a wire transfer company or receive a check that requires depositing and withdrawing money, it's a sign of a scam. Legitimate mystery shoppers are never asked to handle banking transactions or fake checks.In conclusion, while the mystery shopping industry can be a legitimate and rewarding endeavor, it's essential to be cautious and research thoroughly to avoid falling for scams. By following the guidelines above, potential mystery shoppers can protect themselves and enjoy their mystery shopping experiences with confidence.