Mystery Shopping can be a fun way to earn some extra money while not having to go out of your way. The idea behind Mystery Shopping is pretty simple. Retail stores, restaurants, and other businesses want to know how they’re employees are performing when management isn’t looking over their shoulders.
They send in mystery shoppers to assess how their store handles customer inquiries, sales techniques, or whatever else the owners think may need improvement. As a mystery shopper you are given a specific assignment for what to buy, what questions to ask, and instructions on how to complete a detailed report.
When you are asked to purchase things in most cases you will be reimbursed after you submit your report. The pay varies based on the job, which is why a lot of people sign up with several mystery shopping services at the same time.
There is one very important thing that you need to be aware of if you’re going to seriously pursue mystery shopping. Many scam artists have started masquerading as legitimate mystery shopping companies.
So here are some tips for staying safe with mystery shopping…
-
- Never pay money to become a mystery shopper, or for that matter any kind of certification programs.
-
- Keep a list of all the real companies that you’ve registered with and know what their email addresses look like. Scammers will send out emails pretending to be real companies, but these are easy to spot since they use free or foreign email addresses.
- Most importantly if you get an email asking you to cash a check or do a Western Union “mystery shop” immediately discard it. Real mystery shopping companies will never ask you to do anything involving sending money, cashing huge checks, or anything financially sensitive.
With that being said if you are careful about what you’re doing and only stick to the real companies provided in this list or other trusted online sources then you should have no problems with mystery shopping.
Below you will find a list of Legitimate Mystery Shopping Job Companies (Updated 2018):
Mystery Shopping Jobs (A-B)
Mystery Shopping Jobs (C-L)
Would you like to add your review for
you have no idea - or maybe you do - of how many scams I have been sent...but thank god - I now know what to look for - I am ashamed to admit I was scammed last summer out of almost 2,000 which I didn't really have - as soon as I see the words 'send western union' I move on...and when I see you get a check and you can cash it and then send monies - I move on
how disgusted I am with those out there who prey on those of us who are in need of work/money - who have lost jobs, homes, etc. - and these folks make a fine living off us....they should be arrested and I can't quite understand why they haven't been
again...thank you for this info
Thanks.
I have not done much with mystery shopping, because of the reputation but the ones that are scams are not on this site.
If anyone believes they can make he big bucks without working, that doesn't work. So please keep that in mind. The creators of this site make the best effort to provide legitimate and accurate info.
If you believe everything you read 100% you will be taken for a ride. This site has done an excellent job giving you insights into scams and what works. You have to test the waters. First, click on any of those companies listed and read their profile. Then Google that company for reviews e.g. Data Quest reviews. You should get some feedback as to whether anyone has been scammed or not and also call BBB in their area(s) of operation. I was almost scammed by work at home "Online Profit Masters" because I am desperate for work had it not been this website. Now I know what to do so put in some fact finding yourself with the information they have given you. I am leaning towards virtual shopper but do I want to burn that much fuel as it is now.....maybe I will need a motor bike....so consider things like that...don't just jump. Oh well.