mystery shopper, here it comes, the bait....

[lbeery]

Interesting.  I really thought the one from lbryanwf was interesting as this person actual made money from a legitimate mystery shoppin job.  I always assumed it was a way for merchandise to be sold and no reimbursement would every be forthcoming.  Well, we learn something all the time:

ANCORA IMPARO  (I am still learning)  Michelangelo

[vickysue]

Usually if it sounds too good to be true, it is. But there are legit mystery shoppers out there. I have beenhit afew times in the large dept. store i worked in. Belive me you are looked at very closely. Thanks heaven i always passed, but if you don't it usually goes against you too the boss. I also was a mystery shopper for a couple of stores. Enjoyed it and made good spending money at it. 

[riceman]

Unfortunately, Mystery shopping is like every other business opportunity. There are some very legit ones and there are scams. The scams are getting all the attention.

I quess the best course of action for anyone interested in mystery shopping is to research a company before committing to the program.

well said

thanks

[SherylsShado]

Alot of retail/fast food places have been cutting their expenses and cutting their mystery-shops as well.  A couple of my friends lost their mystery shop jobs and were replaced by the surveys that establishments now encourage their customers to take to receive a "$1000 shopping gift card".  Walmart, Dollar Tree, Taco Bell, Burger King, KFC are just a few that have been pushing the surveys.

[marciaenglish]

I would love to become a legitimate Mystery Shopper!  Anyone know how?

[candyterrius]

I received weird offers to become a mystery shopper a few times before by mail. I never consider doing it because there is a high chance they’re scams.

[Mojoshog]

I would love to become a legitimate Mystery Shopper!  Anyone know how?

You can goggle mystery shopper reviews and probably find enough to get you started. Just be aware that most don't pay a lot especially to begin. Just start small. Sometimes if they are approaching deadlines the rates will go up or you can negotiate something much better if it's a little further to travel. If you have experience doing that type of shop they'll be more apt to offer you more. Don't pay an up front fee. Most fast food shops will reimburse you so you have to be prepared to put out a few dollars and be careful to follow instructions so as not to have it invalidated. Also have to be prepared to get your report in usually by the end of the day you do the shop but that can vary. 

[longinojoshua]

If I have not read this article in advance, http://www.nbcnews.com/id/21119508/#.URA_GGdw56g , I might fall for their bait.  I received a letter from Total Marketing Group, INC. asking me to activate their acceptance letter to be their mystery shopper.  I don't know how they got my address and everything, but I guess it might come from those offers silver/gold/platinum because the check has my first name and the last name is my email address, lol.  Important notice, if your names are written wrongly in the check, endorese reverse side your correct names and sign behind it before depositing into bank account.   Anyway, their instruction is like this

first week pay $350
they sent their check $1991.95
activate your check online and deposit to your regular checking account, when funds cleared and available, deduct your stipulated participation salary indicated, withdraw the balance and get started immediately with assigned task (probably ask to send them the rest of the money to some of their accts) 

LOL, even if I have not read the article above in advance, I don't think I would fall for their bait, but  unfortunately many people fell victim for this.  Nothing comes easy.
dang, if it is less trouble, I would turn this check to the FBI.  hate these scams

[drpybutt]

sounds like fraud to me and i haven't even read the atricle yet