How to Spot a Mystery Shopper Scam Web Site
The people running mystery shopper scams are getting more sophisticated. Because more people are becoming aware of the scams, some of the scammers are making an attempt to look more like legitimate mystery shopping companies, and that can include putting up a web site with a professional appearance.
I was recently contacted by a shopper who got a mystery shopper job offer that just didn’t look right. I looked at the web site of the company that wanted to hire scam him, and I saw several things right away that made me think this was not legitimate.
Of course, when a company sends you a large check before you have done anything with them, it is a scam. Always. Read more about the mystery shopper check scam elsewhere on this site. But that was not the case in this situation. This company had a nice looking web site and were acting in some ways like they were a real mystery shopping company.
Here is what you can do to check out a mystery shopping company’s web site. Although seeing one bad sign doesn’t mean that you are dealing with a mystery shopping scam, it could. Several red flags should send you running in the other direction, as fast as you can.
Do a Google search. The secret shopper who contacted me had already done this, and couldn’t find any information on them. The only results were their own web site and a few job listings they had posted on online job sites. That is a bad sign, and one of the things that caused the shopper to wonder if the company was legitimate.
Does the information match? Some scammers have used the names and web site addresses of legitimate mystery shopping companies in their mail and email solicitations of shoppers. However, the mailing address and phone numbers given were not those of the legitimate company. Compare the information on the web site to the information in the letter or email you received.
Search for the address given. It may not be their actual location, but it could provide insight. A quick search for the address given to the shopper turned up several company names at that address involved in a variety of scams. In other cases, you may find that the address does not exist, or that it is the address of someone other than the alleged “mystery shopping company.”
Find out how long their domain name has been registered. Go to a site such as http://whois.domaintools.com/ and enter the domain name (e.g., NameOfSite.com). Under Registry Data, one entry is Created. That tells you when the domain name was first registered. If it was within the last few weeks or months, I would be concerned. (Note: It is possible that a legitimate company would have a recent registration. They may be a new company, or they may have changed their domain name due to a change in their business. Likewise, it is possible that a scammer is using a web site that has been around for years. This is just one thing you should look at.)
Determine if the site is plagiarized. Many of the fake sites I have run across take their text from a legitimate mystery shopping company site, or use the same text over several different sites. Run a couple of pages through the free checker at http://Copyscape.com/ to see if the same text can be found on other sites. (Note: There are reasons that the same text might appear on more than one site. For example, they may have written articles that appear in multiple locations. No problem there. And there are some companies that, although legitimate, think it is acceptable to copy from other web sites. Not scammers, but not very ethical, either.)
How do they handle shopper applications and assignments? Many legitimate mystery shopping companies use one of the well-known systems developed for the mystery shopping industry, such as SASSIE, Prophet, ShopMetrics or ClientSmart. If they are using one of these systems, they are most likely legitimate. Not using them does not mean they are running a scam. They may use a “home grown” system they developed in-house or some other system. The company the mystery shopper contacted me about had no online system at all, not even an online application.
Is there information about the company and its principals? Most companies include biographies or the owner/founder or executives of the company. They do this to let potential clients know about the expertise of their team. If there are no bios or other information about the management, that is a bad sign.
Does the site say anything about paying you to complete “offers”? This usually means that you are going to be asked to sign up for trial memberships and similar programs. There may be little or no expense to you for signing up, but if you do not read the fine print and cancel the trial you will get hit with charges to your credit card every month, often $49.95 or more per “offer.”
Does the company display logos saying they are members of the Mystery Shopping Providers Association, the Better Business Bureau or other associations? That is a good sign, but do not assume that they are actually members. Ccheck them out. After all, if they would scam people out of money, they would lie about their affiliations. You can search the MSPA member data base or BBB web site for information about member companies. Most other associations also allow searches of their member data bases.
Although this is not an exhaustive list, this checklist should give you a good idea of whether or not a company is legitimate based on its web site. Also read the other articles about mystery shopper scams on this site.
on May 7th, 2009 at 10:00 am
[...] from setting up a nice looking site to fool you. See my earlier article for tips on spotting a mystery shopper scam [...]
on June 27th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
BEWARE of this company: Consumer Probe Inc., operating out of Landisburg, PA. I received a cashier’s check in the mail yesterday for $4995.00. They had “tasks” for me to do, including two wire transfers for all but $250 (my “salary”). This is, of course a SCAM. I have filed complaints with the BBB and the FTC. The “company” does not exist.
on June 27th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
ANYONE who sends checks or money orders and tells you to wire money to someone is a scammer. Although this one uses a fictitious company name, some use the names of legitimate mystery shopping companies. No matter what the company name given, do not cash checks or money orders and wire cash to anyone, anytime, anywhere. It is ALWAYS a scam.
on February 17th, 2010 at 9:34 am
I fell for a mystery shopper scam, they say they want you to accept a 5000 check and it looking pretty real to me and then I was to take 200 and the rest wire ti to some where else meanwhile the bank finds out and tell the check was altered and that it was not 5000 but maybe 50 now you are in debt of 5000 the guy name is Richard Hamilton from UGA Inc phone number is 1-800-901-6260 ext 211 and Dan Parker Reed
on February 26th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Beware of Corey Stace, Kevin Patta, Soliman Kumi – all ARE scammers from SURVEY SHARE (survey.share@gmail.com) tel 1 800 9185946 fax 1 800 6569751 – the wire transfers scammers. A total disgrace from some legitimate mystery shoppers jobs out there. Let’s report them and put them behind bars!!!!
on February 26th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Folks, you can watch out for these folks but, more importantly, remember that ANYONE who asks you to wire money to someone you do not know is a scammer. Their name, the company name they use, other details do not matter. If they ask you to wire money to someone they are scamming you.
on March 7th, 2010 at 6:46 pm
I received a check for $2489.00, from Bell Management, they wanted me to shop at several small businesses in my area and wire them $2,000.00 using Western Union. I googled them and the check was from MI and they were located in the UK. I did not wire any money, it seemed like a scam.
on March 7th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
It was a scam. Any time someone asks you to wire money to someone you do not know, they are trying to scam you.
on March 9th, 2010 at 6:01 pm
Hi,
We recieved a check today in the mail for over 5K. Said to keep $350, and shop at the stores and keep the merch. however; the company is in NY, the phone number is in Canada. We checked bbb, and it says they exist on the website, we called Wachovia (the name on the check) and were told its a legitimate account from the rep, but nothing else. Can anyone tell me anything about this? Its from a company called Business Evaulators Incorporated.
on March 9th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
It is a scam. Any time someone asks you to wire money to someone you do not know, it is a scam. The check is not from the company it says it is from, and it will bounce. Then you will be responsible for repaying the entire amount to your bank. This is the same scam that goes on every day.
The name on the check doesn’t matter. The name of the company the scammer claims to represent doesn’t matter. No one is going to send you a legitimate check for thousands of dollars and ask you to send some of it back to them. Scam.
on March 31st, 2010 at 1:37 pm
WHAT HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT THESE TOTAL DISGRACE PEOPLE? WHAT CAN CONSUMERS / COMMUNITY DO ABOUT THESE TO PUT THEM BEHIND BARS?
on March 31st, 2010 at 1:40 pm
The best way to stop them is to stop falling for their scams. If it weren’t profitable, they wouldn’t do it.
To that end, educate people you know about the signs of these scams. Talk to your bank. Spread the word.
The fact is that these scammers are hard to trace and move quickly. Most individual scams are not large enough for law enforcement to get excited about, so there isn’t a lot done. It’s up to us to learn how to spot and avoid scams.
on October 18th, 2010 at 9:29 am
MYSTERY SHOPPER
This job offer is to send money they provide with commission.
I am to create an employee profile of service, ect. at a specified Western Union.i am to send money TO another mystery shopper at another Western Union location.
Do you have information on the
Name of company on email
UNIVERSAL SURVEY Inc
Westlake Avenue North
Suite 125
Seattle,WA98107
on October 18th, 2010 at 9:42 am
It is a scam. Any time someone asks you to wire money to someone you do not know, it is a scam. They will send you a check or money order, but it will not be from the company it says it is from, and it will bounce. Then you will be responsible for repaying the entire amount to your bank. This is the same scam that goes on every day.
The name in the email doesn’t matter. The name on the check doesn’t matter. The name of the company the scammer claims to represent doesn’t matter. No one is going to send you a legitimate check for thousands of dollars and ask you to send some of it back to them. Scam.
on October 28th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
I was recently tacted via text message bt “mystery shopers systems” im reading all the postings on scams hear and they are all saying that ifn they ask you to send money by wire transfer or by sending them a momey order that itsusally a scam. Well this co. didnt ask for that. they were only asking for a $2.95 registration fee. in return i would recieve an instructional packet that would give me a list of employers in my zip code that are looking for mystery shoppers. says i could ern $50.00 per assignment. Now… my question is, although thay are not asking me for anything extravagant or to wire them $ ect… they are asking for my credit card for the $2.95 reg.fee. is this a scam co.? im a little nervous giving anyone my cc over the phone till the research is done. Again, the co is ” shoppers systems” please reply on there validity.
on October 28th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
You do not have to pay for a list of mystery shopping companies. There is a list of 200 legitimate mystery shopping companies that will not charge you right here on this site. Click the link to Legitimate mystery shopping companies in the right sidebar, or go to http://MysteryShoppersManual.com/mystery-shopping-companies
on November 8th, 2010 at 8:47 am
I just recieved a letter in the mail about becoming a mystery shopper. It was from Bestmark. I researched the company and discovered that they are legitimate. However, I believe that this check I recieved is from an impersonator of the company, I can’t get ahold of anyone from the numbers or emails listed and they want me to wire over 900.00 bucks to some random name. I don’t know about the rest of you but I need as much one. information on a company I am going to work for as they would want about me. What company in it’s right mind would send just anyone a 1400.00 check without knowing who that person is? I know a scammer when I see one. Be careful people!
on November 8th, 2010 at 8:53 am
You are correct that BestMark is a legitimate company, and that the check did not come from them. Scammers often use the names of legitimate mystery shopping companies. Anyone who would steal thousands of dollars from you would also lie to you.
The best way to avoid these scams is simply never to wire money to anyone you do not know.
on December 4th, 2010 at 9:23 pm
Mr. Michael McKenzieUniversal Surveys Inc.1509 Westlake Avenue North Suite 125.Seattle, Washington 98109
There are a few prominent western union locations in your area that need to be evaluated.The locations are within 10 miles from your zip code, you will be filled with the exact details.The Western Union location was reported for evaluation for the following reasons:1) Customers have reported their money
missing.2) Slow services.3) Unbalanced transfer charges.4) Rudeness to customers.5) Late opening time and Closing before time.Your Evaluation at the first western union location would be:1) To make a transfer of funds from this western union location to another MysteryShopper (we will provide with the needed funds).2) You will have to record the time you spend sending the transfer.3) You will also provide the name of the cashier that attended to you.4) Make a detailed report about your personal impressions as an average customer.To complete the surveys we will send you the money to cover your $50 commission and the money you need to use at the western union location.After you receive the funds, the exact instructions of the survey will be forwarded to you.There is no specific time to do a survey, however the report is to be ready same day you receive the funds from us.You will have to keep a comprehensive report on every activity you carry out and send it by fax to our office.If you are interested in becoming a MysteryShopper confirm that you are ready by replying to this message with “I AGREE”.
i received this email and i think its a scam
on December 4th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Yup. It’s a scam.
on January 13th, 2011 at 9:16 pm
I received the same letter with a $3000 check to take to my bank for evaluating a western union. Luckily I looked into this and it definelty was a scam. What I did was return the check with a nasty letter calling it a SCAM.
on April 21st, 2011 at 6:17 pm
IS THIS A SCAM
Re: Mystery Shopper Position Is Available In Your Region In Canada……….
From:
Dan Parker Reed
View Contact
To:
I just called to confirm if you have received the check payment for your first mystery shopping assignment.Keep me posted or call 518-250-3380 me back once you have received and deposit the check payment into your account.Thanks
Regards
Dan Parker Reed
—–Original Message—–
From:
To: Dan Parker Reed
Cc: kingleechilive
Sent: Thu, Apr 14, 2011 3:31 pm
Subject: Re: Mystery Shopper Position Is Available In Your Region In Canada……….Contact Our Regional Operator
To confirm that I have received these directions
Margaret Stewart
Save a tree…please do not print this e-mail unless necessary
From: Dan Parker Reed
Sent: Thu, April 14, 2011 9:47:37 AM
Subject: Re: Mystery Shopper Position Is Available In Your Region In Canada……….Contact Our Regional Operator
Shop Fast ®
230 W 26th St,
New York, NY 10001
Tel: 518-250-3380
Attn: Esteemed Applicant :
We are in receipt of your last mail,Well am pleased to inform you that by next week you will start your first mystery shopping assignment with us. Because our regional operator will be contacting you soonest with fund to enable you perform your first assignment with us as a secret mystery shopper in your region in Canada, because we have prepared funding via check for your first mystery shopping assignment and your assignment package with the check payment will be delivered to you soonest.Once you receive the delivery it is Important that you contact me back via e-mail at once for further instructions on how to go about your first mystery shopping assignment ASAP.Also make sure you keep me posted when you are in contact with our regional operator in Canada.
Firstly. you are kindly advise to contact our regional operator ( King Leechi ) regarding your mystery shopping assignment funds. Because he would be sending you your mystery shopping assignment funds soonest via check .You are to contact him immediately you get this message asap for your assignment funds.Be inform that your details has been sent to him as well . Here below is King Leechi contact info:
Name: King Leechi
Financial Services Representative
Tel : 416-823-2442
Email: kingleechilive@gmail.com
Make sure you keep me posted when you are in contact with him asap or feel free to contact me back if you have any questions. Kindly get back and keep me posted immediately you received and read this message asap.You are advise to forward back to me all e-mail corresponded between you and our regional agent Mr King for reference purpose.And I hope this e-mail finds you in good health.
Thanks and Kind Regards,
Dan Parker Reed.
on April 21st, 2011 at 7:02 pm
Yes, it is a scam. Mystery shopping companies do not send checks before you do the work.
on April 21st, 2011 at 7:34 pm
Thanks Cathy, appreciate your feedback, I won’t touch this at all
on April 27th, 2011 at 2:45 pm
I have received the same offer from Dan Parker Reed, and from King Leechi. I have taken the cheque to my bank, but have gone no farther, what do I do, and how can we report these guys?
on April 27th, 2011 at 7:09 pm
If you deposited the check, let your bank know that the check is not good. You can notify the police or other law enforcement, but there is not much they can do.
on July 5th, 2011 at 3:17 pm
The real mystery shopping companies DO NOT PAY YOU IN ADVANCE LOT OF MONEY. They [reimburse you] after you shop if you have to shop during that assignment. So you pay out of pocket for shopping @ every assignment and then they pay you after you faxed/send the receipts. Right????
on July 19th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
I almost got scammed today I got a check for 2500 and went to the bank to verified it and when they called and asked to verify the check they hung up. I was so disappointed, I was looking forward to spending the money oh well anyway I called back when I got home and gave a fake name and cursed the guy out I feel a little better now lol
on July 19th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
As disappointing as it is to find out the offer isn’t real, it would be worse to find out AFTER sending the money off. At least it got caught before you were out any cash. ;o)
on July 25th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
I just received a check for $2500 from Equity Mystery Management Co. SCAM. They wanted me to wire $2,070 to Spain , $50 to shop at Walmart, $50 to shop at JcPenney, and $200 for payment. I was into it until I saw the Western Union part. I signed up at premiumsecretshoppers.com. Major scam :/
on July 25th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
Yes, any time they send you a check BEFORE you have done the work and tell you to wire money somewhere it is guaranteed to be a scam. Glad you caught it and it didn’t catch you.
on July 27th, 2011 at 3:53 pm
Same as Kiara I received a check in the mail for $2495 from Equity Mystery Management Co. They wanted me to also wire $2070 to western union, spend $50 at Walmart, spend $50 at JCpenney and my paid from the checkl is $200. Yes the Western Union part stop me!! too. YUP too signed up at premiumsecretshoppers.com, I immediately tore the check up.
on July 31st, 2011 at 4:33 pm
This shop’s domain name is registered, but I’m nervous to sign up because it wants my SSN.
“We are required by law to obtain each shopper’s SSN or Employer Identification Number (EIN). Working for Secret Shopper® constitutes an independent contractor relationship; if you are compensated more than $600 in a calendar year, we are required to report that to the IRS. In that case, you would receive a 1099 from us in January stating the amount earned. It would be illegal for us to hire an independent contractor (regardless of the amount paid) without a valid SSN or Employer Identification Number (EIN).”
on July 31st, 2011 at 6:05 pm
I’m not sure what you mean by “this shop’s domain name is registered.” ALL domain names are registered.
Almost every mystery shopping company will ask for your Social Security Number, for exactly the reason you mention. Although nothing is 100% safe and secure, a legitimate company will use a secure site and will safeguard your personal information. Make sure the site is secure (https://) before entering any private information.
The company you mention, Sights on Service, is a legitimate company. They say that they are an MSPA member company. They are, but to verify any company’s claim of being an MSPA member, check them out at http://MysteryShop.org. Also make sure that the domain name listed at the MSPA site matches the domain name you are using to access the company’s site. Lots of scammers use the names of legitimate mystery shopping companies.
on August 6th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
Has any one heard about this one? They want me to pay a $40 registration fee which provided it’s not a scam is fine but I’m new to this and would hate to be scammed right out of the gate
on August 6th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
I don’t know if I would say it is a scam, but it is definitely not a mystery shopping company. Never pay a fee to register. Legitimate mystery shopping companies do not charge you. There are many sites that charge fees (one time or recurring) with promises that they will get you mystery shopper jobs. They can’t. Stick with applying to legitimate companies.
on December 19th, 2011 at 12:28 pm
If you receive anything through the mail that is suspicious, ALWAYS bring it to your local post office so that it can be forwarded to the Postal Inspectors for investigation, don’t just through it away!
on December 19th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
Good advice when it comes through the mail. However, the scammers often avoid using the postal service and send the checks via FedEx, UPS and other carriers.
on December 27th, 2011 at 5:21 pm
I almost got pulled into a scam. I received what looked like a genuine money order for $850.00 with nothing but two blank pages wrapped around the money order-delivered UPS. Was sent from Los Altos with the phone number on the envelope and the sender was someone in Idaho (I googled the name) Today I received “instructions” but I said I wouldn’t proceed until my questions were answered. Why the two names from different cities?
Why no instructions were included in the package?
business name and physician location and phone number
I did deposit the money but have taken no action on this “assignment”-good thing. I have not heard back with the answers to my questions. Oh, and the assignment was to send another money order from Western Union, to someone I did not know. Thanks for the site.
But I did take a class in this and would like to be a “Mystery Shopper” with a legit company! Should I contact the bette business bureau and report these names: 1. Charles Roede, (my contact) Charles Noreen, (the name on the UPS envelope) David Dildine (the name on the money order) and Bryon Medwinter-the person I was suppose to send the next money order to?
Thank you,
Cathy
on December 28th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
Reporting anything to the BBB is worse than useless. They have no authority to do anything about this, and probably even less interest. If you want to report it, contact the Federal Trade Commission or local law enforcement. They can’t do much, either, but that would be where to report it.