The Mystery Shopper’s Manual

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There are times when mystery shopping that you will use a name other than your own. In this article, we will consider when you should do this, when you should not, if there are any legal or ethical issues, and points to remember when using a name other than your own.

You may prefer to use a name other than your own when performing some mystery shops simply because you do not want your true identity known. Many mystery shoppers do everything they can to preserve their anonymity, so they do not like to give their real names.

Some assignments require you to use an assumed name. For example, I did several shops where I was required to make appointments to visit with sales consultants in different locations. Although I was allowed to use my own name during the first secret shop, I was told to use other names for the remaining shops. In this case, they were concerned about a manager noticing the same name appearing multiple times in the appointment logs.

As long as you are not using another name to commit fraud, you are not breaking the law. The only reason you should not use an assumed name is that it will create a problem on the shop. This could happen if the shop target is required to do follow-up, and part of your assignment is to report on that follow-up. If you do not give your correct name and contact information, they can not do their job, and your report will not be accurate.

Another possible problem is if you are required to present identification or a credit card during the mystery shop. For example, you will typically be required to show your driver’s license or other ID during an apartment mystery shop. Hotel mystery shopping requires that you make a reservation and may require the use of a credit card or that you show an ID. Some other mystery shops may require that you pay with a credit card, or you may choose to do so. If the card you present has a different name than the one you gave them, it could be an “oops” moment that could even result in the shop being invalid and you not getting paid.

In most cases, even if you are not required to use an assumed name it is perfectly fine to do so. Consult the shop guidelines or ask your scheduler if you are unsure.

There are a few other potential pitfalls when using another name. One is that you may run in to someone you know while doing the shop, and that person may call you by your real name. What will you say and do if that happens? You may want to have a cover story, such as that one name is your given name and the other is a nickname or middle name. Keep any story simple. Too many details make your story sound fishy.

In fact, if you get to choose the name you will use (the mystery shopping company may assign the name you are to use on a specific shop) make it something that fits into an easy explanation, such as using your middle name, or your maiden name, or some other variation on your actual name.

An issue I had when using my fake names was remembering to respond when they called me by name. I am used to answering to Cathy, not Karen or Sheila or Amy or some other name. Being aware of what your name is today is important, so I had to train myself to answer to those other names.

No matter what name you use, make sure you are prepared for your mystery shop and can deal with any questions or issues that may arise.