Mystery shopping scams

I'm sharing this warning from the Better Business Bureau:

Your Better Business Bureau is hearing from consumers that had questionable experiences after receiving offers to become part-time mystery shoppers. BBB advises consumers to be cautious when considering these solicitations because the offers have not proven to be a reliable source of income.

“Recipients of some recent mystery shopper solicitations are sent a check for approximately $4,000 and are instructed to cash the check and use part of it to “shop” a major retailer, restaurant or other establishment. Consumers are then instructed to send the remaining balance through a money wire service to an employee of the “company”,” said Matthew Fehling, BBB President/CEO. “They are told that wiring the money back is the second part of their mystery shopping evaluation process because they are evaluating the service provided by the money wire company.”

The check appears to be issued by a legitimate company within the Unites States and includes the name of a legitimate bank, and an existing bank account number, all misleading the consumer into believing the check is real. Additionally, the account number on the check is the actual account number of the business that appears to be the “issuer.” After consumers have deposited the check, sent the money via wire service, the check then bounces because it is a fake. The consumer will then have to repay the bank that money, as they are responsible for the loss of any check or money order deposited into their account.

Consumers should be skeptical of mystery shopping promoters who:

Advertise for mystery shoppers in the “help wanted” sections of newspapers or by email.
Sell “certification.” Companies that use mystery shoppers generally do not require certification.
Charge a fee for access to mystery shopping opportunities.
Sell directories of companies that provide mystery shoppers.
Make claims that mystery shopping will make you rich.

Becoming a mystery shopper for a legitimate company doesn’t cost anything. BBB offers the following tips on how to start your search with trust:

Check the company’s BBB Reliability Report by visiting www.arizonabbb.org.
Search the Internet for mystery shopping companies that are accepting applications. Legitimate companies will not charge an application fee, and many accept the applications online.
Do your homework before becoming a mystery shopper. Check libraries or bookstores for tips on how to find companies hiring mystery shoppers, as well as how to do the job effectively.
Look for companies that qualify and train mystery shoppers to perform specific evaluations and do not charge a fee to complete an application.

Consumers are encouraged to contact BBB at www.arizonabbb.org or 602-274-1621, 928-772-3410 in Yavapai County if they have encountered a mystery shopping scam. They can also contact the Office of the Arizona Attorney General at 602-542-5763 or 800-352-8431.

Arizona Moms Editor Yvette Armendariz shares stories about raising her kids and tips for busy parents in her Time-starved (goddess) Mom blog. She and her husband are raising two children, ages 8 and 11.