Mystery Shopping & Social Security Numbers (Ask The Coach)

Question:

“I am concerned about giving my social security number out to companies that claim to use mystery shoppers. They say they need the number to complete the application, but I am uncomfortable making such personal, important information public. Why do they need it? Should I give it to them?”

Answer From Coach Melanie:

Mystery shopping companies ask for your social security number for future tax filing purposes, and, sometimes, as an identifier for your records. Mystery shopper income is taxable and, if you receive more than $600 in income from the company it is mandatory for them to give you a 1099 form (below that amount, it is optional).

Unfortunately there are quite a few frauds that go on with mystery shopping and you have to be careful about to whom you supply such information. Don't give out key information about yourself that can easily be used in identity theft to a firm before you ever do business with them, or at least check them out thoroughly. You can always add your social security number later on once you are comfortable that you know who you are dealing with, and are actually doing work with the company.

For applications that “require” this field filled-in, just put in all 9's and if there is a comments section, note that you will supply your social security number upon receipt of your first
assignment, or e-mail the company separately to explain this (but never put your social security number in an e-mail—it's not secure.

Have a great day and happy shopping!

“Taking the mystery out of professional mystery shopping”—Melanie Jordan
http://www.mysteryshoppercoach.com

Copyright 2005 Melanie R. Jordan E-Publishing