Turning The Tables On The Mystery Shopping Scammers (A Mystery Shopping Anecdote)

Turning The Tables On The Mystery Shopping Scammers

As those of you who have either read previous posts on this blog, or have been subscribers to my free monthly e-zine "Perfect Work-At-Home Job Update" (subscribe at mscoach@aweber.com) might recall, I did an article called "Shopper Round-up: Your Feedback On The Mystery Shopping Scam Issue + How To Tell Who's Likely Legit And Who's Not" (you can check that out on this blog or on my web site http://www.mysteryshoppercoach.com under the articles section).

Well, recently a job-hunting friend who had been going through our local Sunday paper employment ads, e-mailed me about an ad that appeared under the "part-time" section. It read similarly to the various scam ads we had previously discussed, so I decided to call the toll-free number and have some fun with them.

After two rings I heard "Hello, this is John" along with lots of background noise of other phone conversations. I said "hi John, I'm calling in response to your ad in my newspaper that said you were looking for people to be mystery shoppers. Does your company hire mystery shoppers?"

John: "we have connections to many companies, and what we do is provide a list that will get you started."

Melanie: "how much is that?"

John: $29

Melanie: But I thought this was an employment ad, aren't you supposed to be an employer to advertise here in the "employment" section.

John: nervous shuffling through papers, then "would you like to order our information?"

Melanie: "why would I want your list? I am already a mystery shopper. I thought you were hiring mystery shoppers".

John: "what kind of mystery shopping experience do you have?"

Melanie: "well John, I am a veteran mystery shopper who has handled every type of shop possible for several years in Orange County, CA and I even wrote two books on the subject".

John: more nervous shuffling, and now he switches gears "well if you have all that experience, this information would be free to you. Just send us a copy of one of your pay stubs and some of your shop reports to prove that you are experienced, and I will send this disk to you for free once I receive it."

Melanie: "John, why would you need my pay stub if you are not a legitimate employer checking references?"

John: "you can just send some shop reports and a copy of your social security card instead."

Melanie: "John, I don't think you need my social security number and I would be willing to bet that the disk you would send me would be blank, is that true?"

John: panicking, says "have a nice day", and the receiver goes CLICK!

After this exchange, I called the newspaper and told them about the experience and that this was a scam going around that they are helping to facilitate. They thanked me and promised to investigate it. I have not seen the ad there since, although it is likely only a matter of time before they change phone numbers and company names and try again. The real way to put these jokers out of business is to hit them where it hurts--don't give them your personal info and don't buy their BS--literally!"

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