How to Become a Mystery Shopper While Avoiding the Scams

Many people who have searched for jobs online have come across (probably more than once) ads for mystery or secret shoppers. These ads can be very enticing, promising free food, clothes, and other items in addition to being paid to shop, eat out, see movies, etc. It sounds too good to be true. Is it? 

The good news is that there are companies who do hire mystery shoppers, and that those shoppers are compensated for items they buy. The bad news is that most of the websites that advertise for mystery shoppers are scams. Never pay money to get information, even if its a one-time refundable fee. Some websites will claim that other mystery shopper sites are scams, but theirs is legitimate. This is another ploy.

There is only one true website that you'll want to visit if you're interested in becoming a mystery shopper: 

www.mysteryshop.org. This website is run by the MSPA, the Mystery Shoppers Provider Association. Using this website, you can find companies that hire and provide mystery shoppers and contact them directly. There is no money involved; however, you may have to fill out an application or essay. Make sure you begin by reading the "shopper information" provided on the website. In it, they warn potential shoppers of scams and emphasize that the potential shopper should contact the companies they find on mysteryshopper.org directly. What the website does, essentially, is provide listings of companies looking for mystery shoppers and where the shoppers are needed.