Avoiding a Mystery Shopper Scam

Here are a few simple rules that will ensure you never get caught in a mystery shoppers scam:

• Genuine mystery shopper companies do not recruit by e-mail or letter. You register on their Web sites, provide a profile and they will contact you if and when work is available.
  
• The MSPA Web site lists its 260 members -- use this to contact and register with potential employers.
  
• The MSPA itself doesn't employ mystery shoppers. It also provides useful, free tips on becoming a mystery shopper.
  
• Genuine firms don't charge you to join or register, and they never send out checks with a request that you then wire a portion of it.