Mystery Shopper Scams Continue

In the US, GfK Mystery Shopping has issued another warning to consumers following a 'countrywide wave of scams' targeting would-be shoppers. The past twelve months have already seen warnings from both GfK and the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA).

The firm, a division of GfK Custom Research North America, advises consumers to 'disregard letters or classified ads that promise fast cash and free gifts by performing mystery shopping and service evaluations.'

Last December, the MSPA reported a rise in such scams (www.mrweb.com/drno/news6231.htm ) and offered similar advice. At the time, its Executive Director John Swinburn summed up: 'if the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.' Then in April this year, GfK Mystery Shopping spoke out after its name was used by a third party defrauding consumers in North America (www.mrweb.com/drno/news6657.htm ).

Typically, fraudsters using the names of legitmate mystery shopping companies ask consumers to cash a check and wire the money back to a specified address, typically outside the country. Those duped are promised a share of the original cashier's check but get stung for the entire amount - typically between $2,500 and $3,500 - when the check bounces. GfK VP Elizabeth Nolley comments: 'we are absolutely committed to helping spread the word and protect consumers against mystery shop fraud... Utilizing our resources around the country and the world, we are actively working with the Mystery Shopping Providers Association and appropriate local, state and federal authorities to put an end to this scheme.'

GfK and the MSPA offer the following tips to consumers who may be considering a mystery shopping opportunity or have recently been the target of a shop scam:

• Prospective shoppers should never need to pay a fee to become a mystery shopper.
• If a shopper receives an email or visits a Web site that requests a fee, simply disregard it. -- Legitimate companies never ask shoppers to send a check or cash advance. -- If a company promises to pay you through check cashing or money transfer, it may be a scam.
• Be patient. It takes time, sometimes months or even longer, to be contacted with an offer to conduct a shopping assignment. Respond directly to the company that posts or advertises assignments. -- Once assigned a shop, ensure it is completed according to the guidelines set forth by the mystery shopping client.

More about the scams can be found at www.gfkamerica.com/mysteryshopping or www.mysteryshop.org. Those wishing to report suspicious contacts from those claiming to be from GfK can now email a specific address, spoofs@gfk.com.

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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