i signed up with customer 1st and they ask for my social security #. I have 3 mystery shops that i can do and I would like to know if this is standard to ask for my social security #?

Hi mngrandma2, 
 
Most mystery shopping companies will ask you to provide SS#, since they might need to report your earnings to IRS and send you a 1099 form if you make over $600 a year. 
 
If you have more questions, I suggest you visit MSPA website (http://www.mysteryshop.org/shoppers/), there are lot of good info there, and a message board you can ask questions. 
 
Good luck and Best regards!

Be Wary of B.E.S the recruiter isn't very prfessional.

Hi Mystery, 
 
Thanks for the information!

Watch out for Kern Scheduling! Their schedulers aren't very well trained and often drop the ball in being the "go-between" with their clients. Careful that your pay isn't delayed because you're offered a shop for a project that expired with their client months ago (actually happened).

Hi laurasMom, 
 
Thanks very much for the heads up and feedback!

your site is incredible very accurate to what I have experienced. I was wondering if you could pos your 2007 earnings for each opportunity you do I.e surveys, ptr, ptd, and mystery shopping. I made $75 in Austin tc offline irs research study 2 hours.  
JP

I am also curious as to how much you can earn, yearly, utilizing all of these options. Please get back to me!

I received a check that was counterfit.What do I do I can\'t afford to do this. I owe the bank $100.00 by friday.

Does anyone know which of the companies have bank mystery shops? thanks Tina

Do you know any particular mystery shopping company that contracts for travellers/ cruises? I saw one advertised at a local newspapaer some time ago, but don't remember the name.

Do you know of any mystery shopping companies in UK?

This is a great website. 
 
I'm hoping for an R&D list. 
 
I mean, we American consumers should be allowed to get involved in inventing the products we purchase... 
 
Sigh 
 
Angie

I have been doing  
mystery Shopping for over 10 years & I really enjoy it. It is a lot of fun & it helps companies to stay on track.

i received a 5000.00 check that was no good now i have to pay it pack to the bank what can they do to me i don't have the money to give them?

1. I don't give my SS# to mystery shop companies until I do a few shops for them. To bypass this on the sign up type in your last four numbers like this 000-00-1234. 
2. Do not ever under any circumstance cash a check for anyone or a business! They say you are doing a shop and get to keep a portion of the check or they will pay you after the cashing of the check! Do not do it...it's a scam! I have seen these checks and what they require you to do is hardly anywork...just cashing the check. Be leery of anything you receive in the mail from a MS company. YOU are the one that has to apply and get the job-not them coming to you!

My mother recieved a check to do 3 shops form what we thought was shadowshopper, but after going to there website 
I found out that there is a scam going on where a group of people have sent checks out in there namen which bounced.

To: William Lawrence, TC, and Shirley Jones (and anyone else with any info) -- What company sent you the bad check? I just got a check from Myers Industries (from "Myers Employment Agency" to do work for "Datatron"). Anyone know anything about this people??? Thanks.

Hi CLB, 
 
Whoever sent you the check, it's is SCAM! Mystery shopping companies would NEVER pay in advance for work, usually you have to perform the work first, and submit a report, then get paid. 
 
Also remember, scammers usually run the scam under legitimate companies name.  
 
So DO NOT CASH THE CHECK!

There are some mystery shopping companies like "a top shop" that ask for my driver's license number and insurance information. Is that legitimate?

I've seen some mystery shopping companies that ask for my DL# and my auto insurance information. Is that legitimate?

I received a letter and check today from Frontline Shoppers Channel Inc. in the amount of $3947.00. I knew right away it was a scam. First clue was no return address, second it was not sent by first class mail. The stamp was Canadian. Third the letter contained several misspelled words. Be careful out there and remember nothing is free.

Hi Qui, 
 
Thanks very much for sharing your experience! Your advice make sense!