Remember to shop smart!

The Internet has undoubtedly made many things in our lives easier. Unfortunately, there are also dangers that come with the territory and scams are much easier to perpetrate on unsuspecting consumers.

You cannot help but see them everywhere when you are surfing the web. They promise you great trips, gift cards, as well as fabulous dining and shopping opportunities. Perhaps they are offering you some sort of “certification” and access to shop postings from various companies for a fee. WAIT! You should not at anytime ever pay to become a mystery shopper or access any information on available opportunities in your area. Remember the old adage, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

To avoid these mystery shopping scams, you should stick with the 130+ member companies of the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA). The MSPA holds these companies to an ethical standard and investigates allegations of fraud involving their member companies. They are here to protect the mystery shopping industry as a whole, shoppers included. The MSPA Silver and Gold Certification is the only certification that is recognized as legitimate by most of the mystery shopping industry. http://www.mysteryshop.org/shoppers/membercos.php

If you want to view jobs in your area for free you can view postings from MSPA member companies here: http://www.jobslinger.com