has anyone ever been employed as a mystery shopper, and if so, is it legitimate>?

Answer 1

The Federal Trade Commission has a lot to say about that on their web site at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/mysteryalrt.htm

Here is part of it:

The Facts of Mystery Shopping

Becoming a legitimate mystery shopper for a legitimate company
doesn’t cost anything. Here’s how to do it:

Search the Internet for mystery shopping companies that are accepting applications. Legitimate companies don’t charge an application fee. Many accept applications online.

Do some homework about mystery shopping. Check libraries or bookstores for tips on how to find companies hiring mystery shoppers, as well as how to do the job effectively.

Visit the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) website at www.mysteryshop.org for information on how to register to be a mystery shopper with a MSPA-member company, a database of available jobs, and additional information on the industry in general.

In the meantime, the FTC says consumers should be skeptical of mystery shopping promoters who:

Advertise for mystery shoppers in a newspaper’s ‘help wanted’ section or by email. While it may appear as if these companies are hiring mystery shoppers, it’s much more likely that they’re pitching unnecessary — and possibly bogus — mystery shopping “services.”

Sell “certification.” Companies that use mystery shoppers generally do not require certification.

Guarantee a job as a mystery shopper.

Charge a fee for access to mystery shopping opportunities.

Sell directories of companies that provide mystery shoppers.

Answer 2

I've done it...it's legitimate but I found it just didn't pay all that well. In some cases you have to buy something with your own money and then submit the receipt for reimbursement, but they say they won't pay you back if they're not happy with the way you fill out their questionaire. Also, sometimes they tell you to make a purchase on your credit card and then return it later, or they will ask you to travel a long distance to do an assignment. A typical mall store visit will pay $15 or 20. But I remember one assignment where you go to the Aveda store and buy something up to $20 and they reimburse you for your purchase but that's all the pay you get for your services. Yet there seems to be a lot of people willing to work for next to nothing. So, if you want to do it, be cautious and ask yourself if this assignment is really going to be worth it.

Answer 3

I havent but a good friend of the family has. It's legitimate, but dont expect to make anything close to a fortune. at the very least it's a free meal every now and then.

Answer 4

The function is legitimate but you have to watch ut for scams. If you have to pay anyone to get the job, it's a scam. They're supposed to pay you!

Read the article from the link below.

Answer 5

I know someone who was. It's legitimate. You're really pretending to shop.... loitering in the aisles.... collecting things in your cart.... but you're really looking out of the corner of your eye at other shoppers and identifying any shoplifters to store security.

That's what you do. I think.