I've been looking for a mystery shopper job. Good Morning America a few months back gave out a website where you can find companies that do this. I ran several of the companies through the Better Business Bureau. All have satisfactory records, some are even members. I still have an uneasy feeling because they ask me for my social security number. I really want to do this. Is there any where else besides the Better Business Bureau that i can check for legitimacy?
2007-03-10 03:15:40 · 8 answers · asked by christigmc 5 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
You will have to provide a social security number if you are hired for tax purposes. If it is simply for an application, you can tell them that you will provide upon hiring. If they are a legitimate business, they should have no problem with that. The only reason I can think of that they would need it ahead of time is to run a background check on you, but I don't see a real need for that to be a mystery shopper.
2007-03-10 03:40:16 · answer #1 · answered by Brian G 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Call the Secretary of State Office for your state. They can help you identify the legitimacy of any business, corporation, or partnership.
Did you look this potential employer up online? A simple google search may reveal a homepage, news articles about the firm, etc.
You are wise to be wary about giving out your social security number, but virtually every employer requires that documentation. The secrecy of that number is a lot less secure than many people realize, as it is available to virtually anyone who works at any medical provider with whom you treat, any credit card employee, banks, and many other similar businesses.
Good luck.
2007-03-10 03:22:23 · answer #2 · answered by Andy P 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I actually did that. I paid and everything. Was a total rip off for me anyway. In order for me to get a listing of the actual store that needed the mystery shopper and to get a contact name I needed to participate in so many promotional items first before I would get the info. Participating meant spending money I didn't have yet. I had to buy a product first. I never made it to a store. I did hear from a friend of friend (right like who hasn't) who it did work out for;
2007-03-17 23:44:19 · answer #3 · answered by spiritius4 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good Morning America would not have gave out the website if they were not legit, they would have checked them out first. Mystery Shopping is a booming business all over the world now. Happy hunting. Hope you mind is now at ease.
2007-03-17 14:06:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a few other sites, www.ripoffreport.com is one, to that allow people to report problems they have with companies. Unless they want to run a credit check on you, I'm not sure why they want your SSN. Ask them frankly why they need it, and if they do not give a satisfactory answer, then don't go forward and find someone else.
2007-03-10 03:21:22 · answer #5 · answered by Chris M 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
see if any of the sites have a testamonial section. or get in contact with the company via email or phone and ask them for some succesful previous contacts..good luck
2007-03-10 03:20:48 · answer #6 · answered by Kyle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i did it myself when i lost my job. i sat at home for a while and was looking for stuff to do. I did about 20 different ones and I regret it now cause my SS# is all over the place and I don't know who will have it. PLEASE DON'T DO IT. it's not worth it. i make like 30 dollars in one month. try www.treasuretrooper.com for online surveys that one is safer.
2007-03-17 19:34:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i know that many stores and shopping malls have mystery shoppers. check out the malls and drug stores like walgreens they have mystery shoppers and it's all legitmate
2007-03-10 03:25:31 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋