Unfortunately, many people are being taken advantage of in this economy. That includes fake mystery shopping experiences that pay exorbitant rates. That should be your first clue that what you’re being asked to do is illegal.

While we may have some shops that pay in the $50-75 range, they are few and far between. We will never promise you a job. We will never ask you to send us money. We will never ask you to send us any of your personal health information.

If you are contacted by anyone saying they are a representative from Circle of Service and telling you that you’ve received an assignment and will receive a check or money order in the mail, or requiring you to complete an online survey for a large sum, or any mystery shopping experience that requires you provide your personal health information or your social security number — contact us to report it.

Articles About Scams

Read more about scammers using the MSPA’s logo, name, and a look-a-like e-mail address to trap people into making illegal transactions.

Read more about fake check cashing scams: at the MSPA website where you could be sent a fake check to cash, where you wire back some of the money, then the check bounces, and you’re responsible for the full amount. Or at the Better Business Bureau website where some of their staff have been contacted about fake check cashing.

As unfortunate as it is, there are also mystery shopping scams that target the unemployed. Very often the scammers use business names and addresses that are the same or nearly the same as real businesses so it can be difficult to tell if it’s a real offer or not. When in doubt, contact us.