(KAKE/BBB) - With the federal unemployment benefits coming to an end in early September, many people are cleaning up their work attire, dusting off their resumes and starting the arduous process of applying for jobs. While searching the internet, people discover something that sounds really great: an invitation to check out a favorite retailer to secretly shop their store and evaluate the quality of service, product availability and the best part - keep the items plus earn a paycheck. It sounds almost too good to be true, but this type of job really does exist. It is sanctioned by the Mystery Shopping Providers Association mspa-global.org. But for every good thing people find on the internet, there's a scam to ruin it. 

The Fake Ads Are Out There

Newspaper ads, email solicitations and online popup ads create the impression that mystery shopping jobs can be the perfect path to personal wealth and a high paying job with reputable companies. However, scammers have created numerous fake websites where people can register to become a mystery shopper but first, and here's where the scam begins, you have to pay a fee for a "certification program," directory of mystery shopping companies or a guarantee of a mystery shopping job.    

Another dead giveaway that you're dealing with a scammer is when they solicit you directly by email or text, stating that you've been "hired" by a company as a secret shopper. Your first assignment will be to evaluate a wire transfer service. If you respond to the ad, you'll get a check in the mail with directions to deposit it into your personal account, take out a certain amount of cash and wire it to a third party. Do not deposit a check from someone you don't know and the wire the money to another address! You will be on the hook for all bank fees and unintended consequences that will happen afterward. And things will definitely happen...and none of them will be good for you.

Legitimate Shopping Opportunities are Free

A legitimate company doesn't charge people to work for them - they pay people to work for them! It doesn't hurt to take a few minutes to conduct an internet research for reviews and comments about mystery shopping companies that are accepting applications online. Just be sure to go past the home page and look at the company itself on bbb.org to see what other people have to say about them.  

Use the Source

Visit the MSPA directly to search a database of mystery shopping assignments, how to apply for them and what the benefits are. Take note, the Association does offer certifications for a fee, but you do not have to buy a certification just to look or apply for assignments in the database.