Mystery shopper scams can be costly experience

Ads and e-mails promising big money to "mystery shoppers" are just a few of the "work at home" scams, according to the Better Business Bureau of Beaumont.

"We need professional business evaluators. You get PAID and receive FREE meals, products, and services from big name, recognized companies for your opinions," scream some ads.

Consumers who are looking for extra income can be tempted by these ads. "True, businesses nationwide do use mystery shoppers. But not everyone can do the job and the pay is modest," says the BBB.

There are many companies that offer empty promises of securing mystery-shopping jobs. And scam artists have now combined these promises with a cashier's check scam.

A consumer is sent a cashier's check, told to cash it, keep a small percentage of the money as their commission, and then wire the rest to a pre-determined international destination. The checks, however, are invariably counterfeit

"Regardless of the source, any time a cashier's check is sent to you with a request to cash it and wire some of the money to another destination, be assured that the offer is a scam and the check is a forgery," said Michael Clayton, BBB president.

"This scam has a pattern of BBB complaints alleging the use of counterfeit checks of as much as $5,000 that have created severe overdrafts to the bank accounts of consumers who accepted the company's offer of 'work assignments'."

Prospective shoppers looking for legitimate companies can visit the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) website at www.mysteryshop.org.

They have information on how to register with an MSPA company and what jobs are available in their region.

To find a job as a shopper:

•Talk to managers at established stores,

•Carefully research any "mystery shopper" offer,

•Look at reputable firms that qualify and train mystery shoppers,

•Avoid firms that charge a fee to complete an application, and

•Ignore claims that you will make big profits easily or "guaranteed" jobs without training.

For further information, call the BBB of Southeast Texas at 835-5348 or 1-800- 685-7650.