Jerome Said:

Is the Mystery Shopper Canada Employment Agency a scam?

We Answered:

There are lots of mystery shopping positions around but you need to know where to look for them. I have been a mystery shopper for 20 years and also did a stint as an area manager who recruited and hired mystery shoppers.

I know of only one legitimate company who requires you pay a training fee for mystery shopping. You don't necessarily need the training they give you for the money but you also won't get the higher paying shops.

I should tell you that mystery shopping is not a full time job nor will you make a living from it. It is fun and gives extra pocket money.

Start by looking in your phone directory under Promotions and call them to ask if they are hiring Shoppers. Next check out the stores where they usually have product demonstrators and ask them for the name of their supervisor or area manager because most all run mystery shopping programs.

I had heard of others who have paid the $34 and have eventually found shops to do. You have to remember that they are not asking you to pay money to work - they are saying you're paying a admin fee and online training fee. Paying to get work is illegal but paying for online training is not.

I checked the site and it does say you have a money back guarantee though if they honour it or not is anyone's guess. What's the worst that can happen? You'll loose the $34 and the best case scenario is that you find a fun job. If you're feeling frivolous and would spend that $34 in a bar or casino then try it.

Put in "Mystery Shopping" on the BBB site and you'll come up with tons of companies who have complaints against them BUT it will also give you lists of Legitimate Mystery Shopping Companies who are BBB members.

Hope this answers your question.

Good Luck