SCAM ALERT WARNING
Beware of Scams That Target Mystery Shoppers and Mystery Shopping ProvidersHow the Scam Works
BestMark has been made aware that there are a number of individuals using our name and trademarked logo in the process of a scam involving “mystery shopping opportunities” that would require you to cash a check and complete a wire-money transfer.
It is our understanding that these individuals are providing bad checks in the hopes that you will deposit them into your bank account and transfer a portion of the check amount back to them as part of a mystery shop. The check will not clear and if you’ve already transferred funds, you will be responsible for the amount of the bounced check.
BestMark has been in contact with local, state and federal law enforcement to report any incidents and ask that if you are contacted by anyone you feel may be illegally representing themselves as a representative of BestMark that you contact The Federal Trade Commission Complaint Submission link at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov.
We would also encourage you to contact your local authorities and the FBI to report any potential fraud.
BestMark Will Never:
- Require that you cash or deposit a check as part of a mystery shopping assignment OR for any other service (such as childcare, purchase of ANY product/service, etc.)
- Ask you to transfer funds to an account as part of a mystery shopping assignment
- Send you a letter via mail telling you that you have been selected to participate in a paid consumer research program
- Request that you meet with a BestMark representative in any area of the country to complete an assignment
- Require you to pay for and complete on-site training to become a mystery shopper
- Contact you via any email address besides one that ends in @bestmark.com
Remember: Never Pay to Apply to Become a Shopper
BestMark has been an established mystery shopping provider since 1986 and are proud to partner with leading companies nationally and internationally. We take our commitment to our clients and shoppers very seriously and are working diligently to maintain the stellar reputation that we’ve earned in our industry.
Additionally, you will always be able to reach someone at our offices during regular business hours if you need to verify that an opportunity you may be unsure of is legitimate. If you have additional questions for BestMark, please email us at shops@bestmark.com.
We would also urge you to visit the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) website for more information and helpful tips on becoming a shopper, reputable mystery shopping companies, as well as more information on current scams in our industry. You’ll find the MSPA at www.mspa-na.org.
Legitimate mystery shopping providers will not charge you to apply or to become part of their mystery shopping workforce.
Questions or Concerns?
If you have questions about any of the above circumstances OR any circumstance you’ve encountered that is not listed above, please contact BestMark to verify the legitimacy at shops@bestmark.com.