I am Looking for a JOB and I came across this Ad in my newspaper. It did not want to use the legitimate application process but redirected me to another site which raised RED FLAGS to me that there might be a scam a' Coming!
I have heard a lot of complaints about VARIOUS SECRET SHOPPED SITES AND I WAS NEARLY RIPPED OFF BY ONE OF THESE BOGUS SERVICES MYSELF.
THE SITE BEGINS:
"IF YOU LOVE TO SHOP, ARE OBSERVANT AND CAN REPORT ON YOUR EXPERIENCES, BEING A SECRET SHOPPER IS THE PERFECT JOB FOR YOU.."
SECRET SHOPPERS NEEDED IMMEDIATELY"
They have the usual "Apply Now" icon to click on.
They also have spaces for you to recommend this "job" to your friends BEFORE YOU ARE EVEN SURE IT IS LEGITIMATE. This is another RED FLAG that something isn't quite right. Like they might be pfishing for more e-mail address to bury them in SPAM...
STAY TUNED.
THE AD CONTINUES:
" Hundreds of organizations throughout the US and Canada utilize the services of Secret Consumers/Shoppers to visit their hotels, stores, restaurants, etc. as regular customers for the purpose of reporting on their organizations service levels, quality of goods, and overall appeal to the average consumer.
As a Secret Consumer/ Shopper you may have the opportunity to eat at fine restaurants be a guest at quality hotels, attend movie theaters, make purchases at retail stores, etc. as a secret consumer, all for free and while being paid for your efforts.
Companies pay Secret Consumers to shop in their establishments and report their experiences. Being a Secret Consumer is fun and rewarding, and you choose when and where you want to shop. You are never obligated to accept an assignment.
Many companies utilize the services of Secret Shoppers such as: "
AND HERE WE SEE LOGOS OF SEARS, GAP, BURGER KING, 7-11, AND BANK ONE. WERE THEY USED WITH PERMISSION? THE COMPANY THAT DESIGNED THIS WEBSITE IS BASED IN INDIA AND AMERICAN LAWS DO NOT APPLY THERE.
I CLICK ON THE APPLY TO SEE IF THEY ARE GOING TO TRY TO SCAM ME BY ASKING FOR THE CREDIT CARD PAYMENT WHICH LETS ME KNOW THIS IS A VERY BOGUS JOB OFFER, OR EVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO TRY TO GET A JOB BECAUSE IT WASN'T CLEARLY LABELLED AS SUCH...
SECOND PAGE
"We will provide you with instant on-line access to everything that you need to begin working for SECRET SHOPPING (marketing research) companies right away.
For a one time only fee of $19.95, you will be given unlimited online access to hundreds of Secret Shopper companies, constantly looking for Shoppers to perform shops on their behalf.
There are no further charges, hidden fees, or additional costs. You will be provided with complete and unlimited access. We are so confident that you will receive secret shopping opportunities that we are offering a full 30 day money back guarantee.
If you have any further questions please see the FAQ's link. If you have additional questions feel free to e-mail us at [email protected]. Additionally, please e-mail us at [email protected] with your success stories."
AND YOU CAN PAY WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD.
eCheck
DISCOVERY
MASTER CARD
VISA
AMERICAN EXPRESS
PAY PAL (OF COURSE!)
HERE IS MORE IRONY:
"PLEASE NOTE: A fraudulent Canadian company is using the Secretconsumer.com web address (along with others) in correspondence or on counterfeit checks for thousands of dollars, instructing you to deposit the check and then wire part of the money back to them. This is a criminal and illegal scam. Do not attempt to cash or deposit the check. The company often goes by the name Secret Consumer Insights and is apparently out of Canada. Thank you.
Thank you, "
THE WEBSITE APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN DONE BY INDIAN WEB DESIGNERS AND IT LOOKS GOOD. MIDAS Web Technologies Pvt. Ltd
SECRET CONSUMER ALSO CLAIMS TO HAVE BEEN FEATURED ON ABC NEWS, NBC NEWS, L.A. TIMES & DETROIT FREE PRESS. BUT IT DOESN"T SAY HOW THEY WERE FEATURED...
THIS LOOKS LIKE A GOOD ONE TO STAY AWAY FROM.
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