Your E-mails

From: Danielle
To: mysteryshoppersunite@ymail.com
Sent: Wednesday, April 8, 2009 10:38:15 AM
Subject: Mystery Shopping

Hi Whitney - I came across your blog and was wondering how you came to be a mystery shopper. Can you provide me with more information on how I can do this as well? I am looking to find a more flexible career. Thanks for any help! ~Danielle From: Whitney At Mystery Shoppers Unite To: Danielle Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2009 10:32:41 AM Subject: Re: Mystery Shopping Hey!!! I really cannot recall how I stumbled upon it, I just remember surfing the web one night and came across a "Pay $19.95 to become a Mystery Shopper" webby and I almost got duped, haha! But I didn't fall for it and I've been shopping with some pretty good companies since November. Sure I can help you. What would you like to know? Talk to you soon, Whitney Follow me on Twitter: SecretShoppers2

Your E-mails

This e-mail is very important. Thank you to the person who wrote me concerning this matter. This is a must-read. Write me anytime at mysteryshoppersunite@ymail.com and/or IM me on Yahoo! Messenger: mysteryshoppersunite@ymail.com.

[the e-mail]

From: -----
To: mysteryshoppersunite@ymail.com
Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 1:36:41 PM
Subject: Whitney - I PM you also on CouponMomForum

Can you help me Whitney?

Hi I wrote to you before about "mystery shopping" and surveys. You PM'd me back. Well, I signed up for some surveys and at the end of one (or two) it asked if I would like to be a "mystery shopper". Well today I got an envelope with a letter and a check and a "Company Evaluation/Survey Form. The check is for $3,875.00. I am to keep $400.00, funds for shopping are:$35.00-Walmart, $20.00-Sears,$20.00-McDonald's. $3400.00 for Money Gram. Can you email me, as I can't write alot with PM.

My email is: ----- Put your name in the subject line (Whitney-mystery shopping). I did a Mapquest and it gave me directions for this bank Mellon Bank, Pittsburg, PA Wondering if this is a scam or legit? When I did the Mapquest the bank Mellon Bank at 500 Ross St., Pittsburg, PA 15262 showed up and also gave me a phone number. I tried to call but it says "all circuts are busy".

Also, the check is from the company Time Warner Cable, Shared Service Center, 7800 Crescent Executive Drive, Charlotte, NC 28217

The check is made in my name, with date of 03/05/2009, routing numbers, check numbers - looks totally legit - looks like a company printed check.

Do you know anything about this. The company who sent me my letter (dated 03/06/09) is called: MarketStar, Consumer Research Group (Best source for secret shopper employment), 11 Highland Dr. Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567

Is this real or a scam?

Please get back to me as what to do.

Thank you Whitney

[my reply]

From: Whitney At Mystery Shoppers Unite
To: -----
Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 5:35:23 PM
Subject: Re: Whitney - I PM you also on CouponMomForum

Hi -----,

I am so glad you contacted me before doing this. Yes, it is a scam and I am sorry that you have been a target. Do not do it. I suggest you shred the check. There was something on Dr. Phil about how a woman cashed a check and got scammed out of so much money. Please do not do this. Only shop with companies listed with MSPA (Mystery Shopping Providers Association). Their website is here. Either shred the letter or if you want to be proactive, report the scammers to the BBB (Better Business Bureau).

Check-cashing scam press release found here.

Whitney

"Your E-mails"

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From: Adam
To: mysteryshoppersunite@ymail.com
Sent: Sunday, March 1, 2009 5:52:31 AM
Subject: Mystery Shopping Info

Hello,

I am currently in "brain sponge" mode, soaking up all the info I can get. I would really appreciate you taking the time to forward me some things.

Thank you very much,
Adam

---

Hi Adam,

Thank you for taking a second to write me. I can send you the information, but you must be a member of the blog Mystery Shoppers Unite. There are directions on the website about how to set up one as well as tips for new bloggers. If you need direct help setting one up, let me know and I can help you.

Hope to hear from you,
Whitney

http://mysteryshoppersuniteblog.blogspot.com

[next e-mail]

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From: D.C.
To: Whitney At Mystery Shoppers Unite
Sent: Friday, February 27, 2009 12:24:26 AM
Subject: Re: I'm new

Hi Whitney. I got my first email today its due sat but I don't understand it says only between 21 and 30 yrs old can do this its about going and getting cigarettes. I'm not real sure what to do thanks for your help.

---

From: Whitney At Mystery Shoppers Unite

To: D.C.
Sent: Friday, February 27, 2009 7:42:39 AM
Subject: Re: I'm new

Hi

I want to make sure I understand-- a company sent you your first e-mail, correct? If you have not physically gone to the website to accept the offered cigarette shop or if you have not requested this shop by e-mailing a scheduler, you have not been assigned this shop yet.

Schedulers send out e-mails to shoppers who have registered on their websites. But, until you accept the shop you do not have to complete it. Some shops do have requirements and expect shoppers to fit the exact profile-- such as the e-mail shop offer your got: "Must be 20-30 years of age." If you do not fit the description, please do not sign up for the shop. Companies are very specific and each have a role to fulfill for their client.

I hope I understood your question fully, please message me back with any additional concerns.

Whitney

[next e-mail]

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From: Susan
To: mysteryshoppersunite@ymail.com
Sent: Saturday, February 14, 2009 8:40:49 PM
Subject: Saw you on the Coupon Mom Forum about Mystery Shopping...

Hi,

My name is Sue. I saw you posted under the Work at Home ideas and you said that you are a "mystery shopper". I have never heard of that.

I was wondering if you could tell me what it is, and how it works? Do you get paid cash? Do you have to pay something to start out?

I need to make some extra cash or gift cards, due to recent layoffs and budget concerns.

Please write back and tell me what a "mystery shopper" is. I tried to PM you on the site, but your PM box was full.


Looking forward to hear from you.

Sue
Have A Blessed Day

---

From: Whitney At Mystery Shoppers Unite
To: Susan
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 9:08:04 AM
Subject: Saw you on the Coupon Mom Forum about Mystery Shopping...

Hi Sue.

I hope you are doing well. I apologize in the delayed response, I'm just getting used to checking this e-mail more often ;)

Yes, Mystery Shopping. It's a pretty fun profession. Mystery Shoppers are the equivalent to self-employed persons, or Independent Contractors. The majority of Mystery Shopping Companies pay via PayPal. And, the money deposited into your PayPal can be transferred to a bank account (secured transaction) or you can keep it in your PayPal to purchase items online. It's a very flexible payment regime.

No, you are not required to pay anything to get started. If any company tries to get you to pay something to get started, don't sign up for it because this information is free to the public and it should be illegal to charge for it.

Please join us on the new Mystery Shopping Blog:
http://mysteryshoppersuniteblog.blogspot.com

Look forward to working with you! (Mystery Shopping of course!)
Whitney

If you're new, please start at the Feb. 3rd post. Begin following this blog to immediately receive a Mystery Shopping packet. Once you join, e-mail mysteryshoppersunite@ymail.com.