August 2017
MSPA Headquarters has been notified of scams that we want to warn you about.
It has been reported there is currently an influx of messages from Western Union Malaysia saying the recipient is approved to receive $1.5 million dollars. The reply email is wu.payout@my.com.
Look out for scam emails masking any Mystery Shop Provider’s name in an email (for example marketing@mysteryshopperservices.com) offering cash for mystery shopping in return for personal details.
There is currently a scam where a masked email that seemingly comes from an MSP but then the Reply To address is Eric Jennings at jenningsgroupllc@outlook.com and the scammer is offering $500 per shop, after asking for personal details. Legitimate Mystery Shop Providers (MSPs) have a shopper sign up process which does not typically include emailing detailed personal information.
These scams are being ran on an International basis and are financially devastating to consumers. Please help get the word out to warn others by sharing this message with all of your friends.
If you receive an email like this or a cashier’s check in the mail to perform a mystery shop, be warned, it is a scam. You can check for updated scams on the MSPA-NA website by visiting http://www.mspa-na.org/
You can check our legitimacy by visiting the MSPA website.
We are listed as one of the MSPA “Member Companies”, under “Business Evaluation Services”
To be a member, there is an extensive form that’s filled out and fully verified by the MSPA.
Some things included are:
• Proof of Business (i.e. articles of incorporation, insurance records, or business license)
• Three client references (complete with company name, contact name, email and phone number.)
• List of all business owners.
We also agree to the MSPA-NA Code of Ethics and Professional Standards.
Avoid Scams
Always go to the MSPA website to make sure you are dealing with a legitimate company.
Scammers are using our logos, names, even using our official site info, to appear legit. Beware of anything that looks suspicious.
Red Flags: Receiving Payment or Somebody Offering payment before you’ve conducted a shop. Anybody asking you to deposit checks, make a deposit, or wire money.
• We will never send you a check. Our Company {Mystery Shopper Services, BMA, and Customer 1st}, pay by pay-pal only. Any other form of payment is not from us.
Scammers/Hackers use “spoofing” sites to steal your identity. Basically, it’s a shadow copy of the true website.
• If you have any questions for us, manually type our address into your URL bar https://www.mysteryshopperservices.com/ or call and speak to us live at 1-888-300-8292.
Anything that sounds too good to be true, in most cases is.
If you believe you have had contact with a scammer, you can report it to the National Consumers League and Federal Trade Commission.
We also recommend contacting your local news agencies and the attorney general office.
Discover how a tailored BES solution can help your business meet its unique needs by clicking any of the request forms below. Or, call us at 888-300-8292 to get started today!