Scam Watch

The scam: Mystery shopper

The pitch: “Get paid to shop! Plus keep what you purchase -- FREE!”

How it works: People who respond to newspaper, TV and radio ads are told that they will shop at leading retailers, undercover, and then give their opinions on customer service, parking and other factors. All they need is professional training, which requires a one-time fee.

The charges: The Federal Trade Commission says that one company, Mystery Shop Link (among its many names), took in millions of dollars in training fees -- $99.99 per person -- and only issued worthless certifications.

Consumer advice: The FTC says, “The truth is that it is unnecessary to pay money to anyone to get into the mystery shopper business. The shopping certification offered in advertising or unsolicited e-mail is almost always worthless.”

Information: www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/mysteryalrt.htm