Posted by Kelly Pecot on Thu, Jul 15, 2010 @ 08:28 AM
The scammers are at it again. We received notice that someone is posting ads on Craigslist that claim to be from AboutFace™. When a person responds to the ad, he/she receives the following email from “Robin Hansen”:
Hello Betty,
My name is Robin Hansen, I represent AboutFace, a leading supplier of Customer Experience Evaluation services commonly known as mystery shopping. We are a company that conduct surveys and evaluate other companies. We helps CEO's and their leadership teams conceive clever, customer-centric strategies that engage customers in new and exciting ways. Because we are equally proficient in research, analysis, consulting and training, we are able to develop solutions that effectively deliver robust financial wins
We get hired to send our customer service evaluators or our mystery shoppers to other such companies and act like customers in order to know how the staffs are handling their services in relation to their customers. Once we have a contract to do so, you would be directed to the company or outlet, and you would be given the funds you need to do the job (either purchase things or require services), after which you would give a detailed record of your experience. This is why we need honest, faithful, loyal, reliable and trustworthy Customer Service Evaluators to work for us and joining our team of professionals.
Examples of details you would forward to us are
1) How long it took you to get services.
2) Smartness of the attendant (time wasting)
3) Customer service professionalism
4) Sometimes you might be required to upset the attendant, to see how they react to clients under pressure.
We turn these information's over to the company executives who will carry out their own duties in improving their services. Most companies employ our assistance when people give complains about their services, or when they feel there is a need to improve their customer service.
Your Identity will be kept confidential. You will be paid a total of $250 for every duty you complete. Funds would be given to you if you have to spend as part of the duty. If you are dedicated to this job, you should be able to complete three or more tasks a week and earn over $750 a week or better still $3000 monthly if you make yourself available with a high level of dedication.
Your job will be to evaluate and comment on customer service in a wide variety of shops, stores, restaurant and services providers in your area. No commitment is made on this job, and you would have flexible hours as it suits you.
We currently have a contract to evaluate both Western Union and Money Gram. This is due to the following reasons:
* Customers have reported their money missing
* Slow services
* Unbalanced transfer charges
* Poor servicing
* Rudeness to customers
* Excess charges
* Late opening time and Closing before time.
* Time wasting
Your Mystery/Secret Evaluation would be:
* To make a transfer of fund from any Western union location or Walmart/Money Gram location to another member of our customer service evaluation team and the fund would be picked up by that evaluator at the exact location which a customer reported her funds missing.
* You would have to record the time at which you got to the location and how long it took you to get serviced.
* You would also provide me with the first name of the cashier that attends to you.
* You would be sent a payment which would cover your $250 PAY and the fund needed for the task, so as soon as you receive the check, you would cash it at your bank, deduct your $250 PAY and use the rest to complete the assignment/task.
While carrying out your duty, you are expected to:
* Dress Neatly
* Be Confident
* Go straight to the point
* Complete your job on time
* Keep the task secret (not known to anyone)
* Take accurate comments (preferably in your mind)
If you are interested in this job position, fill the application form below and have it sent back to me via email.
Regards,
Robin Hansen.
707-413-6489
APPLICATION FORM
DATE:
FIRST NAME..........
LAST NAME...........
HOME ADDRESS (NOT P. O Box)..............
CITY.........
STATE..........
ZIP CODE............
COUNTRY.......
PHONE NUMBER(S)...........
AGE ...........
GENDER ............
CURRENT OCCUPATION (IF ANY) ............
Terms of Agreement.
- I understand that I will be paid strictly on a job done basis.
- I understand that the money I would use to carry out any assignment would be provided for (We would provide you the money needed to carry out your task).
- I understand that we reserves the right to reject poor quality work or late reports.
- I understand that I will work my own hours, and make sure I complete the task the day I am told to.
- I understand that I should NEVER share any completed or incomplete reports with anyone else.
- I understand that reports must be submitted the same day they are completed unless otherwise stated.
- I understand that I must be available at any time via both e-mail and telephone when the need arises regarding an ongoing or completed assignment.
signature: -----------------
Please be aware that the referenced ad and email are NOT from AboutFace™. AboutFace™ NEVER posts ads for mystery shops on Craigslist. While Robin Hansen is a Client Services Manager at AboutFace™ (that information is available from our website at www.aboutfacecorp.com), she did NOT place the ad or send the email. (When the telephone number contained in the email above was called, a male answered the call and claimed to be Robin Hansen.)
Don’t become a victim of this scam! Any ads or emails that involve receiving Western Union, Money Gram, cashier’s checks, money orders, etc., and keeping part of the money are SCAMS. Report suspected scammers to the Federal Trade Commission (this video shows how) and/or the Internet Fraud Complaint Center. If you see an ad or receive an email that claims to be from AboutFace™ but it looks fishy to you, contact me at kelly.pecot@aboutfacecorp.com and I’ll let you know if it’s legitimate. Include a copy of the ad or email with your inquiry.
Always remember: If it looks too good to be true, it usually is.
Posted by Kelly Pecot on Thu, Jul 15, 2010 @ 08:15 AM
Summer’s in full swing and you may be wondering if you should put mystery shopping on hold so you can spend every available minute with your kids.
Don’t.
Here are five tips to help you enjoy your kids and continue mystery shopping during the summer:
1. Take your kids along. Check your shop guidelines first to make sure you’re allowed to bring children. If you are (and it’s a kid- appropriate shop), load them up and take off on a little adventure! One note of caution: Don’t tell your little ones you’re doing a mystery shop. They might blurt it out during the shop and blow your cover.
2. Bring along another adult to watch the kids while you do the shop. Most mystery shops don’t consume a lot of time, so your friend or relative won’t mind taking the kids to another part of the store or to the food court for a soda while you do your thing.
3. Plan shops around your children’s schedules. For example, do the shop before naptime and then complete your online report while the kids are napping. You can do mystery shops while the kids are visiting with relatives or when they’re attending day camp, VBS, gymnastics class, etc.
4. Don’t limit yourself to your home area. When you go away on vacation, schedule a shop or two for your destination city or for cities along the way. One woman scheduled a relaxing massage when she and her family vacationed in Scottsdale, Arizona. Take advantage of the fact that most companies allow mystery shopping suppliers to accept shops outside their home area and try something new!
5. Most importantly, don’t overwhelm yourself. Although you may be a power-shopper during the school year, you may only be able to do a couple of shops a day while the kids are at home.
With a little planning, you can still make extra cash this summer while not short-changing your kids. The key is to plan ahead.
If you have a vacation-time tip to share with other mystery shopping suppliers, please leave it in the comment box below. Enjoy your summer!
Posted by Leigh Trapp on Thu, May 06, 2010 @ 11:15 AM
The best Mystery Shopping Suppliers review their shop evaluations before submitting them to make sure all typos, grammatical issues and misspelled words have been eliminated. Although a good spellchecker will pick up any “shopping crats” that might have escaped your eagle eye, you should also be on the lookout for less common errors that many people don’t even realize are incorrect.
Just for fun, take this short quiz to see if you can spot the correct sentence in each pair: (Don't scroll down too far - the answers are below!!)
PAIR #1:
A. If I would have known about the party, I would have gone to it.
B. If I had known about the party, I would have gone to it.
PAIR #2:
A. He doesn’t care about me anymore.
B. He don’t care about me anymore.
PAIR #3:
A. When we go to the party on Saturday, let’s take a bottle of wine.
B. When we go to the party on Saturday, let’s bring a bottle of wine.
PAIR #4:
A. If you have ten items or less, you can use the express lane.
B. If you have ten items or fewer, you can use the express lane.
PAIR #5:
A. We were supposed to go to a dance last night, however, it was cancelled because of lack of interest.
B. We were supposed to go to a dance last night; however, it was cancelled because of lack of interest.
PAIR #6:
A. She could have had anything she wanted.
B. She could of had anything she wanted.
PAIR #7:
A. I’m not speaking to anybody in this class.
B. I’m not speaking to nobody in this class.
PAIR #8:
A. He has took the train.
B. He has taken the train.
PAIR #9:
A. I should have went to school yesterday.
B. I should have gone to school yesterday.
PAIR #10:
A. It’s going to be sunny tomorrow.
B. Its going to be sunny tomorrow.
Don't go down any further until you are done - the correct answers are below.
Here are the correct sentences:
1. B; 2. A; 3. A; 4. B; 5. B; 6. A; 7. A; 8. B; 9. B; 10. A B; 10.
Posted by Leigh Trapp on Tue, Apr 06, 2010 @ 01:37 AM
The best secret shoppers are constantly on the lookout for tools to help them perform their shops more efficiently. Did you know that one of your best resources is literally in the palm of your hand? That’s right…it’s your cell phone!
Mobile functionality has mushroomed over the years from simple communications devices to awesome, multi-featured technological marvels. Adding an extra service such as texting to your phone can enhance its usefulness to you as a shopper. But if your phone is equipped with texting, Internet access and a camera, the sky’s the limit!
Here’s a sample of some ways you can capitalize on your cell phone’s features to maximize your shopping experience:
· Phone-A-Friend – Even if all your phone does is allow you to make and receive calls, you can use this feature to your advantage. Keep your scheduler’s phone number handy (or program it into your phone’s directory) in case you encounter issues or need clarification before, during or after your shop.
· Smile for the Camera – Most later model cell phones contain a built-in camera you can use to covertly snap photos of things you’d like to remember when writing up your report (i.e., dirty dishes at a restaurant, unkempt landscaping, etc.). Many phones also have video/audio recording capabilities. Just make sure you don’t get caught!
· Note to Self – If your phone has built-in notepad capabilities, you can type in comments and notes to yourself to help you remember key facts. If you don’t have a notepad, you can use your texting feature to make notes. Here’s a link that shows you how: http://www.trap17.com/forums/Set-Notepad-Mobile-Phone-t52899.html
· Where Am I? – If you have Internet access on your phone, you can use Google Maps, MapQuest, Yahoo Maps, etc., to locate the address and find the best route to use.
· What Time is It? – Some projects require you to time certain portions of the shop. You can use your phone’s built-in timer to keep up with your time.
· Stay Connected – Many phones allow you to send instant messages and emails to your contacts. When phoning your scheduler might not be an option, you can IM or email her with your questions.
Got other ideas? We’d love to hear them!
Posted by Leigh Trapp on Mon, Mar 08, 2010 @ 04:05 PM
If you haven’t visited the Mystery Shopping Providers Association’s website in awhile, you’re missing out on a valuable resource for secret shoppers all over the world. Here are a few of the goodies you’ll find:
- Alerts about scams, what to do if you are contacted by a scammer and how to proceed if you become a victim
- Announcements of upcoming conferences and certification opportunities. Gold certification is now available on DVD so you don’t even have to travel to get certified!
- Informative newsletters
- List of mystery shopping companies that are MSPA members. NOTE: Many unscrupulous companies attempt to lure shoppers with promises of instant wealth while requiring them to pay a fee for the privilege of shopping. None of MSPA’s member companies will charge you a fee to shop for them.
The MSPA is in the process of updating their website, so you might find some pages that are under construction. Even so, there is a ton of information available right now. Here’s the address: http://www.mysteryshop.org.
Posted by Angie Hullett on Mon, Jul 06, 2009 @ 04:27 PM
Shoppers! You have to take a look at the IKEA trip that Paige Hall, CEO of AboutFace took recently. Armed with a video camera (and a few supplies) she took on the huge store of IKEA in search of bed. Click here to be taken to the Customer Service Vigilante page where the article and video are located. Trust me when I say - you will want to see this!!
Feel free to leave feedback for Ms. Hall while you are there - I know that she would love to hear what you think about her 'IKEA Experience'!
Posted by Angie Hullett on Mon, Jul 06, 2009 @ 04:04 PM
Are you new to Mystery Shopping or maybe just looking for some guidance or fresh ideas? I was looking around the Internet and came upon this lady from Texas, Cathy Stucker. I searched a couple of her sites and found one I thought to be quite interesting. She has wrote a book, The Mystery Shoppers Manual. I personally have not bought it but her site says that it is recognized by the MSPA which I found to be impressive. This is what the MSPA had to say about her book:
The Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) recognizes that mystery shoppers and prospective mystery shoppers need a resource that will give them the ‘real story’ about mystery shopping. . .the opportunities, the realities, and how to perform at their peak. Cathy Stucker’s book, The Mystery Shopper’s Manual, provides solid information that offers the mystery shopper reliable information on how to obtain assignments, how to perform them well, and how to ensure that mystery shops are conducted in accord with the wishes of the mystery shopping company and its clients. The Mystery Shopper’s Manual provides a realistic approach to mystery shopping that addresses step-by-step processes for becoming a successful shopper.
The cost is $24.95 plus shipping and included in this fee is a down loadable link to mystery shopping companies and websites that she talks about in her book. If you are interested in ordering her book, click here to go straight to the order page. If you just want to read more about it and see what others had to say, click here.
I am curious, has anyone bought the book that you can give us some feedback on it? Is it worth the money?
Posted by Angie Hullett on Mon, Jul 06, 2009 @ 11:23 AM
Like to be the first to hear about shops in your area? Get on board with the newest ways to communicate in the secret shopping world – Twitter and Facebook!
With these state-of-the-art methods of communication, you can be get alerts about upcoming shops in real time. No more waiting for offers or logging in to check the job board. You don’t even have to be at home! Follow your favorite companies by becoming a fan or a follower. News is always at your fingertips!
Don't have a Twitter account? That's okay; it’s easy to get one, and it’s never too late to get started. Sign up today at www.twitter.com . Once you register, you control of how much or how little information you want to receive. And, you have the option to get alerts sent right to your phone! So no matter where you are, you’re in the know! Click here to go to the AboutFace™ Secret Shoppers Twitter page.
New to Facebook? Registering couldn't be easier. Just log in to www.facebook.com , click on “Sign Up,” answer a few simple questions and you’re in!! Once you’re a member, you can search for the companies that you want to follow and become a fan of their pages. Click here to go to the AboutFace™ Secret Shoppers Facebook Group’s page.
Twitter and Facebook are free and so simple to use, and they can put you ahead of the game. What are you waiting for?
Posted by Angie Hullett on Fri, Jun 05, 2009 @ 10:10 AM
Hello!
Thanks to one of our shoppers - we were made aware of the latest attempt to use AboutFace's name in a scam. The following email is being sent out and PLEASE do not respond to it. It IS a scam!! Anyone who receives the email below, something like this or just anything that has our name on it and seems "off", send it to me to and I will verify whether it is indeed from us or something fraudulent. My email address is Kelly.Pecot@aboutfacecorp.com.
Here is the email that they are sending - the email address that it is coming from is - aboutface.shopper1@rediffmail.com
AboutFace™ uses the frontline measurement tool secret or mystery shopping to help companies and teams reach their full potential. Our secret shopper programs effectively allow clients to hold a mirror up to their business urging them to look inward and discover all that is good and not so good about how they operate. Second, our services equip our clients with the tools, guidance and support to help them capitalize on their organization's strengths and minimize or eliminate their weaknesses.
There are many secret shopping companies out there that ask you to pay "a small fee" to become a shopper. Don't do it! At AboutFace™, you will never pay to shop! We pay you!
Mystery shopping is a great way to supplement your income. It is a fun and exciting opportunity, but it is not for everyone! Shoppers should have the following:
- Viable transportation
- Stable home office:
- Computer and ability to check e-mail often (the library or friend’s computer will not cut it)
- Fax, scanner, copier
- Telephone
- Great writing skills
- Super detail oriented
- Deadline driven
Your Identity would be kept confidential (Mystery shopper) you would be paid $300 for every duty you carry out, and bonus on your transportation allowance.
FULL NAME:
CONTACT ADDRESS:
CITY:
STATE:
ZIP-CODE:
TELEPHONE NUMBER:
MOBILE NUMBER:
OCCUPATION:
EMAIL:
NB: Your contact detail will be used in sending you a check payment that will consist of your $300 payment and the funds for the evaluation/shopping, so make sure you provide us with a valid data.
There are over 750 mystery shopping companies out there, and we strive to be the best. Year after year, we have been awarded top honors for the services we provide.
Human Resources Director
Bobby Blunt
206-337-1055
About Face Corp.
Thanks so much for being a loyal AboutFace shopper!!
Kelly Pecot
Logistics Team Director
AboutFace
Posted by Angie Hullett on Mon, Mar 16, 2009 @ 08:46 AM
Dear Mystery Shopper:
MSPA has some very important, and quite serious, information for you. There are some very serious legislative threats that could deny you the right to work as an independent contractor and threaten the mystery shopping industry. We urge you to contact your Senators and Members of Congress and implore them to oppose legislation that would undermine the legal recognition of independent-contractor status. We ask that you contact your Senators and your Congressional Representatives in three ways:
- Call their Washington or home district offices.
- Send them an email or submit a web-form message to them
- Write and mail a letter to them (and copy us at the address on the bottom of this message or send a copy by fax or email)
The following are suggested points you should make in your communications:
- I am an independent contractor (I do mystery shopping on contract with companies) and I strongly urge you to oppose any proposals that would threaten my right to work as an independent contractor.
- New laws that increase the risks to companies that do business with independent contractors put legitimate self-employed service providers – like me – out of business, because our clients will be afraid to do business with us.
- Many companies that are clients of Independent Contractors qualify for Section 530 protection and need the certainty that Section 530 provides in order to continue doing business with independent contractors – like me.
- IRS data indicate that the federal tax compliance rate for independent contractors whose earnings are reported on Forms 1099 is 97%, which is only 2 percentage points lower than the 99% compliance rate for employees--that is, we are, as a group, tax-paying, law-abiding citizens.
- Now is an especially inappropriate time for the government to take any action that will depress economic activity, especially in the entrepreneurial sector.
If you have other "bullet-point" issues you think other MSPA shoppers might find useful in crafting their own messages, please send them to us via email to vikki@mysteryshop.org and we will add them to the list.
Thank you for your support in this very important effort.
Contacting Your Senators and Congressional Representatives
Click here for a complete list of Senators and their addresses and other contact information.
Click here for a complete list of Congressional Representatives and their addresses and other contact information.
To find who represents you in Congress (both Senate and House of Representatives), simply go to this link:http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml.
You can find detailed contact information for your Congressional representative at: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml.
You can find detailed contact information for your Senators at: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
Thank You!!