EPMS and privacy concerns
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I had something similar to that happen once and I chalked it up to a weird glitch after getting the scheduler to understand what I was trying to tell them. It wasn't for EPMS though.
Liz
Liz
Privacy is out the window in the internet age. It is pretty scary so I do understand your concerns.
I was wondering about privacy issues lately. But not for EPMS...for CoRI. I get emails for a project I am on and in the emails are the list of everyone who it was sent to...Names and E-mails. I am kinda mad my info shows up, another shopper is my step dad and he gets the emails to because he is on the project. He lives 7 states away from me.
I wonder if we should be concerned. Because Lisa saw the other shoppers info, who is to say they aren't seeing hers or mine as well. Hmmmm.....
I wonder if we should be concerned. Because Lisa saw the other shoppers info, who is to say they aren't seeing hers or mine as well. Hmmmm.....
In another post, someone was complaining that they were worried about their identity getting stolen while doing one of the urine specimen medical shops.
Yet another post, people are complaining about having to create an EIN in order to shop for that MSP. Providing an EIN is much safer than giving your SSN
I would be more worried about my information being misused or compromised by these MSPs than most of the clients we shop. My complete personal information is in more than 40 MSP computer systems, some with my resume, some with even more sensitive data.
I would not take this lightly, Lisa. Old fashioned documentation through USPS always gets more attention than emails or phone calls. They will take you much more seriously if you were to send them a letter with an attached copy of that person's personal information via certified mail.
Yet another post, people are complaining about having to create an EIN in order to shop for that MSP. Providing an EIN is much safer than giving your SSN
I would be more worried about my information being misused or compromised by these MSPs than most of the clients we shop. My complete personal information is in more than 40 MSP computer systems, some with my resume, some with even more sensitive data.
I would not take this lightly, Lisa. Old fashioned documentation through USPS always gets more attention than emails or phone calls. They will take you much more seriously if you were to send them a letter with an attached copy of that person's personal information via certified mail.
Good idea. As I said, their cavalier attitude about the whole thing has downright pissed me off. To say this is no big deal because it happens rarely? That gives me the impression it has happened before and something tells me the schedulers would be more concerned if it was their information out there.
SAM, that really bugs me too and I will let people know.
SAM, that really bugs me too and I will let people know.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
I know that a few years ago there was a huge hub-bub about privacy issues with EMPS, people were really upset and stopped shopping for them.
I recently received a shop from them that I knew someone else already had assigned the week before. It went back on teh job board so I took it. When I opened the shop I saw the previous shoppers name, phone number, and all their comments about the shop. I was a bit confused why I was seeing this stuff so I just erased it and went over it so I could get my shop in...now I am concerned who has seen my personal info....
oooo UGH...that is NOT good....
I've had this happen to me before. It happens if the previous shopper who accepted the shop filled out the information and ended up declining the shop or unassingning themselves. EPMS doesn't "hold" reports to remove this information. The backup shopper automatically receives the shop.
Something that I don't understand is having to use aliases when shopping different properties for the same company. You would think that a property would delete our information from their system once they get the report.
Something that I don't understand is having to use aliases when shopping different properties for the same company. You would think that a property would delete our information from their system once they get the report.
Actually your explanation is what they gave me, the previous shopper did not complete the report. Only one minor problem with that, the report was for an entirely different property. I don't know if anyone had even accepted it previously because it's been on the e-mails all month long and I only accepted because they called me Tuesday night and talked me into it.
Off the subject, but still on EPMS. In the past I've completed several video shops for them and have appreciated working with that side of the company. I cannot say the same for this written shop. I've had to call three times, once to verify it was not a recorded call and then twice today because of issues reaching the target. The woman on the phone has been rude with an attitude like I'm bothering her. She also doesn't give her name when she answers and me asking for it on the last call seemed to catch her off guard.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/28/2012 04:26PM by LisaSTL.
Off the subject, but still on EPMS. In the past I've completed several video shops for them and have appreciated working with that side of the company. I cannot say the same for this written shop. I've had to call three times, once to verify it was not a recorded call and then twice today because of issues reaching the target. The woman on the phone has been rude with an attitude like I'm bothering her. She also doesn't give her name when she answers and me asking for it on the last call seemed to catch her off guard.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/28/2012 04:26PM by LisaSTL.
Lisa,
I had the same issue with EPMS in the last month with information already inputed by another person. However, they had removed the personal information of the shopper before I got it.
I just signed up with them a month ago and did so many shops for them that I can't do any more for awhile in our area. Have some fun with the shops if you decide to stick with them after the privacy issues.
By the way, I just had one apartment shop with them that was questioned by the employee I visited. I was accused of being cold and not wanting to talk to her. That kept me laughing for a couple of hours. anyone who knows me has never described me as cold. If I am given any encouragement at all, I am willing to expand on anything especially if it involves my family. I have had to learn to wait for them to ask instead of volunteering. She disputed almost everything in the report, even some of the good parts that I wrote about her. She questioned if I mixed her up with another shop. I spent another 1 1/2 hours reviewing and giving more information to EPMS. I did catch 2 very minor mistakes that I had made and gave the employee credit for those (i.e. placing folder on table instead of in my hand). I was sent a huge thank you and told that was exactly what they needed.
I had the same issue with EPMS in the last month with information already inputed by another person. However, they had removed the personal information of the shopper before I got it.
I just signed up with them a month ago and did so many shops for them that I can't do any more for awhile in our area. Have some fun with the shops if you decide to stick with them after the privacy issues.
By the way, I just had one apartment shop with them that was questioned by the employee I visited. I was accused of being cold and not wanting to talk to her. That kept me laughing for a couple of hours. anyone who knows me has never described me as cold. If I am given any encouragement at all, I am willing to expand on anything especially if it involves my family. I have had to learn to wait for them to ask instead of volunteering. She disputed almost everything in the report, even some of the good parts that I wrote about her. She questioned if I mixed her up with another shop. I spent another 1 1/2 hours reviewing and giving more information to EPMS. I did catch 2 very minor mistakes that I had made and gave the employee credit for those (i.e. placing folder on table instead of in my hand). I was sent a huge thank you and told that was exactly what they needed.
I'll be willing to perform video shops for them, but someone else can have the traditional shops
BTW, in case you were wondering, the other shopper wasn't you, LOL!
BTW, in case you were wondering, the other shopper wasn't you, LOL!Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
Goofy Wrote:
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> Privacy is out the window in the internet age. It
> is pretty scary so I do understand your concerns.
+1
If it was anything beyond your name/address/phone/email, I wouldn't get too twisted up about it. That information is already spidered through so many databases it would make your head spin.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Privacy is out the window in the internet age. It
> is pretty scary so I do understand your concerns.
+1
If it was anything beyond your name/address/phone/email, I wouldn't get too twisted up about it. That information is already spidered through so many databases it would make your head spin.
Lisa - If you were in my area I'd ask if it was my info. I recently did a shop for EPMS and sweated over the report. Thought I had done a pretty good job until it was rejected. I had not given the leasing agent my contact info in the initial call so the whole shop was rejected. I really don't think it was done away with and I personally believe that they used it. It was a good report and I worked hard to make it a good report.
I sincerely think if they gave up on some of this silly nonsense about describing the whole office and wanting the color of the agent's eyes, it would allow us to concentrate more on the actual shop.
I've been dinged before for little things. Particularly if the shop is bonused - they will look for any little thing they can find to knock off a few bucks. I keep wondering if the editors are bonused by the amount of money they save the company.
I also found the rejection to be very disheartening since I get high marks and good feedback from other companies I work for so as a result I've decided to back off and do no more shops for EPMS. I just don't need the grief.
I sincerely think if they gave up on some of this silly nonsense about describing the whole office and wanting the color of the agent's eyes, it would allow us to concentrate more on the actual shop.
I've been dinged before for little things. Particularly if the shop is bonused - they will look for any little thing they can find to knock off a few bucks. I keep wondering if the editors are bonused by the amount of money they save the company.
I also found the rejection to be very disheartening since I get high marks and good feedback from other companies I work for so as a result I've decided to back off and do no more shops for EPMS. I just don't need the grief.
Since I'm in a one party state it will be on video. My hope is that makes the report easier and it will help cover my arse
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
LisaSTL Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> So I have a shop for them this week. I open the
> report and find a report from an entirely
> different property had been partially completed.
> It was completed up to and including the shopper's
> personal information, phone, e-mail AND home
> address.
>
I had the same thing happen with the same company. I was tempted to call the shopper to let them know.
>
> Am I being stupid to be concerned and find this a
> breach? They are also not offering me any
> guarantees it would not happen to me since they
> haven't mentioned even relaying the info to their
> IT department in order to investigate.
I think this happens when a shop form is partially filled out but not completed. It seems more like laziness than an IT glitch.
I think it is a big issue. It could easily happen to any of us.
-------------------------------------------------------
> So I have a shop for them this week. I open the
> report and find a report from an entirely
> different property had been partially completed.
> It was completed up to and including the shopper's
> personal information, phone, e-mail AND home
> address.
>
I had the same thing happen with the same company. I was tempted to call the shopper to let them know.
>
> Am I being stupid to be concerned and find this a
> breach? They are also not offering me any
> guarantees it would not happen to me since they
> haven't mentioned even relaying the info to their
> IT department in order to investigate.
I think this happens when a shop form is partially filled out but not completed. It seems more like laziness than an IT glitch.
I think it is a big issue. It could easily happen to any of us.
I recently had the same thing happen, and I was concerned at the time about the other person's information being in there. As soon as I saw there was info in there from a previous report I let the company know, so they could clear it (or whatever they would do), but they said to just delete it. I got far enough and saw the other person's info, but could tell they hadn't completed the report either.
I would assume, since all of mine were completed, that my info won't go out to anyone.....at least, I hope so....
I would assume, since all of mine were completed, that my info won't go out to anyone.....at least, I hope so....
Lisa,
Regarding the rude and ineptscheduler on the "traitionl" side of EPMS, that is exactly why I will only do their video shops. Made that call years ago and have not looked back.
Regarding the rude and ineptscheduler on the "traitionl" side of EPMS, that is exactly why I will only do their video shops. Made that call years ago and have not looked back.
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Actually I told the scheduler when she called my interest was only video, but she sounded desperate. Since then I have not been able to speak to her, just the bitchy one. I was getting ready to add the story about what a total cluster this shop has been and how they attempted to change the target and disallow my shop 6 hours after it was completed. Suffice it to say, mine is being accepted and it will be a long time before I take any shops from them again.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
Have NEVER had that sort of problem on the video side except one small hitch when Robert was on a brief leave. When he returned and independently discovered the situation, he called me to apologize for the unprofessional behavior of the person from the "traditional" side who had totally and completely screwed things up.
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
I have only myself to blame and should have known better than to get mixed up with this one. Robert is a dear and I would work with him again in a heartbeat. It's the reason I kept my temper in check at 9 pm last night when it appeared I was not going to be paid anything for 7 phone calls and an onsite visit.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
Good grief. Glad it worked out, but sorry for the aggravation.
I don't video shop, but do a fair amount of "traditional" shops. Regardless, any identifier of a shopper being shown to another is careless, and most likely, a violation of the ICA. Bunch of bull hockey for an MSP to state otherwise.
I have been deactivated by only one MSP in all my years. It was because an email from them included, in the "To" line, the name and addy of all shoppers in the database. I called the MSP on the carpet for it and he promptly deactivated me. The loser wasn't me.
I am concerned to see more than one post regarding EPMS' violation.
I don't video shop, but do a fair amount of "traditional" shops. Regardless, any identifier of a shopper being shown to another is careless, and most likely, a violation of the ICA. Bunch of bull hockey for an MSP to state otherwise.
I have been deactivated by only one MSP in all my years. It was because an email from them included, in the "To" line, the name and addy of all shoppers in the database. I called the MSP on the carpet for it and he promptly deactivated me. The loser wasn't me.
I am concerned to see more than one post regarding EPMS' violation.
Glad to see I'm not the only one who has a problem with e-mails being sent with addresses exposed. In the corporate world with employees is one thing, but I don't want to see the e-mail addresses of 50 other independent contractors and certainly do not want them to have mine.
The question now, do I fill in that portion of the report or submit without my personal information and include an explanation? Supposedly the breach occurs on reports that are never completed, but how do any of us know that is truly the case?
The question now, do I fill in that portion of the report or submit without my personal information and include an explanation? Supposedly the breach occurs on reports that are never completed, but how do any of us know that is truly the case?
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
I have done mystery shopping in the past, mostly in order to get my oil changed on my car, but recently I have decided to do it part time. I Love reading this forum..!! I certainly would not sign up with ANY company who refuses to pay based on some flimsy excuse. My average ratings with most of my companies is 8....But after reading some of these Blogs I am beginning to feel maybe I should object to some of the editors remarks when it appears they have not actually read my report in depth. I used to just say to myself " Oh well they didn't read the report all the way through" and shrug and accept it all, and most recently I was asked to do a casino evaluation where it was obvious that no one who wrote the job description had ever been there. Rather than criticize I just accepted it and then got remarks back from the editor that this was incorrect and that was incorrect...I had to take the time to send my assigner and editor the actual methods used for gambling at this casino. I was thanked by the scheduler, BUT 2 points was subtracted because they had to contact me...Imagine..!!! I just accepted it but I will not any more. I love mystery shopping but weigh the assignments carefully and make sure they cover SOME profit for me after placing $4.09 gas in my car.
LisaSTL Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> So I have a shop for them this week. I open the
> report and find a report from an entirely
> different property had been partially completed.
> It was completed up to and including the shopper's
> personal information, phone, e-mail AND home
> address.
>
> I e-mailed my concerns and the original response
> just told me I would have not problem writing over
> her information and submitting. I wrote back to
> reiterate my original point which was a shopper's
> personal information was there for me to see. The
> response was they understand my concern, but this
> information is "rarely" left for another shopper
> to see.
>
> Am I being stupid to be concerned and find this a
> breach? They are also not offering me any
> guarantees it would not happen to me since they
> haven't mentioned even relaying the info to their
> IT department in order to investigate.
Hello, I just got hooked up with EPMS about 2 - 3 weeks ago. Since then they have refused to pay me for one of my shops, because they stated I "showed up" the same day as my telephone call, which was not what the 'special' instructions stated. Then, they reduced the pay on another shop by $10 because I did not speak with the target person. Now, this target person failed to answer the phone, prior to my on-site visit. Then after the visit I sent them the report and they insisted I speak with him, before they will accept my report. So, I call back to speak with him and would you know he's on vacation. So, I decided to speak with the manager and EPMS said, no,no,no little boy, you were suppose to speak with the target, who was on vacation. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm So, she took $10 out my pocket .... WoW!!!!
-------------------------------------------------------
> So I have a shop for them this week. I open the
> report and find a report from an entirely
> different property had been partially completed.
> It was completed up to and including the shopper's
> personal information, phone, e-mail AND home
> address.
>
> I e-mailed my concerns and the original response
> just told me I would have not problem writing over
> her information and submitting. I wrote back to
> reiterate my original point which was a shopper's
> personal information was there for me to see. The
> response was they understand my concern, but this
> information is "rarely" left for another shopper
> to see.
>
> Am I being stupid to be concerned and find this a
> breach? They are also not offering me any
> guarantees it would not happen to me since they
> haven't mentioned even relaying the info to their
> IT department in order to investigate.
Hello, I just got hooked up with EPMS about 2 - 3 weeks ago. Since then they have refused to pay me for one of my shops, because they stated I "showed up" the same day as my telephone call, which was not what the 'special' instructions stated. Then, they reduced the pay on another shop by $10 because I did not speak with the target person. Now, this target person failed to answer the phone, prior to my on-site visit. Then after the visit I sent them the report and they insisted I speak with him, before they will accept my report. So, I call back to speak with him and would you know he's on vacation. So, I decided to speak with the manager and EPMS said, no,no,no little boy, you were suppose to speak with the target, who was on vacation. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm So, she took $10 out my pocket .... WoW!!!!
"For whatever a man sows that will he also reap"
readytowork,
If you are not ready to work to the requirements of the client, stated in your instructions, you are not ready for this industry. EPMS is not being unfair. Your shops were not useable. If you do not reach the target, you simply do not go to the apartment complex to do the visit. END OF STORY. They will change the due date to give you more time to reach the right person on the phone.
If you are not ready to work to the requirements of the client, stated in your instructions, you are not ready for this industry. EPMS is not being unfair. Your shops were not useable. If you do not reach the target, you simply do not go to the apartment complex to do the visit. END OF STORY. They will change the due date to give you more time to reach the right person on the phone.
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
I can't violate the ICA by revealing what's in the guidelines, but I would suggest re-reading the guidelines yourself. They are very clear on what to do and what not to do if you can't reach your target.
Sorry it did not work out.
Sorry it did not work out.
I completely agree with the advice of Wales. While you may be readyforworknow, this work is definitely notreadyforyou.
readytowork, wales has give great advice. Many new shoppers believe that they are doing the MSC a favor by accepting the job and that as long as they "do the job" they should be paid. Doing the job means following the directions completely. Any job performed with the directions not followed does not count as "doing the job" and it often means NO PAY. You are fortunate that you were paid a reduced amount for the shops. Many companies would not have paid you anything. Reading the guidelines and following them is very important.
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