@adzymack wrote:
Hi all! I am new here, and trying to weed through the millions of might be legitimate mystery shopper websites online. I live in Springfield MO, and was just wondering if anyone could suggest some legit companies that I can apply for in the area. The last two I tried to apply for wanted huge fees to be paid and CC info just to send my application in which sounded kind of off. I am hoping to find out which ones are legit through the community here. Do they all charge fees and need CC info just to complete an application?
Welcome!
Most of the legitimate companies charge no fees whatsoever so that's a red flag there. I hope you haven't been scammed. Keep an eye on the credit card used if in fact gave one to any of the websites.
If you sign up with the companies listed at the bottom of the forum under "Official list of mystery shopping companies" you'll find some great opportunities. More companies is always the goal. Sign up for a few at a time then add more in a couple days or a couple weeks as you become comfortable. There's a separate part of the list that shows the top 15 companies. Those are a great place to start.
You may occasionally VERY occasionally run into a specific job type that requires a modest fee, For example, there are some financial jobs that legitimately require a background check or a drug test. When charged, these are typically paid to a lab or a testing company not the MSC. And even those rare jobs typically reimburse the fee after you get your first job approved. The vast majority require no fees at all so there's plenty of work available to do while you learn the ropes.