This is posted on the Bestmark site

Warning: Potential Scam Involving Mystery Shoppers and Mystery Shopping Providers

BestMark, Inc has recently been made aware that there are a number of individuals using our name and/or trademarked logo in the process of a scam involving "mystery shopping opportunities" that would require you to cash a check and complete a wire money transfer. BestMark, Inc does not provide mystery shopping services to any of our clients that would require you to cash a check that we send you and then transfer funds as part of the assignment. It is our understanding that these individuals are providing bad checks in the hopes that you will deposit them into your bank account and transfer a portion of the check amount back to them as part of a mystery shop. The check will not clear and if you've already transferred funds, you will be responsible for the amount of the bounced check.

BestMark, Inc has been in contact with local, state, and federal law enforcement to report any incidents that we've been made aware of and ask that if you are contacted by anyone you feel may be illegally representing themselves as a representative of BestMark, Inc, that you contact us at 952-922-2205. We would also encourage you to contact your local authorities, the FBI, and the Federal Trade Commission to report any potential fraud.

BestMark, Inc has been an established mystery shopping provider since 1986 and are proud to partner with leading companies from small and mid-sized businesses to Fortune 500 companies. We take our commitment to our clients and shoppers very seriously and are working diligently to maintain the stellar reputation that we've earned in our industry.

As a BestMark shopper you will only be contacted regarding upcoming assignments by phone or by email from an employee using an @bestmark.com email address. Additionally, you will always be able to reach someone at our offices during regular business hours if you need to verify that an opportunity you may be unsure of, is legitimate.

We would also urge you to visit the Mystery Shopping Providers Association website for more information and helpful tips on becoming a shopper, reputable mystery shopping companies, as well as more information on current scams in our industry. You'll find the MSPA at www.mysteryshop.org

Remember, never pay to apply to become a shopper; legitimate mystery shopping providers will not charge you to apply or to become part of their mystery shopping workforce!

Since they have a stellar reputation, I think it was that other Bestmark who pays us a pittance for doing those electronics shops.

And that OTHER Bestmark who will only give you the fun shop if you do that electronics shop!

Welcome, Canadamommy!

I have yet to find out what a FUN SHOP is. Anyone know?

It's an easy purchase shop (either with a gift card or by spending a required amount and being reimbursed a substantial amount). You evaluate the checkout process and whether or not the cashiers are making the cc offers that they should be making. The report takes about 5 minutes tops.

I'm not sure spending a required amount is fun. I try not to lay out more than $3 for any shop. Gladly, I will never reach the point in Bestmark where I get a FUN SHOP.

The store involved has everything from groceries to printer ink, so it's not like you have to buy stuff you would't normally buy.

It's the same bestmark that we do the electronic shops for! Jenny