Got an email this morning from what purported to be from Bestmark, with an email header of "MS retail store survey". There are several clues that this is a HUGE SCAM. The BIGGEST is that it comes from marvel@allweddingvideousa.com. Well, DUH!! Also, the
language and grammar usage is off...anyway, here is the body of the email I got....I especially hope that this will help the new folks in MSing to stay away from scams like this. And in the email there are logos of what looks like the Bestmark logos, which I couldn't copy here, which they even (as they all do nowadays) have the nerve to use to make you think this is legit......CAVEAT EMPTOR!!!

It's too bad, because Bestmark is a legit company, but this stuff is happening with all the companies now. Anyhow, here's the email:
===================================
Hi ,

We have retail mystery shop opportunity.
(^^^^BIG clue--grammatcal error^^^^)

Retail store Customer experience survey
Shopper Fee: 30usd
Deadline:20th SEPTEMBER 2021
Timehops may be performed anytime the location is open.


This evaluation is open to all shoppers who are interested. Please be advised, if you agree to do these shops be prepared to begin your visit within 24 to 72 hours. Your city was selected for the Retail Store Customer Experience Survey, this evaluation requires the purchase of an EBAY GIFT CARD worth $200.

This is a self-select survey, shoppers are to nominate locations of the listed retail store brands close to them.You have the option of selecting between 1 to 10 retail stores available around you (CVS, Walgreens, Bestbuy , Kroger ,7eleven , Target , Rite-aid , Dollar general, Family dollar).

You will be reimbursed a total of $230 for every $200 ebay card purchased ($200 gift card cost + $30 Shopper fee = $230.)Reimbursement will be via PayPal.

NOTE: AT THE END OF THE PROJECT DATE,shoppers will be allowed to use the gift cards. If the cards are used before the deadline or before report submission, you will not be reimbursed.

Please click on the Shop ID # in the table below to apply or the link under the apply header.

Thank you for shopping with BestMark!

This scam has been going for a couple of years. Having to spend $200 for an ebay gift card is a dead giveaway.

@Susan L. wrote:

This scam has been going for a couple of years. Having to spend $200 for an ebay gift card is a dead giveaway.

It sure is!! But sometimes newbies to MSing aren't aware of all the ways these scams are used. This time, the logos even looked really professional. But as long-time shoppers, we recognize this. Hopefully, periodic reminders to newbies will help them as well.

It's a good idea to remind everyone. Scammers are still using the mailed check fraud where they send a fake check for thousands, ask the victim to deposit it in their bank, send the scammers a portion of the $ and retain the rest for a "fee." And people are still falling for it.