You, dear reader, probably wouldn't fall for this but just in case, I'm posting the message and warning all readers. First, a definition, for those of you unfamiliar with the term:
I received this email (below) through one of my email addresses today--one that is more prone to spam than the others (since I have had it since about 1996). The offer seems innocuous enough at first, but the giveaway is the request for personal information right up front (i.e., in the first contact). No professional company would expect you to release your most private info without first making themselves better known--without more TWO-way communication first.
A good policy is to always, always, always personally and with-your-own-eyes check out the source first to verify what is being said. In this case you'd validate that:
- The person & company even exists and are who they say they are and
- That the mystery shoppers program is a real one
Do this verification in a way that never compromises your personal info. If you can't, delete it and move on: it was a phishing attempt (even if it wasn't, this policy will keep you out of trouble in the long rung).
Most of these phishing attempts are riding on the promise of free/easy money. So remember: "TANSTAAFL!! (There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch)" -Robert Heinlein
Here's the email I received:
| Julia Eichner
<[email protected]>
|
Mon, Apr 13, 2009 at 7:33 PM
|
|
Dear Sir & Ma,
We
are a agency that conduct surveys and evaluate other companies. We get
hired to go to other peoples 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 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
write a comment on the staffs activities and give a detailed record of
your experience. Examples of details you would forward to us are:
1) How long it took you to get services.
2) Smartness of the attendant
3)Customer service professionalism
4)Sometimes you might be required to upset the attendant to see how they react to clients when they get tensed(under pressure).
We turn
the information (you gave us) over to the company executives and they
would carry out their own duties in improving there services.
Most companies employ our assistance
when people give complaints about their services or when they feel
there are needs for them to improve their customer service. Your
Identity would be kept confidential as the job states (secret shopper)
you would be paid $300 for every survey you carry out bonus on your
transportation allowance and funds would be given to you if you have to
dine as part of the duty.
Your job will be to evaluate and
comment on customer service in a wide variety of shops, stores,
restaurant and services in your area. No commitment is made on this job
and you would have flexible hours as it suits you. If you are
interested do send in your::
(I)Your Full Name:
(II)Your Residence address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
(III)Present work address:
(IV)Home and mobile Phone numbers:
(V)Email address:
(VI)Your Age and Current Occupation:
(VII)Your Gender:
So
we can look at your distance from the locations which you have to put
your service into, and your address would also be needed for your
payments. We also implore you to send a scanned copy of any form of
Identification for the processing of your application form and also for
record purpose but if you cannot provide it presently then you can
provide it later..
Thanks
Julia.
| |