At least two companies that scam would-be mystery shoppers (among others) is being pursued by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. In connection with the announcement distributed by the FTC ("FTC Alleges Deceptive Selling of Bartending and Mystery Shopping Program"), the agency has posted a Consumer Alert on its website, on a page entitled "The Secrets of Mystery Shopping Revealed." On that page, would-be shoppers are directed to the MSPA website to find legitimate mystery shopping opportunities. I suggest you take a look at the press release and the FTC Consumer Alert. Here are the web links:

Media Release:

Consumer Alert: