Program Disclosures
This page contains important disclosures about the Secret Shoppers Online program. These disclosures are provided to comply with the FTC's guidance on mystery shopping and earnings claims, applicable state laws, and the advertising policies of platforms we may use to recruit (including Meta/Facebook, Instagram, Google, and others).
1. This is not employment
Secret Shoppers Online is not an employer and the Program is not a job. If accepted, you participate as an independent contractor. You are not entitled to employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, paid leave, workers' compensation, or unemployment insurance through us. You are responsible for your own taxes.
2. No income guarantee
We make no representation or guarantee about how much you can earn, how many assignments you'll receive, or how often. Compensation per assignment varies based on location, complexity, and any reimbursable spend. Many shoppers complete only a few assignments per month or none at all in a given period; this depends entirely on client demand in your area.
Any earnings statements you may see in our marketing reflect specific examples, not typical or guaranteed results.
3. Free to apply — no fees
Applying for and participating in the Program is free. We do not charge applicants or shoppers for:
- Application processing
- Training or certification
- Mystery shopper "kits"
- Background checks
- Access to assignments
- Faster payment
If someone claiming to represent us asks you to pay for any of the above, it is a scam. Please report it.
4. Scam awareness (please read)
Mystery shopper scams are unfortunately common. According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, the most common scam patterns include:
- An unsolicited message claiming you've been "selected" without applying;
- A mailed check with instructions to deposit it and wire a portion back, buy gift cards, or send cryptocurrency;
- A request to evaluate a money-transfer service by sending money;
- A demand for payment to access "premium" assignments.
We will never do any of these things. If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from Secret Shoppers Online, do not respond, do not deposit any check, and do not send any money. Forward it to fraud@secretshoppers.online and report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
5. Submitting an application does not constitute an offer
Submitting the application form on this Site is a request to be considered for the Program. It is not an offer of work, a contract, or a guarantee of acceptance. We accept applicants at our sole discretion based on Program needs.
6. Confidentiality of clients
We do not publicly disclose the retailers or brands we work with. Any list of clients in our advertising or on our Site is illustrative only and does not imply we currently have active assignments with those brands. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any retailer mentioned on this Site unless we expressly state otherwise.
7. Advertising and recruitment
We may advertise the Program on Meta platforms (Facebook, Instagram), Google, TikTok, X, LinkedIn, and other channels. Our advertising:
- Does not promise specific income levels or "easy money";
- Does not target minors or otherwise violate platform policies;
- Clearly identifies Secret Shoppers Online as the advertiser;
- Does not use the trademarks of any retailer without authorization.
If you arrived at this Site from an advertisement, the ad platform may set cookies for measurement purposes. See our Cookie Policy for details and how to opt out.
8. SMS / text message disclosures
If you consent on the application form, we may send you transactional SMS messages about your application, assignments, and payments. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help or STOP to unsubscribe at any time. We do not sell or share your phone number for marketing.
9. FTC compliance
We operate consistent with the Federal Trade Commission's guidance on the use of endorsements and testimonials, business opportunity rules, and consumer protection more generally. Any testimonials shown on our Site reflect the experience of the specific individual and are not representative of all applicants or shoppers.
10. State-specific disclosures
Some U.S. states have specific business-opportunity registration or disclosure requirements. We comply with applicable state laws where they apply to us. If you are a resident of a state with specific consumer protection rights (such as California's CCPA), please see our Privacy Policy.
11. Industry standards
We follow the professional standards expected of mystery-shopping providers, including those promoted by industry trade associations such as the Mystery Shopping Professionals Association (MSPA). Mention of any trade association does not imply endorsement unless we hold a current membership and have stated so.
12. Questions or complaints
If you have questions about these disclosures or would like to report a concern, email compliance@secretshoppers.online or write to us at:
Secret Shoppers LLC
d/b/a Secret Shoppers Online
2058 Stanley Avenue
Great Neck, NY 11021