Giving Social Security # to Market Force?

I was looking to sign up at the website MarketForce, during the application it required a SS# should I give it or is this a scam?

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Most companies will not approve you as a shopper without a SS#. They are obligated to use due diligence that they only work with folks legally allowed to work in the country. And should you earn more than $600 in a calendar year they are required to send you a 1099. While you are obligated to pay taxes on any and all income earned as a shopper, most companies will not let you do even a couple of jobs without having your SS#. It also helps them avoid authorizing as a shopper folks they previously terminated for whatever reason who want to sign up again under an alias.

Alternately, some companies want an EIN, but in my area a EIN has too many other issues with getting it to be worth it for the few jobs I am likely to perform for those companies. And since we are not allowed to subcontract our work to others, there is no need for an Employer Identification Number.

Generally if you found the sign up site from a legitimate source (not an email link), the chances are that it is a legitimate company with at least rudimentary safeguards for your sensitive information.

Almost all the companies you register with will require a SS#. If they are listed in the list found on the forum, Official List of Mystery Shopping Companies, and if you register on their website, there should be no worries.

Thanks guys that helps, but what do you mean I am obligated to pay taxes? They don't just take those out for me?

Nope. YOU are responsible for all taxes. You are not an employee. You are an independent contractor.

Canuck Wrote:
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> Nope. YOU are responsible for all taxes. You are
> not an employee. You are an independent
> contractor.

In other words you run a small business. For more details check out the IRS.gov site. Personally, I use one of the tax prep software packages for small businesses and let the package guide me through it.

Happily shopping Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.

boriadev,
Also, please go to the New Mystery Shoppers area of the forums where you can read about taxes as an independent contractor, and lots of other valuable info about starting and running your own MS business. Having run a small business can be a good thing to have on your resume, of course.

Don't be afraid to come back with questions. That's what we are here for.

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.

Marketforce is legit.

I do not give my SS# until after I have completed a shop and they need my SS# to pay me. Most of the MSC's are understanding.

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Giving Social Security # to Market Force?

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