Secret world of market research scammers

In the world of market research scammers, one can be a dentist, a disabled veteran, a bi-polar manic depressive, an accountant, financial manager, a student, an immigrant who sends money back to the old country, have heart disease, etc....you get the idea. There are people (petty scammers), who make a living participating in market research/focus groups a few times a week. The way it works is simple. Find market research company, register with them, or check craigslist for upcoming groups--email them with your info. A rep from the company will call you back and ask you a couple questions. Simply tell them what you think they want to hear and if you qualify (meaning if you are a good enough liar), they will sign you up for the next open group. You show up, register at the front desk (look around at all the other unemployed freaks) and 1-2hrs later after giving your opinions (again tell them what they want to hear), they will give you cash in an envelope (typically up to $75/hr, higher for "professionals"). Many of these firms today are aware of the serial scammers, but really can't do much to counter it, although many have in the past couple years lowered the hourly rate to $50-75.

I have heard stories of some of these freaks going back to the same agency the next day with baseball cap on...referring themselves (using a nickname) and getting a finders fee...(to be cont.)

More later..time for bed.