Sign on to the Internet these days, and you're bound to see ads announcing, "Get paid to shop!" or "Make money eating out!" Most savvy Internet users instantly think, "scam," immediately click off, and quickly forget the ads.

Do not be too quick to dismiss the idea, though. Some of these claims are actually legitimate.

Businesses hire mystery shoppers to help them measure the quality of their service. A mystery shopper is someone who, literally, gets paid to shop, eat out, go to the bank, and buy groceries -- things you would be doing anyway. If you are thinking that this is too good to be true, just wait. The mystery shopper has to earn her money. Mystery shoppers pose as everyday customers, making typical purchases. All the while they are actually conducting consumer research. The "customer" evaluates the experience, working from a detailed checklist. They provide a review of the entire transaction -- from cleanliness of store and length of wait, to attitude of clerk and quality of products.

Many types of businesses are using mystery shoppers. Banks, grocery stores, auto dealers, and restaurants are just some of the establishments employing these shoppers. The mystery shopper's reports help the business find areas of weakness so that they can improve.

Mystery shoppers are typically trained contractors who earn $10 to $15 an hour. Those who start their own businesses can earn over $50,000. To find information about becoming a mystery shopper, you can do an Internet search. Proceed with caution on the Internet, though, as some of these ads are scams aimed at stay-at-home moms or unemployed individuals. Be particularly leery of any jobs that ask you to pay a fee. In general, a legitimate opportunity will not ask you to pay. The Mystery Shopping Providers Association provides information and job listings.