Unusual jobs: mystery shopping, game testing and more
Getting paid to shop, play video games or test products sounds like a dream job. Some of this work is real, but it's usually casual, modestly paid and competitive - and these job titles are also favourite disguises for scams. This guide explains what's genuine, where to find it, and the warning signs to watch for.
In short
- Mystery shopping, game testing, product testing and paid surveys are real, but usually casual, occasional and modestly paid.
- Genuine work never asks you to pay to join, buy a starter kit or pay for training.
- A classic mystery shopper scam sends you a cheque, asks you to keep a cut and transfer the rest. Don't do it - you may be committing an offence.
- Check any company independently before you share personal or bank details.
- Treat these jobs as extra income, not a replacement for a steady job, unless you build them into a real business.
What these jobs really involve
| Job | What you actually do | Typical arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| Mystery shopper | Visit a shop, café, bank or venue as an ordinary customer, then report on service, cleanliness and procedures | Casual assignments, a fee per visit, sometimes a reimbursed purchase |
| Game tester | Play unfinished games repeatedly to find, reproduce and report bugs | Quality assurance roles, often contracts with studios or testing companies |
| Product tester | Try products at home or in a lab and give structured feedback | Occasional, often paid in products or small fees |
| Paid surveys and focus groups | Answer questions or join group discussions about products and services | Small payments, vouchers or points; focus groups pay more but are occasional |
| Website and app testing | Use websites and apps while recording your screen and thoughts | Small fees per test, with irregular availability |
| Extras and audience work | Appear in the background of film, TV or ads | Casual, unpredictable, early starts and long days |
| Pet sitting, house sitting, dog walking | Care for pets or homes while owners are away | Casual or a small business of your own |
Most of these are casual, irregular and modestly paid. They can be a fun way to earn extra money or build experience, but rarely replace a steady income on their own.
Finding genuine work
- Research the company: look for an Australian business name and ABN, a real address, a professional website and independent reviews.
- Apply directly through the company’s own website, not through links in unexpected messages.
- Join industry bodies’ member lists, for example mystery shopping providers that belong to recognised industry associations.
- Game testing: look at job boards for “QA tester” or “quality assurance” roles with game studios and testing companies, and build skills in clear bug reporting.
- Research and focus groups: sign up with established market research companies.
- Keep records of what you earn and the costs you incur. If the work becomes regular, see Running a legitimate home-based business.
If you’re engaged as an employee, check your pay and conditions with the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Spotting the scams
These job titles are some of the most common disguises for scams. Scamwatch’s warning signs for job scams include:
- you’re contacted out of the blue, often by text, WhatsApp, Telegram or Signal
- high pay for little effort, with no experience needed
- hiring is instant, with no interview
- you must pay first for training, a starter kit or a “registration fee”
- you’re asked to top up an account to unlock tasks or earnings
- the job involves moving money or receiving parcels for someone else.
The mystery shopper cheque scam
Scamwatch has warned about a mystery shopper scam where recruits are sent cheques, often forged, and told to cash them, keep a percentage as their “wage” and transfer the rest overseas. If you’ve been sent cheques like this, don’t cash them: Scamwatch warns you may be committing an offence. Stop responding and report it.
Variations of this scam ask you to “test” a money transfer service, buy gift cards, or evaluate a crypto exchange with your own money.
If you’ve been caught
- Contact your bank immediately.
- Report the scam to Scamwatch.
- If you’ve shared identity documents, IDCARE offers free help.
See How to find a job for more on avoiding job scams.
Turning it into a business
Some people build these interests into a real business: a pet care business, an independent game developer or testing service, or a research consultancy. That means registering properly, setting prices and finding regular clients. See Small business ideas that work in Australia.
Common questions
Is mystery shopping a real job in Australia?
Yes, but it’s usually casual and occasional. Genuine mystery shopping companies pay a set fee per assignment, sometimes with a reimbursed purchase, and never ask you to pay to join or to cash cheques and transfer money.
How does the mystery shopper cheque scam work?
Scamwatch describes recruits being sent cheques, often forged, told to cash them, keep a percentage as pay and transfer the rest overseas. If you’re sent cheques like this, don’t cash them, because you may be committing an offence.
Can you really get paid to test video games?
Game testing is a real role, usually in quality assurance, where testers play unfinished games repeatedly to find and report bugs. It’s detailed, repetitive work, and many roles are contracts with game studios or testing companies rather than work-from-home jobs.
How do I tell if an unusual job offer is a scam?
Scamwatch’s warning signs include being contacted out of the blue, high pay for little effort, hiring without an interview, paying up front for training or a kit, and being asked to transfer money or receive parcels. Never pay to get a job.