How to Spot Survey Scams
- 1). Search the Web page thoroughly for a paywall; a paywall is an area beyond which you can't go without paying a fee. If you see credit card icons such as the Visa or MasterCard logo or a Paypal icon, it indicates payment. You should never have to pay to receive work of any kind.
- 2). Use your common sense when reading about the money you can expect to make. If the Web page promises thousands of dollars per month without any effort, turn away immediately; companies will not pay thousands of dollars per month to multiple users for little to no effort. This also applies for testimonial sections. Frequently, the (falsified) testimonials will be labeled with a first name, last initial and vague location, coupled with nothing but glowing praise. Avoid these.
- 3). Look at the website design. If you spot copy editing errors or if the design includes lots of bright colors, highlighted words or exclamation points, you've likely stumbled onto a sales letter disguised as an employment opportunity.
- 4). Beware of "offer" pages. If you see a page that reads "you must complete X amount of offers to qualify," it is a disguised advertisement and signup page for various offers such as magazines, online subscriptions or items. Not only will you be charged a fee for these services, you will get spam in your mailbox. Avoid completing any offers unless it's for something you would want independently of the survey.