{"id":66,"date":"2015-03-13T15:54:35","date_gmt":"2015-03-13T22:54:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.surveypolice.com\/blog-change-later\/?p=66"},"modified":"2021-08-09T11:53:29","modified_gmt":"2021-08-09T18:53:29","slug":"identifying-survey-scams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.surveypolice.com\/blog\/identifying-survey-scams\/","title":{"rendered":"Identifying Survey Scams"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you’re looking to participate in online surveys, it may seem that you are faced with the daunting task of figuring out which online survey panels are legitimate and which are survey scams. <\/p>\n

Sometimes the decision is easy – a website where a bikini-clad model holding a laptop with “win me!” flashing on the screen is clearly not run by a legitimate provider. In these types of situations, a shady marketing company is usually behind the website and is looking to collect personal information that will be sold to third parties.<\/p>\n

Example Survey Scam<\/h2>\n

Perhaps you’ve seen claims of earning thousands of dollars<\/em> per week? Check out this ridiculous proposition, clearly posted by a scammer:<\/p>\n

\"$30k<\/p>\n

The proposition by this individual is ludicrous on its own, nevermind the link accompanying it; this is quite obviously not something anyone should click on.<\/p>\n

Sometimes, however, distinguishing between a scam and a legitimate paid survey site, is not so obvious. Here’s what to look for<\/strong> when you’re unsure of whether or not a survey panel is actually run by a legitimate company.<\/p>\n

Bare Bones, 1-Page Signup Forms<\/h2>\n

\"Simple
\nA website that simply asks for your first and last name and e-mail address could be a scam site and not an actual market research panel<\/a>. If the initial signup page looks over simplified, be wary – most online survey companies collect additional information so they can better target survey takers for available surveys. <\/p>\n

Be cautious with any ‘bare bones’ websites you encounter, and keep these next red flags in mind.<\/p>\n

No Company Information<\/h2>\n

Similar to a 1-page registration website, many survey scam websites do not provide any information at all regarding their business. Marketing research companies willingly disclose information regarding their company headquarters, company history, survey panel information, etc. not only in order to demonstrate that they are credible, but also to attract clients who are looking to conduct studies. <\/p>\n

A website lacking a basic ‘About Us’ page may potentially be an online survey scam website. And one missing a contact page is definitely one to run away from!<\/p>\n

\nWant to know which survey sites you can actually trust?<\/span>
\nThese survey sites have excellent reputations on SurveyPolice and are certainly not scams!<\/p>\n