Online survey sites are probably one of the best ways to make some extra money with minimum effort. However, as with everything else on the internet, there are some risks of getting caught in a scam.
With the rise of mobile-friendly survey platforms that significantly increased accessibility, the concern for scams and data security has become even more widespread. In this article, you will learn 6 signs that indicate a fraudulent paid survey site.
What Are Online Paid Surveys?
In short, online paid surveys are market research tools. Both veteran and new companies use it to collect consumer feedback and opinions on various products and services. These questionnaires help businesses understand consumer preferences, improve their offerings, and make informed decisions when mapping their operations, sales, and marketing strategies.
By participating in online surveys, you can influence the development of all kinds of companies across different industries while making a few extra bucks on the side.
How Do Online Paid Surveys Work?
Although online surveys are essential for businesses to gain a competitive advantage, they’re not as intimidating as they may sound. In fact, although sometimes lengthy, they’re pretty straightforward and easy to respond to. All you need to do is:
- Sign up to your preferred survey site.
- Provide some basic demographic information.
- Watch for survey invitations via email or through the platform’s dashboard.
- Answer a series of questions about the product, service, or discussed topic.
- Redeem your rewards through the available payment methods.
Providing accurate information when registering for your paid online surveys site is crucial to getting the most suitable questionnaires for you. While it might be tempting, avoid lying in your application to trick the system into giving you more surveys. Your little white lies may backfire on you, causing disqualification and other potential issues.
Instead, if you want to increase your earning capabilities, you can sign up on several different platforms and make sure you act fast when you receive survey invitations.
6 Signs a Paid Survey Site is a Scam
Finding a reputable paid survey platform can be daunting, to say the least. However, there are numerous tale-tell signs that indicate a particular site is a scam. Here are some of the most important pointers.
High Upfront Fees or Payment Requests
A legitimate online survey platform will never ask you to pay to access the survey. If someone is trying to persuade you that a small fee will unlock high-paying survey opportunities, they are trying to scam you. By default, surveys are not meant to replace a full-time job and pay hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Paid survey platforms make money from businesses that need consumer insights and opinions. As a result, it wouldn’t make sense for them to try and monetize access to these surveys. Stay clear of any survey websites that ask you for any kind of “entry money”.
Unrealistic Earning Promises
As mentioned before, answering surveys online is not a way to replace your full-time job. Legitimate online survey platforms usually offer relatively low compensation. You can expect around $1 – $5 per survey. If a site says that you can make $500 in an hour or two, it’s surely a scam.
Scammers know that people are attracted to easy money and they capitalize on it. If something sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.
Poor Website Design and Grammar
Scammers usually don’t bother to put a lot of effort in their design and writing. Either that, or they simply can’t do it. If a website looks poorly made with images missing, elements flickering, low-quality graphic design, or some other sketchy-looking selections, it’s best not to trust it.
Also, if you notice repetitive grammar issues, awkward phrasing, or unclear instructions, it’s another red flag for the site’s legitimacy. Legitimate online survey platforms will have professional websites that look like they’ve been made by people who know what they are doing.
However, it’s important to note that with the advent of AI website builders, scammers could make a professional-looking website and trick you into thinking that it’s a legitimate site. In this case, rely on the other 5 signs mentioned here.
No Privacy Policy or Contact Information
Aside from losing money (if they ask for entry payments), you could also give away your personal information. Legitimate companies, not only in the survey industry, always have clear privacy policies that explain how they use your private data. Also, they provide different ways to contact them: a business email, a phone number, or an address.
If a survey website doesn’t have its privacy policy or contact information, it’s best to stay clear of it. While it’s not an immediate sign of a scam, it still communicates a lack of professionalism and data privacy regulations.
Unsolicited Email Invitations
Unsolicited emails are a common tactic used by scammers in many fields. You’ve probably seen some emails about huge inheritance from your unknown relatives in third-world countries and massive payouts for signing up to something. These are typical scam attempts.
Legitimate survey platforms will respect data privacy regulations and won’t send any emails unless you give consent to receive email communications. And if you do, the emails, most likely, won’t engage in deceitful tactics or big subject lines.
Negative Reviews and Complaints
Before signing up to any survey platform, it’s essential to research its reputation and reviews. A quick Google search will unveil a lot of information about a website. Trustpilot is a great source of users’ reviews and experiences.
If a site has a lot of negative feedback or unsolved complaints, it’s a huge sign that you should find a more trustworthy platform. People who have been scammed tend to leave reviews online to hurt the scammers’ reputation and help others avoid the same situation.
How Much Can You Make Per Hour?
Let’s address the burning question: how much can you actually make by participating in online survey sites? The earning potential varies depending on several factors, such as the survey length, the complexity, and the compensation rate offered by the survey site. On average, you can expect to earn anywhere from $1 to $5 per survey on most sites.
Keep in mind that most surveys usually take around 10 to 30 minutes to complete. Therefore, if you dedicate a few hours a day, you can earn a reasonable amount of additional money. Alternatively, you could look for platforms that pay extra cash for more complex projects.
How Often Are You Paid?
Getting paid is undoubtedly the most exciting part of taking part in online surveys. However, the frequency of payments for most sites depends on a number of factors, including:
- Payment policies. Some survey sites have a minimum threshold that you need to reach before you can request a payout. This threshold can vary from site to site, but it typically falls between $5 and $25. Once you meet this requirement, you can redeem your earnings through PayPal, direct bank transfer, or other payment methods that the survey site supports.
- Type of rewards. Different payment methods require different processing times. That’s why the reward type you’re trying to redeem can affect the frequency of payments. For example, if you’re asking for a cash payout or transfer, you’ll typically receive your funds within a few days. However, if you’re redeeming gift cards, your payment may take a few weeks or months to process.
- Location. In some countries, payments may take longer than others. Some payment methods help keep processing times more uniform, but make sure you understand how this works before committing to a specific survey site.
Always read the fine print and understand all payment-related terms and conditions of your go-to survey platform before asking for your first payment. Additionally, make sure to check for policy changes every once in a while to avoid unpleasant surprises.
So… Are Paid Surveys Legit?
The short answer is yes. However, it’s important that you research your options and don’t fall for a scam. If a survey platform offers huge payouts or asks for membership fees, it’s most likely trying to scam you.
Participating in online survey sites can definitely be a valuable option to supplement your income if you approach it with the right expectations. While it won’t make you a Forbes self-made billionaire overnight, it can certainly provide some extra cash or rewards that will pay for that overpriced latte you like or help you save for your next smartphone.
If you’d like to try out a legitimate survey site, make sure to give Pawns.app a go.
FAQs
Can you participate in online paid surveys if you are located outside the United States?
Absolutely! Many survey sites cater to participants from various countries around the world. However, keep in mind that some surveys may be geographically targeted, and you may have more opportunities if you reside in certain regions. As mentioned above, it’s advisable to check the eligibility criteria of each survey site to ensure they accept participants from your specific country, state, or even your town.
How much time does it typically take to complete an online paid survey?
The time it takes to complete a survey varies depending on its length and complexity. On average, most surveys take between 10 and 30 minutes to complete. However, some surveys may be shorter or longer. It’s crucial to allocate enough time to provide thoughtful and accurate responses if you seek to maximize your chances of qualifying for future surveys.
Are online paid surveys a reliable source of income?
While answering surveys online can provide an attractive supplementary income, they are not a guaranteed or consistent source of substantial income. Treating them as a side hustle rather than a full-time job is advisable to avoid potential disappointment or hardship. Keep in mind that the number of available surveys and your eligibility are likely to fluctuate, so it’s vital to manage your expectations accordingly.
Do you get paid immediately after each survey?
Typically, you won’t receive immediate payment after completing a survey, but that depends on your platform of choice. Survey sites often have payment thresholds you need to reach before requesting a payout. In addition, once you reach the minimum requirement and submit your payment request, the payment may take some time to clear.
