Survey scam sites usually have tell-tale signs that they’re fake. Be aware of these typical indicators.
It costs money to participate
This is a fraudulent survey site sign. Good survey sites are free to join. If a site requires payment to join, don’t join. Some websites have low sign-up fees. As there is little to lose, it can be tempting to sign up and pay $5. Never pay.
These sites know many people will buy if the price is low, and if they get many people to sign up, they’ll make good money with no return (in our opinion). After paying, you’re guaranteed a list of the highest-paying survey sites. Paying survey sites are free to obtain.
You can find them for free (see our top 10 list of survey sites), and paid lists aren’t worth it. They’re merely conventional listings, and the author hasn’t tested or researched the sites. Don’t buy a list of high-paying survey sites.
They Promise to teach you “the secret”
We’d all desire the rich-secret guy’s formula. Some sites promise to teach you how to get rich or create a full-time income via surveys with little effort once you join (and pay).
Many scam sites promise to teach survey “secrets”
False. You can’t make rich from surveys, and they won’t tell you how. These sites try to generate money by selling a fake secret.
No about page
Scammers desire anonymity, so there’s rarely a about page or a means to contact them. A site without an about page isn’t always a scam, but it’s a red flag. If there are several little signals, stay away.
Promise you can become rich
Survey sites won’t make you rich, as stated above. They can give you extra cash, but not the quantities some sites promise. If a site says you can make hundreds or thousands of dollars a week, resist the urge to join. You will be disappointed and may find up paying for a useless subscription.
The survey calculator
Many survey scam sites utilize the same calculator. It’s a calculator that shows how much you can make every day by taking surveys.
This calculator is useless. There’s no guarantee you can take this many surveys or earn the reward in the calculator (which the sites also mention in very small writing below the calculator).
Some websites employ a phony calculator to make it look like you can pick how much money to make.
“Only a few spots left”
Do not join up quickly if a sign-up box claims there are few slots left. Some websites employ fake scarcity to get you to pay and sign up quickly. If you check the site days (or weeks) later, it may still state “few spots left.” Always-present message.
Exaggerated testimonials
You may encounter videos on some sites with apparently current members describing their experiences. They’ll tell you how much money they make and how it’s revolutionized their life to make money from home doing little.
The videos may show them on the beach, in fancy cars, or with money. These videos are persuasive, but surveys won’t make you rich. If people in videos state this, assume they’re actors/actresses and it’s phony.
Fake sample survey
Many scam sites use a sample survey to entice you in. It’s usually a simple survey you can complete in 5 minutes by clicking boxes and claims to pay $15-20.
This is too much for a 5-minute survey. This type of survey is rare, if ever. It’s not genuine, but it shows how to make a lot of money quickly.
Money-back guarantee
Many fraudulent sites offer money-back guarantees. Money-back guarantees aren’t necessarily a scam indicator. Legitimate services and products offer this. On fraudulent sites, the assurance simply says money refunded.
A site’s money-back guarantee doesn’t mean you’ll get it. It’s easy to make a legit-looking website stamp, but that doesn’t mean it is. If a site promises a money-back guarantee, find out more about it. If not, it’s likely merely a stamp and not a promise.
Ready to Get Started?
Join Survey Junkie | Pays $10 to $1,000 per mo.
Get paid for your opinion with Survey Junkie! Survey Junkie is a rewarding, trusted and fun way to influence brands by sharing what you think and do. They reward you for being you. Earn cash or points when you answer surveys & redeem points or get cash back via Paypal. Signup now to get started. Survey Junkie is currently available to US, Australia & Canada residents only.*
