Interested in taking paid online surveys, but not sure if you should? You are right to be hesitant, as there plenty of scam sites online that masquerade as real one survey sites. That said, there are tips and tricks you can use to help keep your personal information safe, and will help you reap the maximum rewards possible of being an online surveys panelist.
Your Privacy Matters
Before considering joining a survey site, only register with panels that list a Privacy Policy on their website. If a website can’t be bothered to post a basic Privacy Policy, they can’t be trusted to conduct quality research and send you payments.
Similarly, look for a Terms of Service link. This is also a basic requirement of any credible survey website.
Clarity is Key
Look for survey sites that clearly outline what rewards they provide for taking surveys, have easy to find contact information and when possible, are approved by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You don’t want to be second-guessing anything; contact information in particular should be very clearly stated on their website.
Beware of ‘Special Offers’
Beware of survey websites that ask you to receive information about “special offers” and other survey panels during registration – these websites may sell your name and information to other companies that will send you spam.
On a similar note, suggestions to download special ‘online survey guides’ should be met with skepticism; you don’t need to download any sort of guide to take surveys – it’s not rocket science.
Separate Your E-mails
Always set up a separate e-mail account exclusively for survey invitations. This will make it easier for you to see how many surveys you have received, and will avoid spam being sent to your personal e-mail address, should you make a mistake and accidentally register with an un-reputable surveys website.
Don’t Overshare
Beware of “survey websites” that ask for overly personal information such as your bank account information, credit card numbers, full names of family members, etc. A real online market research company would never ask you to provide this type of information. Details should be limited to demographic information, details on where to send payment and naturally, whatever questions an online survey is asking.
Side note: Some legitimate survey companies make cash payments to their member’s banks accounts, but the payment setup process is done through an independent payment processor.
These survey sites who have excellent reputations on SurveyPolice:
- Tellwut – Earn e-gift cards for taking surveys, participating in polls and more. Read 400+ reviews. USA/CA only.
- YouGov – Earn cash and rewards for participating in surveys with this highly regarded research firm. Read 250+ reviews.
- PaidViewpoint – Earn cash paid by PayPal for participating in surveys. Read reviews.
Getting Rich Isn’t Possible
Be cautious of “get rich quick” survey websites. You cannot get rich taking online surveys. However, you can make extra cash on the side by participating in paid surveys.
Ensure You’re Clicking on an Actual Survey
Legitimate online survey e-mail invitations will provide information on the type of study being conducted, the survey length, and the incentive for completion. Do not respond or click on e-mail “survey invitations” that feature ads to win products, cash, etc. These e-mails are not coming from legitimate market research companies! And if you receive an offer out of the blue to complete a survey for an iPhone for instance – run away! This is not a credible offer.
Double-Check Before Downloading
Some research companies will ask you to download software after registration. This software usually tracks your web browsing habits and the information is then sent to marketers. It is okay to download this software if you can verify a legitimate market research firm is running the site and you’re downloading an internet meter to earn passive rewards for instance – just be sure to do your homework to make sure that this is indeed the case.
Memberships Lend Credibility
Look for mentions of and logos of marketing association memberships on survey panel websites. Reputable associations include Insights Association in the USA and ESOMAR in Europe.
Keep it Light
Your opinion counts! Marketers truly are interested in what you think, enough to reward you with cash and prizes just for sharing your thoughts. Stay cautious when registering with online survey panels, but when you’ve found a reputable panel, stick with it and have fun reaping the rewards of being a panelist!
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Hi
I’m worried I have given info to a site called Gadgily surveys who promised me a survey straight away , do u know if they are legitimate please
Hi Mo,
Gadgily surveys appears to be a brand new site, as the domain was only registered 2 weeks ago. It’s unclear how they can have 1.5 million members (as they claim on their homepage) if their site is so new. As well, they don’t have a Privacy Policy or Terms of Service listed on their website. Have you tried calling them (0800 840 5509) or emailing them ([email protected]) to get clarity on how they are using your information?
In the future, before signing up with any survey site, it’s really important to check their user reviews. We have over 250 sites listed in our database: https://www.surveypolice.com/rankings with thousands of users who have left feedback for them.
Very good, there are many scammers out there, but with survey police, they will be exposed. I have been looking for this site for long. Now I got it.
Thanks Olusegun! We’re happy to hear that!