A paid survey is a type of online statistical survey where the participant is rewarded through an incentive program. A paid survey is used to collect quantitative information about the participant’s personal and economic habits. Often used by marketing firms to test new advertisements, they offer the participant a cash reward or entry into a sweepstakes program. Legitimate paid surveys exist because, in order to remain competitive in their given markets, companies need a better understanding of their customers and the customers' perception of products. Surveys that are legitimate are separated by personal demographics so that the data will better apply to the target audience the marketing firm is trying to reach. Because the corporate marketing companies need to understand consumer perceptions in-depth, they will offer incentives to survey participants. A participant will never have to pay for a legitimate paid survey.
Paid survey scams
There are two common types of paid survey scams. The first method involves an incentive being offered and then never delivered. The company or person running the survey is able to sell the information obtained to marketing firms and then closes his/her website prior to paying the participants. The second most common method of the paid survey scam requires participants to pay in order to access an online listing of paid survey offers. The reason this can sometimes be classified as a scam is because the list of paid survey offers presented to those who have paid the membership fee are out of date, or inaccurate. A common way to identify a potential survey scam is by evaluating the demographic requirements. Legitimate surveys are targeted to specific demographics and will often require the participant to complete a pre-survey in order to ensure that they fall into the required demographic.
Other paid survey scams
Beware of the paid survey company that asks you to purchase products or services or to pay for shipping of merchandise in order to be paid for completing surveys. Beware of the paid survey company that asks for precise information about you, such as your exact birthday and mailing address. This information and your credit card number can leave you open for identity theft. Survey companies do not need this information.
