Taking online surveys can sound like the dream side hustle. Get paid for sharing your opinion? Yes, please! But here’s the truth- while there are real survey sites that pay, there are just as many (if not more) that are total scams. And if you’re not careful, you could end up wasting your time — or worse, compromising your personal info. Eeek!!! How do you tell the difference?? Read on, friend! I got you!
If you’re thinking about taking online surveys to make some extra cash, this guide will help you spot the red flags, stay safe, and find survey sites that are actually worth your time.
Why Survey Scams Are So Common
Scammers love targeting beginners who are eager to earn money online. Surveys are easy to fake, and people often don’t know what to look for. Plus, when you’re promised $100 for a 5-minute survey, it can be tempting to ignore your gut feeling. If it feels too good to be true it probably is!
Most survey scams prey on urgency, vague promises, and too-good-to-be-true payouts. They know we are after fast ways to make extra money and that can make us vulnerable to scams.
This doesn’t have to happen to you! Let’s get you clued in by getting smart about what to avoid.
7 Red Flags to Watch Out For When Taking Online Surveys
If you spot any of these signs, it’s a major warning to stay far away:
- Huge Payout Promises
Legit survey sites won’t promise hundreds of dollars a day. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. - Asking for Credit Card Info
Never pay to join a survey site. Real ones are free- they pay and reward you! - Sketchy Website Design
Tons of pop-ups, broken links, or outdated design? That’s a red flag. - No Contact Info or Privacy Policy
Legitimate sites are transparent about who they are and how your info is used. - Surveys That Never End or Always Disqualify You
Some scammy sites keep sending you in circles without ever paying out. This drives me nuts!! - Spammy Emails After Signing Up
Did you suddenly get 50 emails a day after registering? That’s not normal – don’t click through. - Only Glowing Reviews That Sound Fake
Look out for generic testimonials that sound robotic or over-the-top. I bet you’re like me and can see through the fake BS reviews created in mass!
How to Tell If a Survey Site Is Legit
Here are a few ways to do a quick legitimacy check before signing up:
- Search “[Site Name] + Scam”
You’ll often find Reddit threads or review sites calling it out if it’s bad. Nothing gets past Reddit peeps! Haha! - Look It Up on Trustpilot or BBB (Better Business Bureau)
These platforms offer honest reviews and ratings. - Check Domain Age
Scam sites often pop up fast and disappear just as quickly. Use Whois tools to check. - See If They Explain How You’ll Be Paid
Transparency matters. A legit site will tell you exactly how you’ll earn and when you get paid (PayPal, gift cards, etc).
Tips to Stay Safe While Taking Online Surveys
- Use a separate email address just for survey sign-ups.
- Never give your banking info to a survey site.
- Avoid downloading suspicious software or “survey boosters”.
- Stick to well-reviewed and recommended survey platforms.
Looking for easy ways to earn extra cash online? Checkout:
- Branded Surveys – Will pay you with cash or gift card rewards for completing surveys. Join Branded Surveys USA | Branded Surveys Canada | Branded Surveys UK
- SurveyTime – Get paid $1 for every survey you complete. Available WORLDWIDE.
- Survey Junkie – Earn cash and rewards by doing surveys
- Swagbucks – Get paid for taking surveys, watching videos, searching the web, playing video games, and shopping online.
- Inbox Dollars – Get paid for doing simple tasks online.
What to Do If You Fall for a Survey Scam
First of all, don’t panic. If you think you’ve signed up for a scam survey site, here are a few quick steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Change your passwords if you used the same one elsewhere.
- Report the site to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or Scamwatch (if you’re in Australia).
- Unsubscribe and block any emails coming from the site.
- Run a virus/malware scan if you downloaded anything from the site.
- Monitor your bank account if you shared any sensitive financial info (and contact your bank if needed).
It happens — the important thing is to learn from it, take action, and move forward smarter and stronger. We’ve all fallen for the ‘too good to be true’ pitch at some point. Don’t beat yourself up – just take steps to protect your details, clear out anything suspicious, and move on with more knowledge and confidence.
Ok, let’s actually get connected with some surveys that do pay!!
Want to Take Surveys That Actually Pay?
There are some solid, real survey sites out there. When you know what to look for, you can avoid scams and earn a little extra income safely. Like I always say to make surveys work/pay you need to be consistent and honest with your answers.
Check out our list of legit survey platforms and income-boosting side gigs on our Income Boost page to get started.
Taking Online Surveys Safely
Taking online surveys can be a simple way to make extra money in your spare time — but only if you’re smart about where you sign up. Stick to my tips above to protect your time, your data, and your energy.
If something feels off, trust your gut and walk away. There are plenty of good opportunities out there, and you deserve to find ones that are safe, honest, and worth your effort.
You’ve got this. Stay smart, stay savvy, and boost that income one legit step at a time.
