Survey scams are designed to look harmless, but they follow a predictable pattern that tricks people into giving away sensitive information. They start with an enticing offer, like cash, gift cards or free products, in exchange for completing a “quick survey.” Once you click, you’re led to a professional-looking site that asks for personal details under the guise of verifying your identity or covering shipping costs. In reality, the scammer’s goal is to steal your data, financial information or even install malware on your device.
How survey scams work
All survey scams follow the same script:
- The bait. an unsolicited message by email, social media or even text that’s offering money, gift cards or free products in exchange for taking a “quick survey.”
- The hook. Once you click, you’re taken to a survey website that looks professional, with realistic-looking logos and fake reviews.
- The sting. Within the survey, you’re asked to “verify” your identity by entering personal info like your name, address, DOB, phone number and even credit card details “to cover shipping costs” for your promised reward.
The scammer now has your personal data, financial information or access to your device.
Common variations of survey scams
- Fake brand surveys. Scammers claim to represent companies like Walmart, Best Buy or Starbucks, and offer gift cards in exchange for feedback… but it’s all fake.
- Survey-for-payment scams. Sites promise up to $500 for a survey, but will just harvest your info or get you to install malware.
- Survey redirect loops. Here, you’ll answer a survey and then get continuously redirected to other sites, with each one asking for more info or prompting a download.
- Job offer scams disguised as surveys. In this version, scammers pose as recruiters looking for market research participants, only to phish for personal or banking details.
Red flags to watch for
Hit the brakes on that survey if:
- You’re offered a lot of money to take a survey.
- You’re asked for sensitive info within a survey.
- The survey site has typos or strange URLs.
- You’re asked to pay to claim your reward.
- You’re asked to download something to take a survey.
How to protect yourself
Don’t fall for the bait of a survey scam! Here’s how to stay safe:
- Use reputable survey sites like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie.
- Never share sensitive info unless you know the site is secure and legitimate.
- Hover over links to preview them and make sure they go where they claim.
- Make sure the link is secure by looking for HTTPS in the web address.
- Avoid survey invitations sent via unsolicited emails.
- Install security software from a reputable source.
- Read the fine print before taking a survey.
What to do if you’ve been scammed
If you think you’ve fallen for a survey scam, take action quickly:
- Exit the site and report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission.
- Run a security scan to check for malware or spyware on your device.
- If you entered login info or reused a password elsewhere, change it ASAP, especially for your email and financial accounts.
- Monitor all financial accounts for unauthorized charges by using online and mobile banking.
- Set up alerts for unknown logins and transactions above a threshold of your choosing.
- Utilize the Remote Control Card feature in mobile banking to turn your card(s) on and off to prevent charges.
- If you shared payment information with the scammers, notify your credit union or credit card company.
- Delete the email or message.
As always, contact us if you feel you may have participated in a survey scam and think your personal or financial information may have been shared; we can help you determine the next steps to take.
Stay vigilant and safe online!