Anybody who’s been online should, at this time, know about the hundreds of “work at home” online businesses that are regularly marketed in various websites. Probably the most popular is “doing surveys for cash”.

You will find literally hundreds of online survey companies. Many of them aren’t legitimate ways to earn money, although a couple of these can get you a couple of dollars. These companies target stay at home people who wish to make a couple of extra dollars while taking care of the kids, the unemployed who wish to make a couple of few dollars while watching a large number of daytime court TV programs, the elderly people that aren’t afraid to make use of the pc and teens who think they know everything, but aren’t yet smart to the ways of the world. And let us not forget the greedy people of low intelligence who think will get wealthy by responding to a couple of a quick questions that a 5-year-old can easily answer.

These types of people are susceptible to unscrupulous methods utilized by some online survey companies. These rip-offs range from the following:

1. The fee for joining. There are some sites out there who charge a “fee” to join. They promise you an opportunity to earn up to $100,000 a year, sitting home at your computer taking surveys. The fee is usually less than $50. These sites are always a scam. If it was possible to earn $100,000 a year doing surveys online, the roads would be empty because no one would be going to work. Everyone would be home, in front of their computers, earning easy money. These sites prey on the greedy and/or lazy people of little intelligence. By the time they figure out that their “get rich quick” scheme isn’t working, they’re out $50. It’s not a crime to be greedy, lazy or stupid. And, unfortunately, it isn’t a crime to prey upon them in many cases. These sites are careful to add “disclaimers” stating that not everyone will earn this amount of money. They promise nothing, but include testimonials on their site from people with no last names who claim to be living the high life from the comfort of their homes. They usually have photos of flashy cars and huge houses on their websites. People need to stay away from these sites like they would avoid the bubonic plague. Unfortunately, PT Barnum was right when he said that there was a sucker born every minute. Which is why these sites continue to exist.

2. The cell phone scam. In this popular scam, you’ll be asked for your cell phone number to “confirm” your membership. Seconds later, you will receive a call on your cell phone. The call will end up costing you anywhere from $1.95 to $4.95; depending on the company. These companies don’t usually end up charging you too much because they figure you’ll never miss a couple of bucks. But it adds up for them and that’s how they make their money. They will then periodically send you text messages telling you you’ve won a prize and to claim it, you simply need to reply to the text. This will end up costing you more money. Do not give out your cell phone number to any website.

3. The Switcheroo. In this rip-off, you’ll be taking part in a survey after which you’ll be directed to another website. They’ll request you to show an “interest” in getting more details in one of the marketing partners. You will keep responding “no” and getting more offers; the survey won’t ever finish unless you finally answered “yes.” This rip-off may not set you back anything, but will cost you your time. Because whenever you state that you are interested in learning more about, medical health insurance, be prepared to receive an average of 10 calls per week from telemarketers selling you medical health insurance. And the insurance they are trying to sell you is a lot more than you can expect to pay than if you contact an insurance professional in your area. I know this for a fact as I’ve done price researching. And the telemarketing company will ask you for your social security number and your bank information (to allow them to send in initial deposit together with your application). It’s dangerous to provide personal information such as these over the telephone; legitimate companies send any information you require by mail.

4. The phone bill scam. You’ll sign up for a survey company and provide your telephone number. Then you’ll proceed in completing a survey and receive an offer for a free issue for a magazine. You’ll think to yourself – what’s the harm? You’ll give your name and address for the magazine and hardly notice when a fee for a year’s subscription shows up on your telephone bill. If you read the fine print, however, you will see that when you provided the company with your name and address to receive your “free” magazine, you authorized them to bill you via your telephone bill. They figure that you won’t even notice the extra $12.95 attached to your phone bill. And many people don’t.

These are among the most popular hoaxes which I have experienced in my foray into the field of online survey participation. I consider myself one half-way intelligent person however I got caught for $1.95 for the cell phone scam and $12.95 for the magazine subscription. I’ve been called about 20 times so far by different “medical insurance” company reps who asked for my social security number and bank information over the telephone. These businesses have not yet sent me anything by mail. Fortunately, I realize a lot better than to give such info over the telephone.

Online survey taking could be fun, but be cautious. Don’t give out your mobile phone number under any conditions. Don’t give your social security number or bank information. Never express any interest on receiving information from medical health insurance companies. And stay away from the “online education” queries too. Do your homework just before joining any company, don’t pay a fee, and watch out for anyone or any web site that promises to help you get rich.

Find our more about online surveys by visiting our website about online surveys. We have provided a large resource of information to help you.

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