How to Spot Fake or Scammy Survey Websites

# Spot Fake Survey Scams: A Kid's Safety Guide

Scammers use phony surveys to phish for personal information or promote spammy products. Here's how to stay safe!

What Is a Fake Survey Scam?

Real businesses use surveys to understand their customers or get feedback on their products and service. Unfortunately, phony surveys have become a very common way for scammers to phish for personal information. Scammers pretend to be real companies and trick you into giving away secrets about yourself.

Red Flag #1: Rewards That Sound Too Good to Be True

If a survey offers you a $100 gift card or a 90% discount for answering three quick questions, it's probably a scam. Real surveys offer small rewards like a few dollars or a small gift card—not huge prizes for just a few minutes of work.

Red Flag #2: Asking for Sensitive Information

A legitimate survey won't need your Social Security number, checking account info, birth date or credit card number. A reputable survey will never ask for your Social Security number, money, password, or bank account information. If a survey asks for this, close it immediately!

Red Flag #3: Typos, Bad Grammar, and Wrong Logos

Watch for typos, bad grammar and incorrect company logos. Scammers can easily copy a brand's name, but awkward wording and poor grammar are typically a giveaway that the message is a scam.

Red Flag #4: No Clear Information About Who's Running It

The survey doesn't state who is running it and what's the purpose. Real surveys will be very direct about the brand involved, the type of information requested, and what it's being used for. If this isn't provided, don't continue.

Red Flag #5: Suspicious Links and URLs

Hover over URLs to reveal their true destination. Typically, the hyperlinked text will say one thing, but the link will point somewhere else. Make sure the links actually lead to the business's official website, not a variation of the domain name.