Spot Fake Survey Websites: A Safety Guide for Kids

# Spot Fake Survey Websites: A Safety Guide for Kids

Learn the warning signs of fake survey scams so you can stay safe online and protect your personal information.

What Are Fake Survey Scams?

Scammers use phony surveys to phish for personal information or promote spammy products. Think of it like a trick—someone creates a fake website or sends you a message that looks like a real survey, but it's actually trying to steal your information or your parents' money.

Red Flag #1: 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 companies don't give away huge rewards for just a few minutes of work. Even legitimate online surveys typically pay less than $10 an hour.

Red Flag #2: Asking for Sensitive Information

If a survey company asks for anything more than basic information from you, like your Social Security number, date of birth and checking account number, sign out as quickly as you can. A real survey will never ask for passwords, credit card numbers, or your parents' banking details.

Red Flag #3: Typos and Bad Grammar

Scammers can easily copy a brand's name, but awkward wording and poor grammar are typically a giveaway that the message is a scam. If you see spelling mistakes or sentences that don't make sense, that's a warning sign!

Red Flag #4: Asking You to Pay

There's absolutely no reason to pay to take a survey of any kind. If you're targeted by an ad asking you to take a survey and to pay for the privilege of doing so, don't respond. Legitimate surveys never charge money upfront.

Red Flag #5: Weird Websites and Links

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.