Got opinions? Want to get paid to express them? That’s exactly what this tip is all about. Let’s call this one the Fake Survey Scam. It all starts with an email that looks something like this.
Hello,
There’s an exclusive new opportunity that has just popped up online. This special opportunity is available by invite only.
A few people were picked and we decided we would invite you as one of them. In this opportunity you can earn an income from home using nothing but your computer. There’s no marketing to do, no experience necessary.
All you’ve got to do is give your opinion by checking a couple of boxes and completing a couple of forms and you will be compensated for your time.
Time is of the essence! See you there.
Sincerely,
John
P.S. – This may just be the break you’ve been looking for.
In the spirit of the offer, I figured I’d jump right in at the beginning. I’ll use the good old “Pass-Fail” method as a way to grade. Harsh, I know.
Solicitation: Dear John, you’ve received a big Fail on the solicitation. The email tells me I’m one of just a few people picked for this exclusive opportunity. If I’m so special, how come you didn’t use my name?
Overall tone: Nice job, John. I’ll give you a Pass on this. The email is friendly, almost folksy. You’re missing a few commas, but other than the comma deficit, it’s not a bad way to write. And, by the way, you done did good on the grammer and speling. Didn’t see no screw ups there. (Can you spot mine, John? Brownie points if you can!)
Call to action: Fail. While it’s true the email gave me three links to a site called “click4surveys.com,” there was no “click here” demand. I suggest you tune into some online marketing blogs for the fine points on how to make a more compelling argument.
Online Reputation: Oh, very bad. Big Fail here, too. I went to Web of Trust and looked up the site. Ouch. Bad rep. Looking at the domain name for click4surveys, I found that the domain is registered to Ricky Powers in Holland, MI. But, the big ouch comes in because in the past 11 years, the domain has been through 16 changes in hosting. What this most likely means is that the domain registrars and hosting companies aren’t fond of Ricky . . . or John . . . or whoever he is.
Business Reputation: This company is listed on bbb.org as a work-at-home company. Their rating at bbb.org is a solid F. So, everybody, take note. That F is a solid Fail no matter what rating system we use.
PS This may be just the break the sender of the email was looking for, but certainly not me. How about you? Have you tried one of these companies? Shied away? Sound off below!
I did at home answering surveys cor about two years. I made about $40 and one site only gave out prizes. It took forever to earn the money and I would answer sometimes more than two surveys a day. I finally stopped. I noticed the older I got the less and less likely I made the survey conditions. It just too much h work for very little in return.