Common Scams 
“E asy Money” or Easy Scam? The Truth About 'Take Our Survey' Scams. Think you’re getting paid for a quick survey? Think again. Online survey scams are rising in India, tricking people into giving up personal details in exchange for
fake rewards. The result? Identity theft, drained bank accounts, and an endless flood of spam calls.
Everyday you probably receive at least one such SMS which claims that you can win a “voucher” from a major retailer in exchange for finishing a survey. But, be very careful. For example, if a survey site asks you to pay a ‘subscription-fee’ to unlock these high-reward surveys, then it’s definitely a scam. Often, victims who click such links and enter their details find their bank accounts compromised within hours.
But it is hardly their fault. Scammers present themselves as authentic companies or research organizations. They send emails, WhatsApp messages, social media ads, or even SMS to entice victims.
How Survey Scams Work
Scammers pose as legitimate companies and use emails, WhatsApp messages, or SMS to lure victims. Once a victim clicks the link, they are asked to fill in personal details. Some surveys even request banking information or login credentials. Others install malware on the victim’s device.
These fake surveys often promise:
- Free Flipkart or Amazon gift cards
- Cash prizes through UPI transfers
- Discounts on popular Indian brands
- Sweepstakes entries for smartphones or gold coins
Why You Should Be Concerned
- Identity Theft: Scammers sell stolen data on the dark web.
- Financial Loss: Fake surveys trick victims into paying “processing fees.”
- Increased Spam: Your phone number and email are added to spam databases, leading to a flood of unwanted calls and messages.
- Hacked Accounts: Sometimes security questions in surveys mimic password reset questions, which can lead to your account being hacked.
How to Spot a Fake Survey
- Too Good to Be True: If a survey offers a ₹5000 gift card for a 5-minute quiz, it’s likely a scam.
- No Company Name: Legitimate surveys clearly state their source.
- No Contact Information: A real survey will have an official website and customer support.
- Requests for Sensitive Info: A real survey will never ask for passwords, processing fees, OTPs, Aadhaar numbers, or banking details.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify the Source: Check the official website before participating.
- Avoid Clicking on Random Links: Always type the official URL manually.
- Don’t Share Personal Details: If a survey asks for sensitive info, exit immediately.
- Use an Ad Blocker: This can reduce exposure to scam ads
- Report Scams: If you encounter a fake survey, report it to cybercrime.gov.in or call the Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930
Not all surveys are scams, but many do try to scam you for sensitive information. So always check the source, be sceptical of big rewards, and do not divulge personal information. Make sure to spread the word to your family and friends, especially your elderly relatives who might be less tech-savvy, and thus far more prone to becoming victims of such seemingly innocuous surveys that offer easy cash.
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