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Scam Alert: Internet Surveys Offer False Hope

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Oct 19, 2006 3:29 pm US/Eastern

Scam Alert: Internet Surveys Offer False Hope

by Kirstin Cole
NEW YORK (CBS) ― If you'd like to join the more than 45 million Americans who work from home, the Internet may seem like a great source of jobs and opportunities to make some quick cash. But experts say many of those opportunities are scams and they're warning about one in particular that promises to pay you big money to take surveys online.

"The consumers that are being taken advantage of are college students, senior citizens, and work at home moms or dads," said consumer advocate and founder of RipOffReport.com, Ed Magedson.

Magedson says there are dozens of complaints on his site about online survey companies promising to pay anywhere from $5 to $75 per questionnaire.

And what do they all have in common?

"They're asking you for money up front," said Magedson, who says consumers are also complaining they can't make anywhere near the money that's advertised.

Bottom line?

"By giving them your personal information, even your email address, you're going to end up with junk mail and more spam," Magedson said.

Most of the legit online surveys don't pay at all, although a very small number will. Remember, never pay up-front and before handing over gobs or your most intimate information, check out the company on the following links:

The Better Business Bureau

Federal Trade Commission

(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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