The Internet is loaded with websites that promise free paid surveys. These offers are very appealing. Who wouldn't want to make an easy living by giving their opinions? It is like a dream come true. But many of these free paid surveys are marketing strategies designed to gather peoples' contact information so they can be later solicited with email, telemarketers, and junk mail. These types of paid surveys are not necessarily harmful, but they are a waste of time. Not all advertisements for free paid surveys are phony. Many marketing companies do want to know what consumers think of certain products and give some type of incentive to people who take their surveys.

Paid surveys advertised by pop up Internet advertisements or spam emails are usually less trustworthy. Consumers need to realize that they participate in these surveys at their own risk. These types of surveys are very common and alluring because they often promise to give a free product like an Apple I-pod or a Sony Playstation 2 to people who complete the survey. Oftentimes, however, what they really do is get the person's contact information and sell it to marketing companies.

Keep in mind that not all free paid surveys are dishonest. Most firms that offer rewards to people who actually come into a building to participate in marketing research do follow through on their promises. Well-known marketing companies that have been in business for a long time are also usually honest about their incentives. These legitimate offers are not as extravagant as those offered over the Internet, but it is better to receive a small reward than it is to be promised a big reward and get nothing.

Free paid surveys are risky. It is important to realize that offers that sound too good to be true usually are. It is nearly impossible to make a living by taking free paid surveys, but interested consumers can receive modest rewards for their time and participation if they find legitimate opportunities.