Research panels and paid surveys

Check who is collecting your information and what your time is worth.

1. Find the company name, official website, privacy information and contact details. An attractive payment alone does not establish legitimacy.
2. Check the estimated time, screening process, payment method, cash-out threshold and when rewards expire.
3. Calculate your actual return after screening and unpaid time. Stop if a panel repeatedly asks you to complete substantial work without a clear reward.
4. Only provide identity information through a verified provider when you understand why it is needed. Never post documents in a discussion or send them to another member.
5. Avoid panels asking you to pay to unlock work or transfer money on their behalf. Share factual experiences, but remove respondent IDs and confidential research material.

You can decline a study if its data requests or payment terms make you uncomfortable.