How to Avoid GPT Scams

A variety of “Get Paid To” (GPT) scams and opportunities exist on the Internet. These promise to enable people to make money for everything form blogging to reading e-mail and evaluating “offers” to taking surveys.

Some GPT sites are legitimate and provide a way to make a little extra cash. A select few pay well, especially if referrals are involved. Unfortunately, however, few GPT sites will generate much income and plenty of make money scams exist. They'll rob you of both money and time. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Information
• Scam reporting websites

How to Avoid Get Paid To Scams

1. Evaluate the GPT opportunity thoroughly. Read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's), program guidelines and payout schedule.

2. Read the fine print, including the “terms of service” or “agreement.” The document may be lengthy but may contain reasons why a company will not pay for your efforts. Here you may find a well disguised GPT scam wrapped in a carefully worded legal document.

3. Locate the minimum payout required for the GPT website. Most legitimate GPT opportunities have a payout of under $50. Those hoping to avoid payment may set this minimum much higher. Also note when payments are to be received and by what method.

4. Investigate the GPT site online by typing in the name of the website and the word “scam,” or “complaint.” Also check the domain name similarly. RipOffreport.com and Scam.com are two sites worth investigating. Note that one or two complaints does not a GPT scam make, so put the information in context.

5. Check out the owner of the domain name and the country in particular. This can be done by visiting a site such as Whois.net. While most clever website owners can disguise their location, be skeptical of undisclosed contact information or obscure locations designed to evade laws. Inboxdollars.com is an example of a GPT site with solid contact information.

6. Use a dedicated email address for GPT sites as they tend to generate spam. Also, keep a record of all GPT communication and confirmations of your activities, lest a question or problem arise.

Tips & Warnings

• Note that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is and is more likely to be a GPT scam.
• Be cautious about providing your personal data and especially your cell phone number which many of these sites aim to use for telemarketing purposes.

[jenecequa]

on 11/6/2009 This is important advice. Thank you for writing the article.

[jenicoe2001]

on 5/9/2009 great tips on avoiding GPT scams!5*

[missluvlie]

on 4/29/2009 I like the part abot researching te owner of the company. A lot of GPT sites are fly by night. I am a member of a few good ones though.

[johng88]

on 4/6/2009 The only problem is you don't get approved for all the offers you do. That the way they make there money. They get paid whether offers approve for you or not. If It does not approve then they get to keep there whole commission.I went two five different GPT sites and did five different surveys. Before starting I cleared my cookies before and after each survey and Out of the 25 I did only 7 approved.

[amylaine]

on 6/9/2008 Great tips on not getting scammed with GPT.