Surveys, they are everywhere on the Internet.  They pop up from nowhere and slide over from the side of almost every web page you visit these days.  So how do you know which ones are legitimate and which ones are out to phish for your information?

The answer to that question is research.  I don't recommend filling out those surveys that pop up on web pages unless it is something the site you are visiting is requesting.  Also, make sure the site that is offering the survey is one that you can trust.  A lot of brand name companies offer surveys to better serve you as the customer by asking how they can improve either their product or their service.

Making money by taking paid surveys online is an easy way to make some extra money.  There are plenty of reputable survey companies on the web that will pay you per survey or offer points that you can accrue and then turn in for cash and prizes.

Most of the survey sites work like this; you get points and then can redeem them later.  You can also accrue points by referrals.  This can add up in a huge way if you refer enough family and friends to join.  The way it works usually is when someone joins through your referral link and then takes their first survey you receive points as well.

Referral systems are the best way to make points without actually having to do the surveys your self.  If you can get enough people to join, it runs itself.  The more points, the more you can redeem for cash and prizes.

If you join many survey sites and send out referrals, you could wind up with a nice little pay out at the end of each month.  Most sites will have a cap that you need to reach before you can cash out, but this is easily attainable since they send out a few surveys a day.

Getting paid for taking online surveys can be done if you join many sites and take the time to do all of the surveys.  Some surveys may be a few minutes and others can take 20 minutes or more.  It depends on the information you supply the company with on your profile.  They match you to what you might be interested in taking a survey about.

There are certain instances where a survey company many have a focus group opportunity.  This is where you either travel to a location to participate in the focus group with other participates or participate online through an open chat program.  These programs can pay anywhere form $10.00 to $50.00 depending on the product being reviewed.

Suffice it to say, you won't get rich overnight but you will be able to make a few extra bucks to put in your gas tank or bring groceries into the house.  Be aware that if you put a lot of time into these paid online surveys, you can make money quickly; just don't quit your day job until you know for sure you can make a living taking surveys.