How to spot paid study scams
Red flags that should make you pause before applying to a research listing.
Pressure and secrecy
Be cautious of claims that you must act immediately, cannot ask questions or must pay a fee to participate. Legitimate recruitment should explain the study and who is running it.
Requests unrelated to participation
A provider should not need your password, banking login or one-time security code. Do not install unknown software or send identity documents without a verified reason.
Use a reporting trail
Save the listing URL and relevant messages. Report suspicious activity to the platform where you found it and to the provider whose name is being used.
Related guides
Paid research safety checklist
A practical checklist for evaluating a provider before sharing information or attending a session.
Read guide →Clinical research: questions to ask before participating
A plain-language starting point for evaluating a clinical research opportunity.
Read guide →How Scoutela reviews listings
What Scoutela checks before a listing is presented and what verification does not guarantee.
Read guide →Related studies
These are public listing previews. Provider identity, eligibility criteria and application links are available only in member details.
Unmoderated Task research opportunity
A paid research opportunity with full topic and application details available to members.
Unmoderated Task research opportunity
A paid research opportunity with full topic and application details available to members.
Unmoderated Task research opportunity
A paid research opportunity with full topic and application details available to members.