*** IMPORTANT READ: HITs You Should NOT Do! ***

[localpinoy]

thank you for that information. i would sometimes put my zip code in when they asked, but i'll be much more wary of that the next time around.

[moneynow]

I don't like any hit that asks you to download anything. I don't trust that.

[staystrong]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[KaAlSw]

Thanks for the tips!

[cheshir3]

Reading through this thread is making me nervous I've inadvertently given out info that can be used against me. Does anybody know how demographic information works? On surveys and whatnot that ask for a zipcode, state, etc, I usually either choose a town/zipcode in my state randomly or choose a different state altogether. Is that allowed?

[emmy88]

I've done a lot of academic surveys that have asked for a zip code, and I've never had any problems with it. I check T.O. to make sure the requester is legit. I used to work for a market research company, and we'd always ask people their zip code. This was done to lump people into categories. For instance, if it is a political survey, they might release data that says most people from Alabama are Republicans, while most people from Maine are democrats..or something similar. Unless it is asking your full address, I wouldn't be too worried about it. I doubt they could find out that you're lying, but in the event that they do, I imagine they could refuse to pay you (as it may interfere with their results). Don't quote me on that though.

[beekers]

Reading through this thread is making me nervous I've inadvertently given out info that can be used against me. Does anybody know how demographic information works? On surveys and whatnot that ask for a zipcode, state, etc, I usually either choose a town/zipcode in my state randomly or choose a different state altogether. Is that allowed?

The reason they are asking for it is because they need truthful information. Sometimes they are looking for patterns in data based on specific demographics, and the demographics are used to analyze and break down response data.

There really isn't a way for them to use it against you (nor would they have any reason to), especially if it's a reputable University doing the research. I assure you, I've done over 10,000 surveys and I've never, ever had any issues. If you stick to University sanctioned surveys, you'll be fine. Clearly if it's some shady requester looking for overly personal information, use your discretion, but if you read consent forms for legit surveys they specifically tell you confidentiality info.

[ithinkican]

Reading through this thread is making me nervous I've inadvertently given out info that can be used against me. Does anybody know how demographic information works? On surveys and whatnot that ask for a zipcode, state, etc, I usually either choose a town/zipcode in my state randomly or choose a different state altogether. Is that allowed?

Unless you are giving out your real name, birthdate, birth place, ssn, mother's maiden name, bank account numbers, or the like, you really aren't giving out anything that could harm you.

[tanyawah]

I have done quite a few university surveys that have asked for my email. I even had one that asked for my cell phone number to complete the registration in order to enter me into a drawing.

[Skye - Closed]

I return the HITs that ask for my email or my phone number. There are other ways for them to verify my identity (like my mturk #) so I won't even mess around with it. Personal choice.