There are, however, a large number of legitimate online survey websites that are overlooked because of the perception that they are scams like the others. 

The trick is to find them. Some directory sites are dedicated to listing these legitimate sites to make it easy for others to find them without searching to the end of the internet, only to be disappointed.

Each one of these sites has listings for actual market research companies that really do pay people for their time and opinions. Simply click on one of the links, fill out the profile questionnaires and wait for the email invitations and phone calls to flood in! 

In most cases, the surveys will pay $1-$5, sometimes more, and the focus groups range from $35-$150. The focus groups can also pay more depending on how in-depth they need to go, or how quickly they need to get a project done.

Many of the legitimate sites are moving to paying panelists by using Paypal. But a lot still pay with Amazon.com gift cards, debit cards, checks or prizes. They set attainable minimum payouts, usually $10-$25, and payment is received anywhere from 4-8 weeks. 

Don't get discouraged if you don't qualify for a lot of surveys. The purpose of them is to target a specific section of the consumer populace and get their opinions on certain products, product ideas or services.

They can't accept everyone, that's why that ask you to fill out personal profiles. This way, you don't get your inbox filled with surveys that you'll never be accepted for and therefore, waste your time for nothing. 

If you sign up for as many survey sites as possible, your chances of qualifying are enhanced greatly. Once you get going with these, you can reasonably make $150-$200 a month. 

Sometimes, you will be selected to test products at home and get to keep them when the study is done. This is usually on top of whatever the study paid.

You will never be asked to pay for anything by the directory sites listed above or their affiliates. Not a bad thing to do for some extra cash and it's all free!