Is this Survey Email a Scam?? 

You neglected to mention the "countdown" timer that appears on screen, when selecting free gift. It is there to rush the victim, but when it reaches ZERO, it starts over again. All part of the scam.

The one thing about this channel is that you expose new scams QUICKLY and it is recognized and appreciated 😀

Thank you for this. I work in fraud prevention and there are SO many people that fall for these scams. Enough that its almost a standard question I ask.

Ok turns out you have to flip the watch around to charge it. It still sucks!

If it's shady and taking advantage of people, then it's scam. Great video! Keep up the good work.

It's absolutely a scam. Misrepresenting yourself, even if they give you something,.makes them scammers.

My general rule is: "If it looks too good to be true, it probably is." There's always a catch.

Most definitely a scam. This is a hidden subscription service. They're nearly impossible to get out of. Just because they offer you something in return is irrelevant. They deceived you into signing up for something you didnt know about.

You plugged the watch into the USB upside down, it does actually work... my GF got hit with this and they tried to charge her 113.00$ - the bank didn't release the funds. I think we got lucky, because she only authorized 5.00$ which is about what the watch is worth.

I receive several suspect E-mails per day. I just delete them. I suggest that others do the same. Thanks Ben. You play a vital role in protecting others from scammers.

Just once, I'd like someone to actually track down the people that run one of these operations and expose them for the scumbags that they are. Not the phone operators, who are probably doing it out of necessity, but the people at the top. And by "expose them", I mean something far worse.

Reminds me of the 90s/early 00's when you'd see ads in magazines that would say 12.00 dollars for 12 CDS. They would be new albums but they'd hook you on the monthly subscription in the fine print.

That they are initially presenting themselves as Costco, and doing so for financial gain makes this a scam. Great video. Thanks for being so thorough, so we don't have to :)

I work in the fraud department at a bank. This is such a common scam I see very frequently. The sad thing is it is hard to dispute. It's not considered fraud as you give them the information and agree to their terms of service. It's just really sad. As you can guess the majority of people who call about this are older.

you sir have some dedication to go down this kind of rabbit hole! haha i love man. Good thing you're using privacy, I can't imagine having my cards charged monthly for this junk

My parents just last weekend fell for this exact scam (I'd say it is a scam for sure) and I had to break it to them, then sent them your video. Hopefully they'll be more careful in the future.

I've always been afraid to click on anything in those emails.

It's a scam. I dont think it's even legal to wrap someone into a term where you pay like that. Remember most terms and service aren't binding on websites like that. Click wrap agreements and just general agreements sitting there often fail on court. Which means they are probably out of the country.

As a general rule, if you're offered something for free, but they need your credit card # for any reason (generally for shipping and handling or to prove you're over 18 are the excuses given), be very wary. I used to do customer service for a credit card company and people getting unexpected charges due to subscriptions they never knowingly signed up for was a very common problem. The worst part was when reported as fraud, they didn't always get their money back since the bank contacts the company, is given some sort of "proof" that it was authorized, and then puts the charge right back on the card again...and adding insult to injury, some of these companies were able to keep charging people's cards even after the card info had gotten changed due to the fraud report.

This was one of the most common scams I dealt with at a credit card company, most of the calls I dealt with were people thinking they were getting iPhones and other devices just for the price of delivery, they would then be charged £50 monthly until it was flagged or they realised.

I received an email from my credit union requesting I fill out a survey. It sounded suspicious so I called the credit union and they confirmed it was a fake email. Don't be afraid to call the companies you do business with directly about suspicious emails. It might just save you some money and headaches down the road.

My spouse accidently fell for this, it was a text saying it was a "free" smartwatch from verizon. Same deal, pay for shipping. Got the same watch. Fortunately by that point we had cancelled her card so we didn't get dinged. BTW you had plugged in the watch backwards at least in your video. But you are not missing much. Crap quality, fake "heart rate" sensor that consists of two LEDs that magically pick up your O2 and heart rate even if its sitting on the desk.

I remember my dad taking this survey a few months ago. He took the survey and after your click next, it will ask some personal information and that is when he grew suspicious. I look at the email address and notice it wasn’t from Costco. Luckily he didn’t click submit and I think we didn’t get any personal information stolen.

I love how you’re very slick with these companies with the burner card. That is such a useful thing

I'd like to see you cover the scam ads that appear on and promoted by youtube. things like "how to get a free mini fridge" etc.

I just love this channel. Always exposing stuff that I want to see uncovered. Thank you, Ben Dover!

DUDE I FELL FOR THIS!! igot this same survey that looked sorta legit and so sneaky looked JUST LIKE THIS. i ended up paying 5.95 and 9.95 for shipping for 2 items. a flashlight and a friggin dash cam. they were zupposedly "gifts". anyways 2 weeks later i get charged like 109$ and 89$ for the 2 items. i called up the biz that charged my card and they say i signed up for a trial price. i immediately got and RMA # and mailed both items back. funny part is the items were so cheesy they were still on my counter i had no desire to use either

Can't wait to protect myself against those pesky scams!

Great video ben keep up the great work. I love what you do. I started busting discord scammers. Be safe.

Hi Ben, LOL, Have to say I love your videos and the way you present them. Keep them coming. I have watched a lot of "Scam" videos and I like yours the best by far.

Remember, READ each and everything in the terms and conditions (that is, if you can find them!)

My email is constantly full of these emails. They come from everywhere, Amazon, Menards, Costco............

Ben Thank you, as always, for the scam-busting episode! I always find these interesting… Also, the watch does actually charge by plugging it directly into a USB plug-in. I’ve had watches like this, and I believe that you had the watch upside-down in the charging brick. I’m interested to know whether or not the watch is really worth much of anything. If you still have the watch (and if you see this comment) could you try and charge the watch by flipping it over in the charging brick and see if the watch works at all? I’m intrigued to know!

The world needs more people like you who exposes scam like this. Funny also how cops don't do anything to stops those scammer (especially when they operate in the USA). But don't you dare to forgot to report your last $10 sale to the IRS though, or you can go to jail. O_o

I’m glad someone is able to do the legwork. I hesitate all the time with any of these take a survey emails. If they are not in my spam folder they get sent there. Thank you for all your hard work

Keep up the great work in exposing these scammers mate!

Clearly a scam. Thanks for bringing it to your viewers attention. I have clicked on these types of ads on You Tube, one around Christmas that I kept seeing was for a "free" tactical backpack - just pay S/H. But a little bit of homework disabused me of that notion.

Great video! I have filled in a few of these surveys, but as soon as I get asked for money I close it down. Still, this is good stuff to know; there are many of us who might end up in these situations, including me; so many thanks! And I heartily agree with the comment below, that this channel is great for jumping on new scams as they appear. Thank you for all your good work.

Thanks for all your excellent investigative work and providing this great service. Ironically, you’re in Utah which is a breeding ground for sketchy MLM’s and GRQ’s (get rich quick) schemes. Maybe it’s not ironic as living in Utah may have made you extra aware. I got scammed by a famous Utah company when I sold blenders in Costco for them. Here’s a suggestion: I think I’d be a good idea to highlight your Utah connection by saying… Utah is famous for volunteer missionaries and my mission is to help protect you and your family from all kinds of scams. We can all give back and make the world a better place so, this is what I do. Thanks for watching! >>Thanks again for doing this. I served in Belgium in 83-84. Lorne Holman in Calgary Alberta Canada 🇨🇦

Scammers are really stupid nowadays, we need them this stupid.

Yey! Another video 😀 First time I've ever seen a video "Uploaded 8 seconds ago".. hah..

I have been getting emails like these but I have been marking and reporting them in as spam... Great video... Keep up the great job PG... Love what you do...

Your videos are a great background for cleaning and other household things. Well made content and interesting topics. Thanks :)

I moved to ghana a few years ago, and I go to nigeria quite often. I ran into some scammers pretty quickly. I was amazed to see the other side of the scammer world. I would love to do some colaboration work with you and show what actually goes on at the other end

Hey Pleasant Green. We quite enjoy your videos exposing scams and scammers. Keep them coming!

i have been seeing these for YEARS. THANK YOU FOR EXPLAINING THEM!!!! i have never understood what the point of these fake survey websites were but it makes total sense now

Scams like this have been going on for at least 5 years (how long ive been dealing with it in a csr role within a bank) if there is ever anything that says "just pay shipping" its this. Facebook was rampant with them for awhile. The worst part of it is when you file a clam there is nothing the bank can do because they have documentation saying you approved it so they cant get your money back.

Those are chain emails that used to pay real money if you're able to complete the chain. The catch was you needed to "complete" offers just by clicking on links or opening new tabs with those links. That was ten years ago, now they're just a scam to get your information. The company that used to pay was overrun by scammers so it now pays in tokens for games.

Yes! Great video Ben, perfect timing during my lunch break, keep up the great work!

hi Ben :-) Since you asked about similar experiences, I have a story for you. This happened many years ago. I ordered a Samsung galaxy watch from a ad that came while I was playing a game on my mobile. the Ad was impressive and the watch, that was portrayed, was really nice. The price was USD 49.00. I took a chance and ordered one. As you guessed, it WAS a knock off and did not even work properly. As I had paid via PayPal, I was granted a refund, so I did not lose any money. Thank you for all that you do. regards and blessings. Andrew.

I used to work in the fraud & disputes department of a major credit card company. 75% of my calls were from people who fell for these types of scams/trial offers/. We had to explain that technically they WERE liable, as they DID accept the offer (thus, accepting all terms & conditions) and giving out you card number freely and knowingly does NOT constitute “fraud”. And, we could NOT block merchants or We even had to explain that by cancelling the credit card number wouldn’t help, as because they accepted terms & conditions for monthly subscription, said merchant could continue to charge the account. But we helped them regardless. There was a great satisfaction when I could get the “customer support “ agent to provide a refund & cancellation number on the spot. At one time we could call said merchant and fight on the customer’s behalf). Other times we had to file a dispute and send a chargeback to the merchant. We had to be. careful & precise in our wording on the dispute form. Usually “knockoff” product or defective/poorly made goods, as well as stating the fact that the offer terms were often not easy for the customer to locate. Most times the chargeback worked, but still the “customer’s responsibility” to have the recurring charges/membership cancelled. Oh what fun. Most of these calls were from older folk and hence, easily duped. I could go on and on with my experiences working for this credit card company. Hope my post can help educate as your videos always do.

Thank you for this video. I personally never respond to online customer satisfaction surveys

I got something like this before, I did a survey to get a free item. But, instead I got a catalog sent to me to get items at a good discount along with monthly fees, I told them I'm not interested. I had to call the 800# to cancel, a recording stated I needed to provide my social security number in order to cancel out. I just hung up the phone☎️🤬

Hello Ben, I really enjoy your videos! When you connected the watch to the usb wall charger try flipping it around the other way so the contacts touch the USB port. I’ve had these cheapo watches and they seem to be weird with the way that they charge. Great video!

I used to work for a company that shipped out supplement products (not realizing it was a scam) until we started opening letters addressed to us asking us to stop charging their cards. We never did and just threw the letters out. I’m sure they were getting their customers this way. Eventually I quit but people were getting charged sometimes up to $100 per bottle of pills. There were at least 6 different brands, prices, ingredients list, labels, however all used the same generic white pill bottles and whatever pills were pre-sealed inside. There were thousands of orders each month. Doing major numbers. The owners had a private jet they used to land and fly out of the air park across the street from the shop.

It would be interesting to give the watch to some tech person to open up and analyze. Maybe there's a secret message or some additional Terms & Conditions inside.

I enjoy your videos dude! :)

You are absolutely great Sir for sharing this to public and it stopped early.

Your videos are so enlightening and educational. I’m so glad I discovered you through Pierogi and the People’s Call Center collaboration.

I also encountered a different version of this type of scam. I didn't fall for it, and when they asked me for personal details I just wrote all the curse words I could think of.

I love watching your vids Keep up the work sir 💗

I have a watch like that one, you have to plug it into a computer USB to charge it. You then control it from your phone. It's real stupid. I got mine from Walmart for $20 just because I wanted something to track my steps without having to have my phone on me at all times. Good job exposing another scam. I get surveys in my junk email all the time. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't.

That is a perfect video! I get those emails almost daily and always delete them, but it is so great to find out what it really is!!!! Thank you!

The watch must go other way around in de adapter :D

I have a scam for you! Someone has pretended to hire my mother in law and she was so excited for the job and it’s really a fake check scam. My mother in law feels defeated and crushed this was fake. She was told she could be sued for leaving the job without a 30 day notice. This scammer has wasted her time and emotional bandwidth. Where can I report the scam?

I’ve decided to do a marathon and it’s INSANE how much better your newer videos are (mostly due to them not being only 2 minutes long) but you hold true. Seeing you first realize the struggles in 3rd world countries is weirdly satisfying. Not because I have some racist tension but because WE ALL who live in America take for granted some simple thing like going to western union. We don’t realize the real trouble that 3rd world citizens have to go through just to receive $14. Don’t forget what you’ve learned Ben Dover (I know that’s not your name) continue to grow and as you grow, remember to inform your audience that these people are not scamming because they are desperately evil but because for them, it’s that or rob and steel in person or murder, or humbly eat mud pies. Remind your audience directly that we have it good. That we could find daily prepared food in almost every dumpster if it came down to it. That water is so free we flush it. Remind them like you reminded me. A black man in America.

Thanks for doing this one. I’ve always wondered what they got out of those surveys.

My dad told me he won an iPhone. Then he paid 7 dollars for the shipping. Told him it was a scam. Then he told me to won a 2nd one. I am sure he paid for that one also. Never heard anything else after that. Sure we will be calling his credit card company to report a scam. The internet is scary place if you don't think everything is a scam.

Thank you so much, Br. Green, you saved me from a $580 scam :)

Great video 👍🏻. I get emails, like this one, frequently. I don’t even bother checking their fake email addresses anymore. I just hit “ delete”. It was interesting to find out what would actually happen if someone fell for this scam. Thanks, Pleasant Green, for letting us know how these emails work.

Could you do a video on the Publishers Clearing House scam. My great Uncle got his identity stolen by one just this week. I fear it's being done on a larger scale to elderly people as more people have gotten the same call. It appears very elaborate.

I never bite on online offers. If I need something I go to a store and buy it. I rather pay 100 dollars at a store than online which might come to 90 dollars after shipping.

Just found your channel interesting I couldn't tell you how many scams I have received ..I'm watching your video and I'm from Ohio to find out that the zip code is exactly the small town I live it . Wow thank you for exposing these scams .

I get these emails almost every day. it's amusing because I don't live in the US, so never shop at those stores or use those services. LOL, I just delete the emails without opening.

Thank you for looking into these survey emails. I have received so many from so many different businesses. I had followed through a couple of them but just up to the point where I had to choose something and pay for shipping. Deleting them became my next step after replying to a couple of them. I guess I made the right decision here and it is good to know that I am not missing out.

Looks like you plugged in the watch upside down in the charger. Did you try it in the other rotation as well? Gold contacts should go against the plastic "flap" inside the charger

New subscriber here! Thank you for the informative videos. You sir take scam-baiting to a whole other level!!

I love that you chase the rabbit so I don't try to. Thanks for the honest review.

Feels like a scam, sounds like a scam. At the very least it's a bait and switch operation using deceptive marketing in the extreme. More likely the "subscription service" you automatically get signed up for (is that even legal in the US? It isn't where I live) doesn't even exist and they just charge your card a small amount at semi-regular intervals using different names each time until you take notice (which for most people will take months if they ever notice because it gets overlooked in between all the other small charges) and never send you anything.

My dads gotten this email multiple times it's very annoying.

I have gotten so many of these emails recently so this video was perfect timing. Thank you for confirming my suspicions.

Literally the same thing happened to me but I dint do any surveys , it was for a pocket knife and it came with a flash light multi tool, it totaled to 10 dollars and a week or 2 later my bank sends me a email saying this company tried to charge me and if it wasn’t me to file it as fraudulent and get a new card number , thankfully my bank stopped it and I called them asking why they tried to charge me 54 dollars and they said I agreed to a subscription , I was lowkey mad but thank god I was not charged

How people are trying to scam others nowadays....ridiculous.

I'm writing this comment before I start watching I wonder what changes were made

Great vid 👌🏼 Thanks Ben!

While I haven't gotten any emails like this, it doesn't hurt to be aware of what's out there. It also doesn't mean I won't get any in the future. Thanks for sharing!

Its 100% a scam. Sending out cheap junk in order to get people to sign up to an expensive subscription that is also worthless is a scam!

Such scams are disguisting.

Thank you for your upload sir, been waiting for it

I enjoy watching you go into the rabbit hole of shady websites

I totally have not wanted to click on any of the 100 or so similar emails I've received like this. I was wondering what they were about but I was NOT about to click on one. Thank you, Pleasant Green for the info as I really wanted to know what the hussle was.

Akron represent! I love that you pronounced it wrong too!

Late to this one PG but my mother fell for something similar here in the uk recently but I was fortunate enough to get most of the money back after providing a lot of evidence about who the company was and trying giving them details about their registered companies in the uk where they seemingly got scared. With this watch I had a similar Garmin watch and when charging it I had to have it the other way around. Not sure if you still have it but worth a shot. Love the videos

You are definitely my favorite 😂 Thanks for all of the information

So well at discerning these shady things many people just forget about

You were correct on how to charge the watch just try to put the metal thingy in contact w the wall charger metal thingy

Ohhhh Ben Dover..you've done it again. I always get a good chuckle when I hear your name 😅. I wonder if the sellers ever pick up on it??? Do you have any suggestions for burner card sites outside the u.s? I tried to use the one you mentioned but it won't accept use in Australia. I'd love to use one for trial subscriptions? Thank you for another brilliant video. I got stuck in a rolling 'subscription ' once...easiest way to deal with it is contact your credit card provider and get them to block payments. Hope that helps someone out there!

Worst scam I fell for was on NewEgg. I bought a cheap knock off flight stick under the brand of PXN, they’re legit and make decent stuff for a cheap cost. At the time I couldn’t afford a expensive new flight stick, as my old Satiek bit the dust. So, a NewEgg seller had the PXN flight stick and throttle for 70$. Pretty good for that price at the time, but not low enough to raise any eyebrows. Seller had “organic” reviews, and 97.5%. I was like “hey, seems legit.” I bought it, they sent out my flight stick and sent me a “shipping number.” Week later they changed my order “they already shipped out” to a racing wheel you can get off wish for 5$ or Amazon for like 20$. Claimed that I ordered a racing wheel. “Good” thing I had the way back machine and the former order receipt and basically shown customer support that these fucks were frauds. Guess what? NewEgg didn’t give a shit, and the seller didn’t either. Never got a refund. The only scam I fell for. Deep down I knew better, yet I persisted.

I keep getting those for Ace Hardware. I wondered what the scam was! Thank you for this video.

I’ve actually considered clicking on some of the sites but changed my mind last minute. Once again thank you for educating me on the fake sites.