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Survey Sites And Webcam Footage

Hi,

Still a newbie, so as with my first post, please accept my apologies if this has already been asked before.

I'm signing up with survey sites and some of them want me to let them upload software to my computer so they can configure my webcam for the purpose of doing video surveys for them.

Does anyone here do video surveys, and for which companies?

My concern is that if I allow them remote access to my computer, they could, in theory, download malware like key-logging software and access sensitive information like account details and passwords to those accounts. I don't want to cut myself off from any chance of earning extra money, but I don't want to put my online life and my computer at risk, either!

All feedback welcome.

Thanks :j

A. X

Comments

  • System
    System Posts: 178,227 Community Admin
    10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    I do webcam surveys for MySurvey, Swagbucks, GlobaltestMarket and similar. However I don't download software, I just allow it access to my microphone/webcam while in the survey.

    There are some that ask me to install an addon etc but I never bother, the money is far too low for that risk.
    This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
  • So you do see it as a potential risk, then?

    How do you know they haven't got access to your webcam after doing a survey?
  • System
    System Posts: 178,227 Community Admin
    10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Angel153 wrote: »
    So you do see it as a potential risk, then?

    How do you know they haven't got access to your webcam after doing a survey?

    There is a green light that appears to show that the webcam is on, also once that specific webpage is closed 1. the light would go off and 2. they no longer have access as it was only authorised via that page.

    Hope this helps :)
    This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
  • Yes, it does, thankyou Katy :)

    Just reading your pm now......thanks so much for replying.

    A. X
  • System
    System Posts: 178,227 Community Admin
    10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    You're welcome :) I'm always happy to help nice people if I can! I don't have any get rich quick schemes but I'll share my knowledge :)
    This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
  • culpepper
    culpepper Posts: 4,076 Forumite
    You can always put a cover on your webcam if you are worried about something accessing it when you havent allowed it to. I have one on mine, it is a piece of plastic that I slide along when I want to use the cam and slide back over it when finished. A piece of tin foil would do or you could make a flap to fold over and back. If you have a separate cam you could just put a little hood on it.
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