We have several measures in place to prevent fraud and scams on Prolific, and we continuously evolve our fraud detection systems. However, it's important to stay vigilant and be aware of common warning signs. If you notice anything odd or suspicious, please report it immediately. Here are some warning signs to look out for:
- Requests for personal information:
We allow selected researchers, approved by Prolific, to collect personal data / personally identifiable information (PII) in their studies, this includes inviting participants to take part in in-person studies. Full information can be found here: Personal information in studies.
Legitimate studies collecting personal data, will contain a personal data collection warning. The personal data collection warning will list which personal data you will be asked to provide. This will allow you to make an informed decision to choose to take part in the study or not. Taking part in these studies is totally up to you. Choosing not to, won't negatively affect your account in any way.The majority of researchers aren't permitted to ask for personal data / personally identifiable information.
Be cautious if someone impersonating a prolific employee asks for sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank account details, or passwords.
Legitimate studies on Prolific will not request financial / highly sensitive information under any circumstance. For example:- Passport or other ID details
- Bank account details
- Any account log in details
- Unsolicited payment requests: No researcher should ask you to send them money or make a payment outside of the Prolific platform. Prolific handles all payments securely within the platform.
- Unusual study requirements: Pay attention to any study requirements that seem unusual or unrelated to the research topic. For example, if a study asks you to download suspicious files or visit unfamiliar websites, it could be a red flag.
Your safety and security are our top priorities. If you encounter any suspicious activity or have concerns about a study or researcher, please report it immediately using the “report study button”. If you’re ever unsure or have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our Support team.
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