Bots are contaminating survey data at an alarming rate. Automated scripts, server farms, and sophisticated AI responses can completely distort your findings. The good news is that most bot attacks follow predictable patterns, and you can stop them with layered defenses that don't hurt real participants.
Beyond automated bots, survey fraud often comes from humans gaming the system. People create fake demographics to qualify for studies, submit multiple responses for extra rewards, or provide low-effort answers just to collect payment. These behaviors can be harder to detect than bot activity, but the right combination of verification, incentive design, and quality checks can dramatically reduce fraud while maintaining genuine participation.