Legitimate ways to make some extra money which I currently am involved with are as follows:
I have a survey company that I deal with online which I earn points. I cash in those points either for gifts or restaurant gift cards. I do a survey about 2 times per week and get about $500 a year from that company. Another company I deal with, I receive mail on a regular basis, I have to log the mail with dates, enter them on the website and I get a check for $30 a month from them. It takes less than 5 minutes worth of work for the entire week to perform that task. I am also part of a survey/focus group that I get a monthly check for $300 for every month regardless how much work I do for them. I spend about 4-5 hours a month doing work for them but it is serious work. I also get sent products to evaluate and have to use and discuss and make suggestions for. At the end of the evaluation period I get to keep the products.
The other thing I do is mystery shop for restaurants. That is a lot of work and I don't do it much anymore. You have to go out to these restaurants and order specific items on specific days/times and do an evaluation. They reimburse you 100% including travel expenses X cents per mile deal. They may say, visit Olive Garden on Saturday xx, 2010 arrive at 6:30. Order this meal and this meal, appetizers, desert etc. You leave the suggested 15% tip and they will give you usually $10-$20 over what the bill is depending and you keep that as payment. Your meal is free, your fuel is free and you make a few bucks too. I registered with a family of 4 people even though I'm 3 and we usually take a friend with us when we go. I have received thousands of $$ worth of meals over the years and earn about $500-$600 a year on top of it all. Not a bad deal. Just be careful when you sign up for some of these places. If they ask for money upfront, they are not for real. All mine were free, but they have to accept you, it's not automatic.
Other than that, I have no ideas. Every little bit helps survive life though.
