Consumer Fraud Survey -- Draft Pretest

Outbound
Gallup 2016 Federal Trade
Commission/FTC FRAUD SURVEY
The Gallup Organization
Project #
Practice:

SECOND DRAFT
Export Date:

QBank Id: 11975

Eldo Project:

Translations: YES

Verbatims: YES

Field Date: April, 2017

Quota: 3700 (2590
Cell phone/1110
Landline)

Study Code:
s
i

Group ID:

PA: TIM DEAN
CS: DAWN ROYAL
PROGRAMMER:

DESIGNER:

QID:199951

CASEID
QID:49758

Gallup® is a trademark of Gallup, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of
their respective owners. Copyright © 2013-2016 Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved.

I.D. #:
CASEID(1-6)

FVALIFON
QID:49759

**AREA CODE AND TELEPHONE NUMBER:
FVALIFON(1161-1179)

CINTTIME
QID:49760

**INTERVIEW TIME:
CINTTIME(1716-1721)

ENTITYID
QID:117057

ENTITY_ID
(Programmer: Code from fone file)
ENTITYID(916-925)

1

(Programmer: Code from fone file)
QNSB
QID:33653

SAMPLE TYPE:
1
2

Landline
Cell Phone
QNSB(100)
QNSBTST(100)
QNSB_1(178)

QNSC
QID:586952

(If code 1 in QNSB:)

SOFT QUOTAS:
11
12
13
21
22
23
31
32
33
41
42
43

Northeast – High Density African
American
Northeast - High Density Hispanic
Northeast - Other
Midwest – High Density African
American
Midwest - High Density Hispanic
Midwest – Other
South – High Density African American
South - High Density Hispanic
South - Other
West – High Density African American
West - High Density Hispanic
West – Other
TOTAL

27
27
145
54
8
173
78
45
293
15
81
164
1110

(If code 2 in QNSB:)
SOFT QUOTAS:
Region/Time Zone Total
11
12
13
21
22
23
31

Northeast – High Density African
American
Northeast - High Density Hispanic
Northeast - Other
Midwest – High Density African
American
Midwest - High Density Hispanic
Midwest – Other
South – High Density African

63
63
338
126
18
403
182

2

32
33
41
42
43

STATABV
QID:34347

American
South - High Density Hispanic
South - Other
West – High Density African
American
West - High Density Hispanic
West – Other
TOTAL

105
685
35
189
384
2590

STATE:
(Programmer: Code from fone file)
AL
AK
AZ
AR
CA
CO
CT
DE
DC
FL
GA
HI
ID
IL
IN
IA
KS
KY
LA
ME
MD
MA
MI
MN
MS
MO
MT
NE
NV
NH
NJ
NM
NY
NC
ND
OH
OK

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Washington, D.C.
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
NO Carolina
NO Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma

3

OR
PA
RI
SC
SD
TN
TX
UT
VT
VA
WA
WV
WI
WY

Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
SO Carolina
SO Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
W Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

STATABV(101-102)

4

INTRO1
QID:200565

QID:142894

Hello, this is __________, from Gallup. We are conducting a pre-test of a
national research survey on behalf of the Federal Trade Commission, an agency
of the U.S. government. In addition to asking you the survey questions, I will
periodically ask for your opinion on how a particular question is asked and get
your feedback on how the question might be improved. This is strictly a research
project, and no sales calls will be made as a result of your participation. Your
participation in this survey is completely voluntary.
First, have I reached you on a landline phone or on a cell phone?
(Interviewer: If respondent says ‘home phone,’ ‘VOIP/Internet phone,’ or
any type of phone other than a cell or mobile phone, code as ‘1.’)
1
2
3
4
5

Landline
Cell Phone
(DK)
(Refused)
(Business Line-Landline or Cell)
[VOLUNTEERED]
INTRO1 (2021)
INTRO1ASK(2305)

QID:150179

INTRO2
QID:200565

(Programmer: Note #1:)
Skip: (If code 5 in INTRO1, Thank and Terminate; If Code 2 in INTRO1 or
code 2 in QNSB and code 3 or 4 in INTRO1, Skip to FRECCONS;
Otherwise, Continue)

(If code 1 in INTRO1 OR CODE 2 IN QNSB AND CODE 3 OR 4 IN INTRO1,
READ:) In order to keep our poll random, we need to select one adult in your
household. So please think about everyone living in your household age 18 or
older. May I please speak with the person who will have the next birthday?
(Interviewer: If necessary, probe by saying:) May I speak to the person who
will celebrate the next birthday?)
(Interviewer: If necessary, probe by saying:) Is that person available?)
(Interviewer: If necessary, read:) Asking for the person with the next birthday is
how we randomly choose our survey respondents, which makes our research
more representative of the U.S.)
(Interviewer: If respondent has difficulty figuring out next birthday, read:) I
need to speak to the person in your household who will be celebrating the next
birthday. Please think about everyone who lives in your household, 18 years of
age or older, and their birthdays. Is the person who will have the next birthday
5

available?)
(Interviewer: If respondent asks “Do you have approval to do this? “Under
what authority are you doing this?” or “How do I know that my answers will
be confidential?” read: This survey is being conducted under the authority of
the FTC Act. We will not ask for your name or any other personally identifying
information. Your responses to our questions will be combined with those of
others who participate in the survey. The project has been approved by the
Office of Management and Budget, which assigned OMB Control Number 30840125.
1
4
7
8
9

Yes, available - (Continue)
(SURVENT NOTE: Landline only:)
Next birthday respondent not available (Skip to QNSL1B)
Respondent not available or call him/her
later - (Set time to call back)
(Soft Refusal)
(Refused) - (Thank and Terminate)
INTRO2(2301)
INTRO2B(2301)
INTRO2A(2301)

QNSL1B
QID:162818

Interviewer: This case will be now be suspended - please type in the name
or age/gender of the respondent who has been selected so that the
callback can be directed to the appropriate person.
(Interviewer: IF NECESSARY, READ:) So that we can reach this person more
easily when we call back, can you please tell me this person's first name or
initials?)
(Interviewer: IF NECESSARY, READ:) If you prefer to not give me their first
name, could you tell me their age and gender so we know who to ask for when
we call back?)
(Interviewer: IF NO INFORMATION PROVIDED, ENTER: "18 + NB")
(Programmer: Suspend Survey)

(Interviewer: When suspended survey resumes, read:)
QNSL1C
QID:162823

Hello, this is _________, from Gallup. We are conducting a pre-test of a national
research survey on behalf of the Federal Trade Commission, an agency of the
U.S. government. Can I please speak with (SURVENT NOTE: pull info on burn
line)? We are conducting a research project, and you have been randomly
selected to respond to this survey. In addition to asking you the survey questions,
6

I will periodically ask for your opinion on how a particular question is asked and
get your feedback on how the question might be improved. No sales calls will be
made as a result of your participation. Your participation in this survey is
completely voluntary.
(Interviewer: If respondent asks “Do you have approval to do this? “Under
what authority are you doing this?” or “How do I know that my answers will
be confidential?” read: This survey is being conducted under the authority of
the FTC Act. We will not ask for your name or any other personally identifying
information. Your responses to our questions will be combined with those of
others who participate in the survey. The project has been approved by the
Office of Management and Budget, which assigned OMB Control Number 30840125.
1
2
7
8

Yes, male respondent available
Yes, female respondent available
Respondent not available
(Refused)
QNSL1C(2022)

QID:509803

Skip: (If code 1 or 2 in QNSL1C, Continue;
If code 7 in QNSL1C, Suspend Survey and Reset to QNSL1C;
If code 8 in QNSL1C, Thank and Terminate)
(Programmer: All interviews are recorded. The recording begins when the
respondent answers the phone. This statement is read after the "Continue"
response is entered after the Introduction and before the first question.)

FRECCONS
QID:49761

This interview will be recorded for internal quality assurance.
1
2

Continue
(Refused) - (Thank and Terminate)
FRECCONS(1984)

7

QNSC6
QID:33674

Please tell me your age.
(Programmer: (Open ended and code actual age))
(Interviewer: If respondent asks “Do you have approval to do this? “Under
what authority are you doing this?” or “How do I know that my answers will
be confidential?” read: This survey is being conducted under the authority of
the FTC Act. We will not ask for your name or any other personally identifying
information. Your responses to our questions will be combined with those of
others who participate in the survey. The project has been approved by the
Office of Management and Budget, which assigned OMB Control Number 30840125.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35

01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35

43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77

43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77

85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99

85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97 or older
(DK)
(Refusal)

8

36
37
38
39
40
41
42

36
37
38
39
40
41
42

78
79
80
81
82
83
84

78
79
80
81
82
83
84
QNSC6(2381-2383)

QID:118640

Skip: (If code 01-17 in SC6, Thank and Terminate; If code 98 or 99 Continue;
Otherwise, Skip to INTRO3)

QNSC7

Can you tell me which age range best fits you? Are you (read 1-7)

QID:xxx

INTRO3
QID:200565

Q1CLK
QID:34365

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

18 to 24
25 to 34
35 to 44
45 to 55
55 to 64
65 to 74
75 and over

8
9

(DK)
(Refused)

Skip: (If code 8 or 9 Thank and Terminate
Otherwise, Continue)

Before proceeding further, I need to provide the following brief disclosure: This
survey is being conducted under the authority of the FTC Act. We will not ask for
your name or any other personally identifying information. Your responses to our
questions will be combined with those of others who participate in the survey.
The project has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget, which
assigned OMB Control Number 3084-0125.

SECTION CLOCK:
Q1CLK(xxx-xxxx)

(Interviewer: READ#1:)
9

QID:xxxx

The first few questions are about some experiences you personally might have
as a consumer...

TELEMARKETERS AND UNSOLICITATE MAIL
Q1
QID:XXX

Have you, yourself, received a telemarketing phone call in the past year?
1
2
8
9

Yes – Continue to first randomized pair (Q2_1 or
Q3_1)
No – Skip to next set of randomized questions
(Q4_1 – Q5_3)
(DK) – Skip to next set of randomized questions
(Q4_1– Q5_3)
(Refused) – Skip to next set of randomized
questions (Q4_1– Q5_3)

Q1(XXXX)
NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD
VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. How difficult or easy was it to answer this question?
b. Was it clear to you what the term “telemarketing” meant? What comes to mind when
you hear the term?
PROGRAMMER: Read and rotate pairs in Q2_1 to Q3_2. If code 1-“yes” in the
question pair (the “_1” item), ask follow-up (the “_2” item), otherwise if end of
randomized block (Q2_1-Q3_1) skip to next set of randomized questions (Q4_1–
Q5_3).
Q2_1
QID:XXX

In the past YEAR, have you bought anything from a telemarketer who called
you?
1
2
8
9

Yes – Continue
No, Did not make any purchases from
telemarketers – Skip to Next Randomized Pair
(DK) – Skip to Next Randomized Pair
(Refused) – Skip to Next Randomized Pair
Q2_1(XXXX)

Q2_2
QID:XXX

Did you make any purchases from a telemarketer who was selling for a company
with which you had NOT previously done business?
1

Yes, Made purchase(s) from a company with
which had not previously done business
10

2
8
9

No, Made purchase(s), but only from sellers with
whom had previously done business
(DK)
(Refused)
Q2_2(XXXX)

(ALL IN Q2_2, Skip to Next Randomized Pair in Q2_1 to Q3_1; If End of Randomized
Pairs, Go to next set of randomized questions (Q4_1– Q5_3))
Q3_1
QID:XXX

In the past YEAR, have you contributed to a charity after receiving a
telemarketing call from the charity?
1
2
8
9

Yes – Continue
No, Did not make any such contributions –
Skip to Next Randomized Pair
(DK) – Skip to Next Randomized Pair
(Refused) – Skip to Next Randomized Pair
Q3_1(XXXX)

Q3_2
QID:XXX

Did you make such contributions to a charity to which you had NOT previously
donated?
1
2
8
9

Yes, Contributed to a charity or charities to
whom had not previously contributed
No, Contributed but only to a charity or
charities to whom had previously contributed
(DK)
(Refused)
Q3_2(XXXX)

(ALL IN Q3_2, Skip to Next Randomized Pair in Q2_1 to Q3_1; If End of Randomized
Pairs, Go to next set of randomized questions (Q4_1– Q5_3))
Q4_1
QID:XXX

In the past YEAR, after hearing an ad on the radio or seeing a television ad or
infomercial, have you purchased anything from a seller with whom you had not
previously done business?
1
2

Yes – Continue
No, Did not make any such purchases –
Skip to Next Randomized Pair
11

8
9

(DK) – Skip to Next Randomized Pair
(Refused) – Skip to Next Randomized Pair
Q4_1(XXXX)

Q4_2
QID:XXX

In making this purchase, did you visit a store or did you place the order by phone,
Internet, or mail?
1
2
3
8
9

Purchased from a store
Ordered by phone, internet or mail
Made purchases BOTH from a store and
ordered by phone, internet, or mail
(DK)
(Refused)
Q4_2(XXXX)

(ALL IN Q4_2, Skip to Next Randomized Pair in Q4_1 to Q5_3; If End of Randomized
Pairs, Go to Read #1a)
Q5_1
QID:XXX

In the past YEAR, after receiving an unsolicited commercial email or SPAM, have
you purchased anything from a seller with which you had NOT previously done
business?
1
2
8
9

Yes – Continue
No, Did not make any such purchases –
Skip to Next Randomized Pair
(DK) – Skip to Next Randomized Pair
(Refused) – Skip to Next Randomized Pair
Q5_1(XXXX)

Q5_2
QID:XXX

In making this purchase, did you visit a store or did you place the order by phone,
Internet, or mail?
1
2
03
8
9

Purchased from a store
Ordered by phone, internet or mail
Made purchases BOTH from a store and
ordered by phone, internet, or mail
(DK)
(Refused)
12

Q5_2(XXXX)
(ALL IN Q5_2, Skip to Next Randomized Pair in Q4_1 to Q5_3; If End of Randomized
Pairs, Go to Read #1a)

Q5_3
QID:XXX

In the past YEAR, after receiving an unsolicited piece of mail, have you
purchased anything from a seller with which you had NOT previously done
business?
1
2
8
9

Yes – Continue
No, Did not make any such purchases –
Skip to Next Randomized Pair
(DK) – Skip to Next Randomized Pair
(Refused) – Skip to Next Randomized Pair
Q5_3(XXXX)

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: (IF respondent
answers yes to the item continue to PROBES)
a. Can you tell a little more about the mail you received, was it in an envelope, an ad from
a store, a postcard or something else?
Q5_4
QID:XXX

In making this purchase, did you visit a store or did you place the order by phone,
Internet, or mail?
1
2
03
8
9

Purchased from a store
Ordered by phone, internet or mail
Made purchases BOTH from a store and
ordered by phone, internet, or mail
(DK)
(Refused)
Q5_4(XXXX)

(ALL IN Q5_4, Skip to Next Randomized Pair in Q4_1 to Q5_3; If End of Randomized
Pairs, Go to Read #1a)

13

SPECIFIC TYPES OF FRAUD
READ #1a
QID:215579

Now I'd like to read you a list of experiences that some consumers have had.
For each of the following, please tell me which of these things, if any, have
happened to you in the past YEAR, that is since (PROGRAMMER: pull in date
from one year ago).
(Programmer: Randomly assign:)

BLOCKS
QID:xxx

BLOCK ORDER
1
2
3
4
5
6

A
B
C
D
E
F
BLOCKS(XXX)

PROGRAMMER: (Randomize Sections A-F As Blocks: Block A (Q6_1-Q17_11),
Block B (Q18_1-Q25_11), Block C (Q26_1-Q33_11), Block D (Q34_1-Q39_11),
Block E (Q40_1-Q41_11), And Block F (Q42_1-Q45_11), then Block G.

14

BLKA_R1_CLK
QID:
SECTION

CLOCK:

BLOCK A STARTS HERE
ROTATION FOR BLOCK A (PROGRAMMER RANDOMIZE)
1
2
3
4
5
6

Q6_1 – Q7_11 – mortgage modification on home so could
avoid foreclosure and keep home
Q8_1 – Q9_11 – remove negative, but true, information from
credit record
Q10_1 – Q11_11 – help obtain credit by creating a new
identity or new credit record
Q12_1 – Q13_11 – provide credit card insurance
Q14_1 – Q15_11 – provide credit card or loan, but required
that a fee before receiving
Q16_1 – Q17_11 – reduce or eliminate credit card debts or
promised to get the interest rate or monthly payments on
credit cards reduced

(PROGRAMMER: WITHIN BLOCK A, RANDOMIZE THE FOLLOWING GROUPS OF
QUESTIONS Q6_1 – Q7_11; Q8_1- Q9_11, Q10_1 – Q11_11, Q12_1 - Q13_11, Q14_1 –
Q15_11, AND Q16_1 -17_11)
ROTATION GROUP 1 IN BLOCK A - promised to obtain a modification of the mortgage on home so could
avoid foreclosure and keep your home

Q6_1
QID:xxxx

In the past year, have you paid money to anyone who promised to
obtain a modification of the mortgage on your home so that you
could avoid foreclosure and keep your home?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A

15

Q6_2.
QID:xxxx

How many times have you paid someone to do this in the last year?
If you made multiple payments in connection with the same
promised mortgage modification, please only count this as one
time.
(Programmer note: block code 10-97)
0
1
6
7
8
9

None – Go back to Q6_1 and recode as code 2
016
7
8
9 or more

98
99

(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 5-9 in Q6_2 continue, otherwise skip to Note before Q6_4)
Q6_3.
QID:xxxx

You said that you paid someone to arrange a mortgage
modification for you (response in Q6_2) times in the last year. Is
this correct?
1
2
8
9

NOTE #2:
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- Go back to Q6_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q6_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q6_2 and adjust response

(If code 2-9 in Q6_2 read:) Thinking now about the most recent time you paid
someone to arrange a mortgage modification for you …

16

Q6_4.
QID:xxxx

Were all the payments you made to obtain this mortgage modification
made to your mortgage lender or the company to whom you make your
monthly payments or were at least some payments made to someone
else?
1

8

At least some payments were made
to someone other than mortgage
lender or the company to whom you
make monthly payments
All payments were made to
mortgage lender or the company to
whom you make monthly payments
(DK)

9

(Refused)

2

Q6_5
QID:xxxx

- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in
Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in
Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in
Block A

Were you required to pay something to the person or company offering to
arrange the mortgage modification before the modification was arranged
or were all payments made after the modification was received?
1
2
8
9

Q6_6
QID:xxxx

- CONTINUE

Payments were required before the
- CONTINUE
loan modification was received
All payments were made after the loan - SKIP to Next Rotational Q in
modification was received
Block A
(DK)
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in
Block A
(Refused)
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in
Block A

And, did the efforts of this person or company result in your being offered an
actual modification of your mortgage loan
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- Skip to Q7_1
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A

17

Q6_7
QID:xxxx

Before you paid any money to the person or company promising to arrange the
mortgage modification, did the person lead you to believe that the modified
mortgage would have specific terms, like how much your monthly payment would
be or how much lower it would be than what you were then paying?
1
2
8
9

Q6_8
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A

Which of the following best describes terms of the modified mortgage you were
offered? Were your terms .. (Read and rotate responses top to bottom and
bottom to top codes 1-4.)?
1

8

significantly better than what you had been
led to expect
generally about what you had been led to
expect
significantly worse than what you had been
led to expect
(DK)

9

(Refused)

2
3

- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in
Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in
Block A
- Continue to Q7_1
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in
Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in
Block A

18

Q7_1.
QID:xxxx

How did you first learn about this offer to modify your mortgage?(Open end and
code) Interviewer: read list 06-18 if necessary)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08

from an Internet website
from an email
from a television advertisement or infomercial

09

from a mail advertisement or solicitation,
including from a catalog
from a telephone call (a telemarketer)
from a store you visited
from someone who came to your home
from a radio advertisement
from a poster or flier
from a magazine or newspaper advertisement
from a social media site, such as Facebook,
Twitter, YouTube, or blogs
from a friend or family member
when you were billed for offer to modify your
mortgage

10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

Qxx(xxxx)
(If code 06 in Q7_1, continue; if Code 17 in Q7_1 go to Q7_4, if code 18 in Q7_1 go to
Q7_5; otherwise skip to Q7_3)
Q7_2.
QID:xxxx

Was this an Internet auction site, an online classified ad site like Craigs List, or
some other type of Internet web site?
1
2

An Internet auction site
An online classified ad site such
as Craigs List

3
8
9

Another Internet web site
(DK)
(Refused)

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. How difficult or easy was it to answer this question?
b. Was it clear to you what the term “internet auction site” meant? What comes to mind
when you hear the term?
19

Q7_3
QID:xxxx

Q7_3a.
QID:xxxx

Was the information about this mortgage offer presented in English or some
other language?
1

English

2
8
9

Some other language
(DK)
(Refused)

In what language was the information provided?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Q7_4.
QID:xxxx

English
Spanish
Chinese/Mandarin
Japanese
French
Hindi
Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

And how did you purchase this mortgage offer (read and rotate 1-4, then 5)?
1
2
3
4
5
8
9

Q7_5
QID:xxxx

- Autocode Q7_3a as 1 and Skip
to Q7_4
- Continue
- Skip to Q7_4
- Skip to Q7_4

Visited a store
Ordered on the telephone
Mailed in an order
Ordered from internet site
Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

And how much did you actually end up paying for this offer to modify your
mortgage? If you paid something but later received a refund of all or part of the
money you paid, please do not include the amount that was refunded.
00,000
00,001
99,997
99998
99999

None/$0000
$0001$99,997 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 500 – 99997 in Q7_5, continue, if code 0 in Q7_5 skip to Q7_10; otherwise skip
20

to Q7_9)
Q7_5a.
QID:xxxx

You said you paid (response from Q7_5) – Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Q7_9.
QID:xxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- Go back to Q7_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q7_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q7_5 and re-enter response

And, how did you pay for this mortgage offer ? For example, did you provide
your credit card or credit card number; did you pay with cash, write a check or
give the seller your checking account number; or did you pay in some other way?
(Do NOT read; Open end and code) Probe for detail in answer to fit code list
if possible.
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11

Cash
Credit Card
Wrote a check
Gave your debit card number linked to your bank account
Gave your checking account number
Pre-paid Debit card like GreenDot, MoneyPak, Vanilla Ice, or
Reloadit Card – that you had previously put money on
Gift card like Amazon, Target or iTunes
Money order or wire transfer, like Western Union, MoneyGram,
or the post office
Charged to your telephone, cable television account, or internet
services bill
Mobile or Internet payment method such as PayPal, Apple Pay,
Google Wallet

12
13
14
15

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 09 or 11,
ASK CONTINUE TO PROBE A, OTHERWISE SKIP to B.
a. What type of debit card was it?
b. Can you briefly describe to me how you paid/what was involved in the process?
(If code 13 in Q7_9 Continue, otherwise skip to Q7_10)
21

Q7_9a.
QID:xxx

And, what kind of money order or wire transfer was this? (Interviewer read
codes 06-09 and 01 )
01
02
03
04

Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06

You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who transferred the money electronically.
You went online to the website of a company like Western
Union or Money Gram and had the money transferred
You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who gave you a paper money order that you then
used to pay the seller
You gave money to someone at the Post Office who gave you
a paper money order that you then used to pay the seller

07
08
09

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. What type of debit card was it?
Q7_10.
QID:xxx .

And, did you complain to anyone officially or unofficially about your experience
with this offer?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODES 2, 8 OR
9, PROBE
a. Did you talk to anyone about what happened? What about a friend or family
member?
b. IF YES to PROBE ask: Tell a little more about why you did not consider talking to
[INSERT PERSON REFERENCE ABOVE] complaining to someone unofficially?
(If code 1 in Q7_10 continue, otherwise - SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A)

22

Q7_11.
QID:xxx .

To whom did you complain? (Open ended and code) (PROBE FOR THREE
RESPONSES:) Did you complain to anyone else?
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Family or friends / tell family or friends not to buy from the seller
The company that sold the product
The product manufacturer
The Better Business Bureau
A bank
A credit card company
A local consumer agency
The local police department
The Department of Motor Vehicles
A local consumer help line
The state Attorney General or state consumer agency
The Federal Trade Commission/FTC
Another federal agency (SPECIFY)
Complained to the phone company
Complained to an Internet service provider

BLKA_R2_CLK
QID:
SECTION

CLOCK:

ROTATION GROUP 2 IN BLOCK A - promised to remove negative, but true, information from credit record
Q8_1
QID:xxxx

In the past YEAR, have you paid money to anyone who promised
to remove negative, but true, information from your credit record?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A

23

Q8_2.
QID:xxxx

How many times have you paid someone to do this in the past
year? If you made multiple payments in connection with the same
transaction, please only count this as one time.

(Programmer note: block code 10-97)
0
1
6
7
8
9
98
99

None – Go back to Q6_1 and recode as code 2
016
7
8
9 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 5-9 in Q8_2 continue, otherwise skip to Note before Q8_4)
Q8_3.
QID:xxxx

You said that that this happened to you (response in Q8_2) times
in the last year . Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

NOTE #3:
QID:xxxx

Q8_4.
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- Go back to Q8_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q8_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q8_2 and adjust response

(If code 2-92-9 in Q8_2 read:) Thinking now about the most recent time this
happened to you …
Was the negative, but true, information removed from your credit record
as promised?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- CONTINUE
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A

24

Q9_1.
QID:xxxx

How did you first learn about this offer to remove negative, but true, information
from your credit record? (Open end and code) (Interviewer: read list 06-18 if
necessary)
01
Other (List)
02
(DK)
03
(Refused)
04
HOLD
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

from an Internet website
from an email
from a television advertisement or
infomercial
from a mail advertisement or solicitation,
including from a catalog
from a telephone call (a telemarketer)
from a store you visited
from someone who came to your home
from a radio advertisement
from a poster or flier
from a magazine or newspaper
advertisement
from a social media site, such as
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or blogs
from a friend or family member
when you were billed to remove
negative but true information from your
credit report
Qxx(xxxx)

(If code 06 in Q9_1, continue; if code 17 in Q9_1 go to Q9_4, if code 18 in Q9_1 go to
Q9_5; otherwise skip to Q9_3)
Q9_2.
QID:xxxx

Was this an Internet auction site, an online classified ad site like Craigs List, or
some other type of Internet web site?
1
2

An Internet auction site
An online classified ad site such
as Craigs List

3
8
9

Another Internet web site
(DK)
(Refused)

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. How difficult or easy was it to answer this question?
25

b. Was it clear to you what the term “internet auction site” meant? What comes to mind
when you hear the term?
Q9_3
QID:xxxx

Q9_3a.
QID:xxxx

Was the information about this offer presented in English or some other
language?
1

English

2
8
9

Some other language
(DK)
(Refused)

In what language was the information provided?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Q9_4.
QID:xxxx

English
Spanish
Chinese/Mandarin
Japanese
French
Hindi
Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

And how did you purchase this service (read and rotate 1-4, then 5)?
1
2
3
4
5
8
9

Q9_5
QID:xxxx

- Autocode Q9_3a as 1 and Skip
to Q9_4
- Continue
- Skip to Q9_4
- Skip to Q9_4

Visited a store
Ordered on the telephone
Mailed in an order
Ordered from internet site
Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

And how much did you actually end up paying for this offer to remove information
from your credit report? If you paid something but later received a refund of all or
part of the money you paid, please do not include the amount that was refunded.
00,000
00,001
99,997
99998

None/$0000
$0001$99,997 or more
(DK)
26

99999

(Refused)

(If code 500 – 99997 in Q9_5, continue, if code 0 in Q9_5 skip to Q9_10; otherwise skip
to Q9_9)
Q9_5a.
QID:xxxx

You said you paid (response from Q9_5) – Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Q9_9.
QID:xxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- Go back to Q9_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q9_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q9_5 and re-enter response

And, how did you pay for this transaction? For example, did you provide your
credit card or credit card number; did you pay with cash, write a check or give the
seller your checking account number; or did you pay in some other way? (Do
NOT read; Open end and code)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08

Cash
Credit Card
Wrote a check

09
10
11

Gave your debit card number linked to your bank account
Gave your checking account number
Pre-paid Debit card like GreenDot, MoneyPak, Vanilla Ice, or
Reloadit Card – that you had previously put money on
Gift card like Amazon, Target or iTunes
Money order or wire transfer, like Western Union, MoneyGram,
or the post office
Charged to your telephone, cable television account, or internet
services bill
Mobile or Internet payment method such as PayPal, Apple Pay,
Google Wallet

12
13
14
15

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 09
or 11, ASK CONTINUE TO PROBE A, OTHERWISE SKIP to B.
a. What type of debit card was it?
b. Can you briefly describe to me how you paid/what was involved in the process?
(If code 13 in Q9_9 Continue; otherwise skip to Q9_10)
27

Q9_9a.
QID:xxx

And, what kind of money order or wire transfer was this? (Open ended and
code.) Interviewer, read 06-09 and 01 if needed
01
02
03
04

Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06

You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who transferred the money electronically.
You went online to the website of a company like Western
Union or Money Gram and had the money transferred
You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who gave you a paper money order that you then
used to pay the seller
You gave money to someone at the Post Office who gave you
a paper money order that you then used to pay the seller

07
08
09
Q9_10.
QID:xxx .

And, did you complain to anyone officially or unofficially about your experience
with this offer?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODES 2, 8 OR
9, PROBE
a. Did you talk to anyone about what happened? What about a friend or family
member?
b. IF YES to PROBE ask: Tell a little more about why you did not consider talking to
[INSERT PERSON REFERENCE ABOVE] complaining to someone unofficially?
(If code 1 in Q9_10 continue, otherwise - SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A)

28

Q9_11.
QID:xxx .

To whom did you complain? (Open ended and code) (PROBE FOR THREE
RESPONSES:) Did you complain to anyone else?
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Family or friends / tell family or friends not to buy from the seller
The company that sold the product
The product manufacturer
The Better Business Bureau
A bank
A credit card company
A local consumer agency
The local police department
The Department of Motor Vehicles
A local consumer help line
The state Attorney General or state consumer agency
The Federal Trade Commission/FTC
Another federal agency (SPECIFY)
Complained to the phone company
Complained to an Internet service provider

BLKA_R3_CLK
QID:
SECTION

CLOCK:

ROTATION GROUP 3 IN BLOCK A - help obtain credit by creating a new identity or new credit record
Q10_1
QID:xxxx

In the past YEAR, have you paid money to anyone who promised
to help you obtain credit by creating a new identity or new credit
record?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A

29

Q10_2.
QID:xxxx

How many times have you paid someone to do this in the past
year? If you made multiple payments in connection with the same
transaction, please only count this as one time.
(Programmer note: block codes 10-97)
0
1
6
7
8
9
98
99

None – Go back to Q6_1 and recode as code 2
016
7
8
9 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 5-9 in Q10_2 continue, otherwise skip to Note before Q10_4)
Q10_3.
QID:xxxx

You said that that this happened to you (response in Q10_2) times
in the last year . Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- Go back to Q10_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q10_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q10_2 and adjust response

30

NOTE #4:
QID:xxxx

Q11_1.
QID:xxxx

(If code 2-9 in Q10_2 read:) Thinking now about the most recent time this
happened to you …
How did you first learn about this offer to help you obtain credit by creating a new
identity or new credit record? (Open end and code) (Interviewer: read list 0618 if necessary)
01
Other (List)
02
(DK)
03
(Refused)
04
HOLD
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

from an Internet website
from an email
from a television advertisement or
infomercial
from a mail advertisement or solicitation,
including from a catalog
from a telephone call (a telemarketer)
from a store you visited
from someone who came to your home
from a radio advertisement
from a poster or flier
from a magazine or newspaper
advertisement
from a social media site, such as
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or blogs
from a friend or family member
when you were billed for this offer to
help you obtain new credit by creating a
new identity or new credit report
Qxx(xxxx)

(If code 06 in Q11_1, continue; if code 17 go to Q11_4; if code 18 in Q11_1 go to Q11_5;
otherwise skip to Q11_3)
Q11_2.
QID:xxxx

Was this an Internet auction site, an online classified ad site like Craigs List, or
some other type of Internet web site?
1
2

An Internet auction site
An online classified ad site such
as Craigs List

3
8
9

Another Internet web site
(DK)
(Refused)
31

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. How difficult or easy was it to answer this question?
b. Was it clear to you what the term “internet auction site” meant? What comes to mind
when you hear the term?
Q11_3
QID:xxxx

Q11_3a.
QID:xxxx

Was the information about this offer presented in English or some other
language?
1

English

2
8
9

Some other language
(DK)
(Refused)

In what language was the information provided?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Q11_4.
QID:xxxx

English
Spanish
Chinese/Mandarin
Japanese
French
Hindi
Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

And how did you purchase this service (read and rotate 1-4, then 5)?
1
2
3
4
5
8
9

Q11_5
QID:xxxx

- Autocode Q11_3a as 1 and Skip
to Q11_4
- Continue
- Skip to Q11_4
- Skip to Q11_4

Visited a store
Ordered on the telephone
Mailed in an order
Ordered from internet site
Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

And how much did you actually end up paying for this offer to help you obtain
credit by creating a new identity or new credit record? If you paid something but
later received a refund of all or part of the money you paid, please do not include
the amount that was refunded.
00,000

None/$0000
32

00,001
99,997
99998
99999

$0001$99,997 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 500 – 99997 in Q11_5, continue, if code 0 in Q11_5 skip to Q11_10; otherwise
skip to Q11_9)
Q11_5a.
QID:xxxx

You said you paid (response from Q11_5) – Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Q11_9.
QID:xxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- Go back to Q11_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q11_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q11_5 and re-enter response

And, how did you pay for this transaction? For example, did you provide your
credit card or credit card number; did you pay with cash, write a check or give the
seller your checking account number; or did you pay in some other way? (Do
NOT read; Open end and code)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11

Cash
Credit Card
Wrote a check
Gave your debit card number linked to your bank account
Gave your checking account number
Pre-paid Debit card like GreenDot, MoneyPak, Vanilla Ice, or
Reloadit Card – that you had previously put money on
Gift card like Amazon, Target or iTunes
Money order or wire transfer, like Western Union, MoneyGram,
or the post office
Charged to your telephone, cable television account, or internet
services bill
Mobile or Internet payment method such as PayPal, Apple Pay,
Google Wallet

12
13
14
15

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 09 or 11,
ASK CONTINUE TO PROBE A, OTHERWISE SKIP to B.
a. What type of debit card was it?
b. Can you briefly describe to me how you paid/what was involved in the process?
33

(If code 13 in Q11_9 Continue; otherwise skip to Q11_10)
Q11_9a.
QID:xxx

And, what kind of money order or wire transfer was this? (Interviewer read
codes 06-09 and 01)
01
02
03
04

Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06

You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who transferred the money electronically.
You went online to the website of a company like Western
Union or Money Gram and had the money transferred
You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who gave you a paper money order that you then
used to pay the seller
You gave money to someone at the Post Office who gave you
a paper money order that you then used to pay the seller

07
08
09
Q11_10.
QID:xxx .

And, did you complain to anyone officially or unofficially about your experience
with this offer?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODES 2, 8 OR
9, PROBE
a. Did you talk to anyone about what happened? What about a friend or family
member?
b. IF YES to PROBE ask: Tell a little more about why you did not consider talking to
[INSERT PERSON REFERENCE ABOVE] complaining to someone unofficially?
(If code 1 in Q11_10 continue, otherwise - SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A)

34

Q11_11.
QID:xxx .

To whom did you complain? (Open ended and code) (PROBE FOR THREE
RESPONSES:) Did you complain to anyone else?
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Family or friends / tell family or friends not to buy from the seller
The company that sold the product
The product manufacturer
The Better Business Bureau
A bank
A credit card company
A local consumer agency
The local police department
The Department of Motor Vehicles
A local consumer help line
The state Attorney General or state consumer agency
The Federal Trade Commission/FTC
Another federal agency (SPECIFY)
Complained to the phone company
Complained to an Internet service provider

BLKA_R4_CLK
QID:
SECTION

CLOCK:

ROTATION GROUP 4 IN BLOCK A - provide with credit card insurance
Q12_1
QID:xxxx

In the past YEAR, have you paid money to anyone who promised
to provide you with credit card insurance?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. How difficult or easy was it to answer this question?
b. Have you ever heard of credit card insurance? How does it work?

35

Q12_2.
QID:xxxx

How many times have you paid someone to do this in the past
year? If you made multiple payments in connection with the same
transaction, please only count this as one time.

(Programmer note: block codes 10-97)
0
1
6
7
8
9
98
99

None – Go back to Q6_1 and recode as code 2
016
7
8
9 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 5-9 in Q12_2 continue, otherwise skip to Note before Q12_4)
Q12_3.
QID:xxxx

You said that that this happened to you (response in Q12_2) times
in the last year . Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

NOTE #4:
QID:xxxx

Q12_4.
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- Go back to Q12_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q12_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q12_2 and adjust response

(If code 2-9 in Q12_2 read:) Thinking now about the most recent time this
happened to you …

What was the insurance supposed to protect you against? Was it to protect you
against: (Read and rotate 1 and 2)?
1
2
3
4
8
9

Unauthorized use if your card was lost or stolen
Falling behind in your payments if you lost your
job or became ill
(Both)
(Other) (LIST)
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 1 or 3 in Q12_4 continue, otherwise skip to next Rotational Q in
Block A)
36

Q13_1.
QID:xxxx

How did you first learn about this promise to provide you with credit card
insurance? (Open end and code) (Interviewer: read list 06-18 if necessary)
01
Other (List)
02
(DK)
03
(Refused)
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

from an Internet website
from an email
from a television advertisement or
infomercial
from a mail advertisement or solicitation,
including from a catalog
from a telephone call (a telemarketer)
from a store you visited
from someone who came to your home
from a radio advertisement
from a poster or flier
from a magazine or newspaper
advertisement
from a social media site, such as
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or blogs
from a friend or family member
when you were billed for this offer to
provide you with credit card insurance
Qxx(xxxx)

(If code 06 in Q13_1, continue; if code 17 go to Q13_4; if code 18 in Q13_1 go to Q13_5;
otherwise skip to Q13_3)

Q13_2.
QID:xxxx

Was this an Internet auction site, an online classified ad site like Craigs List, or
some other type of Internet web site?
1
2

An Internet auction site
An online classified ad site such
as Craigs List

3
8
9

Another Internet web site
(DK)
(Refused)

37

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. How difficult or easy was it to answer this question?
b. Was it clear to you what the term “internet auction site” meant? What comes to mind
when you hear the term?
Q13_3
QID:xxxx

Q13_3a.
QID:xxxx

Was the information about this service presented in English or some other
language?
1

English

2
8
9

Some other language
(DK)
(Refused)

In what language was the information provided?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Q13_4.
QID:xxxx

- Autocode Q13_3a as 1 and Skip
to Q13_4
- Continue
- Skip to Q13_4
- Skip to Q13_4

English
Spanish
Chinese/Mandarin
Japanese
French
Hindi
Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

And how did you purchase this service (read and rotate 1-4, then 5)?
1
2
3
4
5
8
9

Visited a store
Ordered on the telephone
Mailed in an order
Ordered from internet site
Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

38

Q13_5
QID:xxxx

And how much did you actually end up paying for this promise to provide you
with credit card insurance? If you paid something but later received a refund of
all or part of the money you paid, please do not include the amount that was
refunded.
00,000
00,001
99,997
99998
99999

None/$0000
$0001$99,997 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 500 – 99997 in Q13_5, continue, if code 0 in Q13_5 skip to Q13_10; otherwise
skip to Q13_9)
Q13_5a.
QID:xxxx

You said you paid (response from Q13_5) – Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Q13_9.
QID:xxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- Go back to Q13_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q13_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q13_5 and re-enter response

And, how did you pay for this transaction? For example, did you provide your
credit card or credit card number; did you pay with cash, write a check or give the
seller your checking account number; or did you pay in some other way? (Do
NOT read; Open end and code)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11

Cash
Credit Card
Wrote a check
Gave your debit card number linked to your bank account
Gave your checking account number
Pre-paid Debit card like GreenDot, MoneyPak, Vanilla Ice, or
Reloadit Card – that you had previously put money on
Gift card like Amazon, Target or iTunes
Money order or wire transfer, like Western Union, MoneyGram,
or the post office
Charged to your telephone, cable television account, or internet
services bill
Mobile or Internet payment method such as PayPal, Apple Pay,
Google Wallet

12
13
14
15

39

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 09 or 11,
ASK CONTINUE TO PROBE A, OTHERWISE SKIP to B.
a. What type of debit card was it?
b. Can you briefly describe to me how you paid/what was involved in the process?
(If code 13 in Q13_9 Continue, otherwise skip to Q13_10)
Q13_9a.
QID:xxx

And, what kind of money order or wire transfer was this? (Interviewer read
codes 06-09 and 01)
01
02
03
04

Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06

You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who transferred the money electronically.
You went online to the website of a company like Western
Union or Money Gram and had the money transferred
You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who gave you a paper money order that you then
used to pay the seller
You gave money to someone at the Post Office who gave you
a paper money order that you then used to pay the seller

07
08
09
Q13_10.
QID:xxx .

And, did you complain to anyone officially or unofficially about your experience
with this offer
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODES 2, 8 OR
9, PROBE
a. Did you talk to anyone about what happened? What about a friend or family
member?
b. IF YES to PROBE ask: Tell a little more about why you did not consider talking to
[INSERT PERSON REFERENCE ABOVE] complaining to someone unofficially?
(If code 1 in Q13_10 continue, otherwise - SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A)
40

Q13_11.
QID:xxx .

To whom did you complain? (Open ended and code) (PROBE FOR THREE
RESPONSES:) Did you complain to anyone else?
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Family or friends / tell family or friends not to buy from the seller
The company that sold the product
The product manufacturer
The Better Business Bureau
A bank
A credit card company
A local consumer agency
The local police department
The Department of Motor Vehicles
A local consumer help line
The state Attorney General or state consumer agency
The Federal Trade Commission/FTC
Another federal agency (SPECIFY)
Complained to the phone company
Complained to an Internet service provider

BLKA_R5_CLK
QID:
SECTION

CLOCK:

ROTATION GROUP 5 IN BLOCK A - to provide credit card or loan, but required that a fee before receiving
Q14_1
QID:xxxx

In the past YEAR, have you paid money to anyone who promised
to provide you with a credit card or loan, but required that you pay a
fee before you received the credit card or loan?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A

41

Q14_2.
QID:xxxx

How many times have you paid someone to do this in the past
year? If you made multiple payments in connection with the same
transaction, please only count this as one time.

(Programmer note: block codes 10-97)
0
1
6
7
8
9
98
99

None – Go back to Q6_1 and recode as code 2
016
7
8
9 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 5-9 in Q14_2 continue, otherwise skip to Note before Q14_4)
Q14_3.
QID:xxxx

You said that that this happened to you (response in Q14_2) times
in the last year . Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

NOTE #5:
QID:xxxx

Q14_4.
QID:xxxx

- CONTINUE
- Go back to Q14_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q14_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q14_2 and adjust response

(If code 2-9 in Q14_2 read:) Thinking now about the most recent time this
happened to you …
Were you promised a credit card, a mortgage loan, or another type of loan?
1
2
3
8
9

Q14_5.
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

Credit card
Mortgage
Other type of loan
(DK)
(Refused)

Did you actually receive the promised loan or credit card?
1
2

Yes
No
42

8
9

(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 1 or 3 in Q14_4 continue; otherwise skip to next rotational Q in Block A)
Q14_6.
QID:xxxx

Were you required to make a payment before you received the credit card or
loan or were you to pay after the credit card or loan was received? For example,
if you were promised a credit card, did you make the payment before you got the
card or was the charge to be included on your first bill?
1
2
8
9

Paid before credit card or loan was received
Paid after credit card or loan was received
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 1 or 3 in Q14_4 (credit card) and code 2 in Q14_5 (didn’t receive)
and code 1 in Q14_6 (paid before received) continue; otherwise skip to next
rotational Q in Block A)
Q15_1.
QID:xxxx

How did you first learn about this promised credit card or loan? (Open end and
code) (Interviewer: read list 06-18 if necessary)
01
Other (List)
02
(DK)
03
(Refused)
04
HOLD
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

from an Internet website
from an email
from a television advertisement or
infomercial
from a mail advertisement or solicitation,
including from a catalog
from a telephone call (a telemarketer)
from a store you visited
from someone who came to your home
from a radio advertisement
from a poster or flier
from a magazine or newspaper
advertisement
from a social media site, such as
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or blogs
from a friend or family member
when you were billed for this credit card
or loan
Qxx(xxxx)
43

(If code 06 in Q15_1, continue; if Code 17 in Q15_1 go to Q15_4; if code 18 in Q15_1 go
to Q15_5; otherwise skip to Q15_3)
Q15_2.
QID:xxxx

Was this an Internet auction site, an online classified ad site like Craigs List, or
some other type of Internet web site?
1
2

An Internet auction site
An online classified ad site such
as Craigs List

3
8
9

Another Internet web site
(DK)
(Refused)

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. How difficult or easy was it to answer this question?
b. Was it clear to you what the term “internet auction site” meant? What comes to mind
when you hear the term?
Q15_3
QID:xxxx

Q15_3a.
QID:xxxx

Was the information about this offer presented in English or some other
language?
1

English

2
8
9

Some other language
(DK)
(Refused)

- Autocode Q15_3a as 1 and Skip
to Q15_4
- Continue
- Skip to Q15_4
- Skip to Q15_4

In what language was the information provided?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

English
Spanish
Chinese/Mandarin
Japanese
French
Hindi
Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

44

Q15_4.
QID:xxxx

And how did you purchase this promised credit card or loan (read and rotate 14, then 5)?
1
2
3
4
5
8
9

Q15_5
QID:xxxx

Visited a store
Ordered on the telephone
Mailed in an order
Ordered from internet site
Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

And how much did you actually end up paying for this promise credit card or
loan? If you paid something but later received a refund of all or part of the
money you paid, please do not include the amount that was refunded.
00,000
00,001
99,997
99998
99999

None/$0000
$0001$99,997 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 500 – 99997 in Q15_5, continue, if code 0 in Q15_5 skip to Q15_10; otherwise
skip to Q15_9)
Q15_5a.
QID:xxxx

You said you paid (response from Q15_5) – Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- Go back to Q15_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q15_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q15_5 and re-enter response

45

Q15_9.
QID:xxx

And, how did you pay for this transaction? For example, did you provide your
credit card or credit card number; did you pay with cash, write a check or give the
seller your checking account number; or did you pay in some other way? (Do
NOT read; Open end and code)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11

Cash
Credit Card
Wrote a check
Gave your debit card number linked to your bank account
Gave your checking account number
Pre-paid Debit card like GreenDot, MoneyPak, Vanilla Ice, or
Reloadit Card – that you had previously put money on
Gift card like Amazon, Target or iTunes
Money order or wire transfer, like Western Union, MoneyGram,
or the post office
Charged to your telephone, cable television account, or internet
services bill
Mobile or Internet payment method such as PayPal, Apple Pay,
Google Wallet

12
13
14
15

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 09 or 11,
ASK CONTINUE TO PROBE A, OTHERWISE SKIP to B.
a. What type of debit card was it?
b. Can you briefly describe to me how you paid/what was involved in the process?
(If code 13 in Q15_9 Continue; otherwise skip to Q15_10)
Q15_9a.
QID:xxx

And, what kind of money order or wire transfer was this? (Interviewer read
codes 06-09 and 01)
01
02
03
04

Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06

You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who transferred the money electronically.
You went online to the website of a company like Western
Union or Money Gram and had the money transferred
You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who gave you a paper money order that you then
used to pay the seller

07
08

46

09
Q15_10.
QID:xxx .

You gave money to someone at the Post Office who gave you
a paper money order that you then used to pay the seller

And, did you complain to anyone officially or unofficially about your experience
with this service?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODES 2, 8 OR
9, PROBE
a. Did you talk to anyone about what happened? What about a friend or family
member?
b. IF YES to PROBE ask: Tell a little more about why you did not consider talking to
[INSERT PERSON REFERENCE ABOVE] complaining to someone unofficially?
(If code 1 in Q15_10 continue, otherwise - SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A)
Q15_11.
QID:xxx .

To whom did you complain? (Open ended and code) (PROBE FOR THREE
RESPONSES:) Did you complain to anyone else?
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Family or friends / tell family or friends not to buy from the seller
The company that sold the product
The product manufacturer
The Better Business Bureau
A bank
A credit card company
A local consumer agency
The local police department
The Department of Motor Vehicles
A local consumer help line
The state Attorney General or state consumer agency
The Federal Trade Commission/FTC
Another federal agency (SPECIFY)
Complained to the phone company
Complained to an Internet service provider

BLKA_R6_CLK
QID:
SECTION

CLOCK:
47

ROTATION GROUP 6 IN BLOCK A - to reduce or eliminate credit card debts or promised to get the
interest rate or monthly payments on credit cards reduced
Q16_1.
QID:xxxx
In the past YEAR, have you paid money to anyone who promised

to (read and rotate) A and B:?
1
2
8
9
A
B

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)
Reduce or eliminate your credit card debts
Get the interest rate or monthly payments on your credit cards
reduced

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 01 in
Q16_1A or Q16_1B, PROBE
a. Did you seek this person or company out or did they reach out to you?
b. IF SO, How did they reach out to you?
(If code 1 in Q16_1A or code 1 in Q16_1B continue, Otherwise skip to next
rotational Q in block A)
Q16_2.
QID:xxxx

How many times in the last year have you paid money to someone
who promised to reduce your credit card debt or get your monthly
payments or interest rates reduced? If you made multiple
payments in connection with the same program, please only count
this set of payments as one time.

(Programmer note: block codes 10-97)
0
1
6
7
8
9
98
99

None – Go back to Q6_1 and recode as code 2
016
7
8
9 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 5-9 in Q16_2 continue, otherwise skip to Note before Q16_4)
48

49

Q16_3.
QID:xxxx

You said that that this happened to you (response in Q16_2) times
in the last year . Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

QID:xxxx

Q16_4.
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- Go back to Q16_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q16_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q16_2 and adjust response

(If code 2-9 in Q16_2 read:) Thinking now about the most recent time you paid
someone to reduce your credit card debt or to get your monthly payments or
interest rates reduced …

Did the person promise to make payments to your credit card company on your
behalf, to get your credit card company to reduce the interest rate it charges you,
or to do both?
1
2
3
4
8
9

Make payments to your creditors
Get your credit card company to reduce the
interest rate it charges you
Both
(Other) (LIST)
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 1 or 3 in Q16_4 Continue, if code 2 in Q16_4, Skip to Q16_10; Otherwise skip to
next Question in Rotational Block A)
Q16_5.
QID:xxxx

Are you still making payments under this plan?
1
2
8
9

Q16_6.
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- Continue
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A

Using the seller’s services were you able to pay off what you owed on at least
one of your credit cards?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- SKIP to Q16_8
- Continue
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
50

Q16_7.
QID:xxxx

When you dropped out of the program, did the seller provide you with a refund of
all of the money you had paid to them?
1
2
8
9

Q16_8.
QID:xxxx

- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- Skip to Note before Q17_1
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A

Did the person promise to negotiate with your creditors to reduce the amount of
money you had to pay to settle your debts?
1
2
8
9

Q16_9.
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A

Which of the following best describes how much the debts that were paid off
were reduced? Were your debts… (Read and Rotate responses top to bottom
and bottom to top; rotate codes 1-4 or 4-1.)
1

4

Reduced as much or more than you had been led to
expect
Reduced at least half as much as you had been led to
expect
Reduced less than half as much as you had been led
to expect
Your debts were not reduced at all

8
9

(DK)
(Refused)

2
3

(If code 2, 3 or 4 in Q16_9, Skip to Note before Q17_1; Otherwise skip to
next Question in Rotational Block A)
Q16_10.
QID:xxxx

Which of the following best describes the reduction in the interest rate on your
credit card as a result of the efforts of this person? Was the interest rate on your
credit card… … (Read and Rotate responses top to bottom and bottom to
top; rotate codes 1-4 or 4-1.)

51

1
2
3
4
8
9

Reduced as much or more than you had been led to
expect it would be
Reduced at least half as much as you had been led to
expect it would be
Reduced less than half as much as you had been led
to expect it would be
Your interest rate was not reduced at all
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 2, 3 or 4 in Q16_10 Continue; Otherwise skip to next Question in Rotational
Block A)
Q17_1.
QID:xxxx

How did you first learn about this offer to reduce your credit card debt (Open end
and code) (Interviewer: read list 06-18 if necessary)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08

from an Internet website
from an email
from a television advertisement or
infomercial
from a mail advertisement or solicitation,
including from a catalog
from a telephone call (a telemarketer)
from a store you visited
from someone who came to your home
from a radio advertisement
from a poster or flier
from a magazine or newspaper
advertisement
from a social media site, such as
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or blogs
from a friend or family member
when you were billed to reduce your
credit card debt or get your monthly
payments or interest rates reduced

09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

Qxx(xxxx)
(If code 06 in Q17_1, continue; if Code 17 in Q17_1 go to Q17_4; if code 18 in Q17_1 go
to Q17_5; otherwise skip to Q17_3)
52

Q17_2.
QID:xxxx

Was this an Internet auction site, an online classified ad site like Craigs List, or
some other type of Internet web site?
1
2

An Internet auction site
An online classified ad site such
as Craigs List

3
8
9

Another Internet web site
(DK)
(Refused)

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. How difficult or easy was it to answer this question?
b. Was it clear to you what the term “internet auction site” meant? What comes to mind
when you hear the term?
Q17_3
QID:xxxx

Q17_3a.
QID:xxxx

Was the information about this offer presented in English or some other
language?
1

English

2
8
9

Some other language
(DK)
(Refused)

In what language was the information provided?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Q17_4.
QID:xxxx

- Autocode Q17_3a as 1 and Skip
to Q17_4
- Continue
- Skip to Q17_4
- Skip to Q17_4

English
Spanish
Chinese/Mandarin
Japanese
French
Hindi
Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

And how did you purchase this help to reduce your credit card debt (read and
rotate 1-4, then 5)?
1
2
3

Visited a store
Ordered on the telephone
Mailed in an order
53

4
5
8
9
Q17_5
QID:xxxx

Ordered from internet site
Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

And how much did you actually end up paying for this promised help to reduce
your credit card debt? If you paid something but later received a refund of all or
part of the money you paid, please do not include the amount that was refunded.
00,000
00,001
99,997
99998
99999

None/$0000
$0001$99,997 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 500 – 99997 in Q17_5, continue, if code 0 in Q17_5 skip to 17_10; otherwise skip
to Q17_9)
Q17_5a.
QID:xxxx

You said you paid (response from Q17_5) – Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Q17_9.
QID:xxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- Go back to Q17_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q17_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q17_5 and re-enter response

And, how did you pay for this transaction? For example, did you provide your
credit card or credit card number; did you pay with cash, write a check or give the
seller your checking account number; or did you pay in some other way? (Do
NOT read; Open end and code)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11

Cash
Credit Card
Wrote a check
Gave your debit card number linked to your bank account
Gave your checking account number
Pre-paid Debit card like GreenDot, MoneyPak, Vanilla Ice, or
Reloadit Card – that you had previously put money on
54

12
13
14
15

Gift card like Amazon, Target or iTunes
Money order or wire transfer, like Western Union, MoneyGram,
or the post office
Charged to your telephone, cable television account, or internet
services bill
Mobile or Internet payment method such as PayPal, Apple Pay,
Google Wallet

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 09 or 11,
ASK CONTINUE TO PROBE A, OTHERWISE SKIP to B.
a. What type of debit card was it?
b. Can you briefly describe to me how you paid/what was involved in the process?
(If code 13 in Q17_9 Continue, otherwise skip to Q17_10)
(If code 09 in Q17_9 Continue)

Q17_9a.
QID:xxx

And, what kind of money order or wire transfer was this? (Interviewer read
codes 06-09 and 01)
01
02
03
04

Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06

You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who transferred the money electronically.
You went online to the website of a company like Western
Union or Money Gram and had the money transferred
You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who gave you a paper money order that you then
used to pay the seller
You gave money to someone at the Post Office who gave you
a paper money order that you then used to pay the seller

07
08
09
Q17_10.
QID:xxx .

And, did you complain to anyone officially or unofficially about your experience
with this offer?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A
55

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODES 2, 8 OR
9, PROBE
a. Did you talk to anyone about what happened? What about a friend or family
member?
b. IF YES to PROBE ask: Tell a little more about why you did not consider talking to
[INSERT PERSON REFERENCE ABOVE] complaining to someone unofficially?
(If code 1 in Q17_10 continue, otherwise - SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block A)
Q17_11.
QID:xxx .

To whom did you complain? (Open ended and code) (PROBE FOR THREE
RESPONSES:) Did you complain to anyone else?
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Family or friends / tell family or friends not to buy from the seller
The company that sold the product
The product manufacturer
The Better Business Bureau
A bank
A credit card company
A local consumer agency
The local police department
The Department of Motor Vehicles
A local consumer help line
The state Attorney General or state consumer agency
The Federal Trade Commission/FTC
Another federal agency (SPECIFY)
Complained to the phone company
Complained to an Internet service provider

OVERALL BLOCK A: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. Overall, how easy or difficult was to answer the questions on the specific types of fraud?
b. Were any of the fraud questions unclear? IF YES: Which ones?
c. When you indicated that you had had certain experiences, we asked you a series of
questions about how you learned about and purchased the product, how much you
paid, and whether you had complained to anyone about your experience. Were these
questions clear? If not, can you remember specific questions that you found confusing?
d. Do you have any final feedback for me about how we could improve the questions?
56

BLKB_CLK
QID:
SECTION

CLOCK:

BLOCK B STARTS HERE
SECTIONS IN BLOCK B (NO NEED TO RANDOMIZE BLOCKS AS Q18B FILTERS)
1
2
3
4

Q18a
QID:xxxx

Q18_1 – Q19_11 – billed for internet product or service which
you did not agree to purchase
Q20_1 – Q21_11 – billed for cell phone related product which
did not agree to purchase
Q22_1 – Q23_11 – billed for membership which did not agree
to purchase
Q24_1 – Q25_11 – billed for other product or service did not
agree to purchase

In the past year, have you been charged or billed for a product or
service which you did not agree to purchase or have you been
billed for an amount that was substantially more than you expected
to pay? This could include a situation where you were offered a
free trial of the product or service and were subsequently billed
even though you had not agreed to continue beyond the end of the
free trial period. It could include an instance in which a charge was
placed on your credit card or money was taken from your checking
account.
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- SKIP to Next Rotational Block
- SKIP to Next Rotational Block
- SKIP to Next Rotational Block

COGNITIVE PROBE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. Overall, how easy or difficult was to answer this question?
b. Was it clear to you what the question was asking? Was there anything that was
confusing to you?
c. Did the description/example provided make it easier for you to understand what the
question was asking?
d. Is there anything you think could be added or removed from the question to make it
easier for respondents to understand/answer?

57

BLKB_R1_CLK
QID:
SECTION
Q18b:
QID:xxxx

I would like to know more about the product or service for which you were billed
but had not agreed to purchase or for which you were billed substantially more
than you had expected .Was this billing or additional amount you billed for (Read
and rotate A-C, then D):
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

A

An Internet related services, such as internet
access or web site hosting or development, that
you had not agreed to purchase?
A cell phone related product which did not agree to
purchase
A Buyers membership club which did not agree to
purchase
An other product or service did not agree to
purchase

B
C
D

Q18c
QID:xxxx

CLOCK:

(If code 2-9 to ALL IN Q18b, ask:) You said earlier that you were billed for a
product or service which you did not agree to purchase or have you been billed
for an amount that was substantially more than you expected to pay, can you
describe that instance? (open ended enter verbatims)

ROTATION GROUP 1 IN BLOCK B - billed for internet product or service which you did not agree to
purchase

(If code 1 in Q18bA continue; else, Skip to note before Q20_1)
Q18_1

there is no Q18_1

Q18_2.
QID:xxxx

Now, thinking about being charged or billed for Internet related
services, such as internet access or web site hosting or
development, that you had not agreed to purchase, How many
times has this happened in the last year? If you were billed more
than once for the same unauthorized item, please only count this as
one time.
(Programmer note: block codes 10-97)
58

0
1
6
7
8
9
98
99

None – Go back to Q6_1 and recode as code 2
016
7
8
9 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 5-9 in Q18_2 continue, otherwise skip to Note before Q18_4)
Q18_3.
QID:xxxx

You said that that this happened to you (response in Q18_2) times
in the last year. Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

NOTE #7:
QID:xxxx

Q18_4.
QID:xxxx

- CONTINUE
- Go back to Q18_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q18_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q18_2 and adjust response

(If code 2-9 in Q18_2 read:) Thinking now about the most recent time this
happened to you …
What was the service for which you were billed? Was it for a service you
had never agreed to purchase, though you may have accepted an offer for
a free trial period? Was it continued billing after you asked to cancel a
service for which you had been paying? Or, did it involve some other
situation??
1
2
3
8
9

Q18_5.
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

A service for which you had never agreed to pay
Continued billing after cancelling a service for
which you had been paying
Other (If “Other” ask and record verbatim:
“And, could you please briefly describe the
situation to me?”)
(DK)
(Refused)

Did you try to get the seller to give you a refund or otherwise make an
adjustment?
1
2

Yes
No

- CONTINUE
- Skip to Q19_5
59

8
9
Q18_6.
QID:xxxx

(DK)
(Refused)

- Skip to Q19_5
- Skip to Q19_5

And was the seller willing to provide a refund, or otherwise make an adjustment
that satisfied you?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block B
- CONTINUE
- CONTINUE
- CONTINUE

There are no Q19_1 through Q19_4
Q19_5
QID:xxxx

And how much did you actually end up paying for the internet related service that
you didn’t agree to purchase? If you paid something but later received a refund of
all or part of the money you paid, please do not include the amount that was
refunded.
00,000
00,001
99,997
99998
99999

None/$0000
$0001$99,997 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 500 – 99997 in Q19_5, continue, if code 0 in Q19_5 skip to Q19_10; otherwise
skip to Q19_9)
Q19_5a.
QID:xxxx

You said you paid (response from Q19_5) – Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- Go back to Q19_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q19_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q19_5 and re-enter response

(If code 2 in Q18_4, skip to Q19_10 (complain); Otherwise if code 1, 8 or 9 in Q18_4, Skip
to Q19_1 (how first learn)
Q19_9.
QID:xxx

And, how did you pay for these services? For example, did you provide your
credit card or credit card number; did you pay with cash, write a check or give the
60

seller your checking account number; or did you pay in some other way? (Do
NOT read; Open end and code)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11

Cash
Credit Card
Wrote a check
Gave your debit card number linked to your bank account
Gave your checking account number
Pre-paid Debit card like GreenDot, MoneyPak, Vanilla Ice, or
Reloadit Card – that you had previously put money on
Gift card like Amazon, Target or iTunes
Money order or wire transfer, like Western Union, MoneyGram,
or the post office
Charged to your telephone, cable television account, or internet
services bill
Mobile or Internet payment method such as PayPal, Apple Pay,
Google Wallet

12
13
14
15

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 09 or 11,
ASK CONTINUE TO PROBE A, OTHERWISE SKIP to B.
a. What type of debit card was it?
b. Can you briefly describe to me how you paid/what was involved in the process?
(If code 13 in Q19_9 continue; otherwise skip to note before Q19_1)
Q19_9a.
QID:xxx

And, what kind of money order or wire transfer was this? (Interviewer
read codes 06-09 and 01)
01
Some other way (List)
02
(DK)
03
(Refused)
04
HOLD
06
07
08
09

You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who transferred the money electronically.
You went online to the website of a company like Western
Union or Money Gram and had the money transferred
You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who gave you a paper money order that you then
used to pay the seller
You gave money to someone at the Post Office who gave you
a paper money order that you then used to pay the seller
61

(If code 2 in Q18_4, (continued billing after cancelling), Skip to Q19_10
(complain); Otherwise Continue)
Q19_1.
QID:xxxx

How did you first learn about these internet related product you didn’t agree to
pay ? (Open end and code) (Interviewer: read list 06-18 if necessary)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08

from an Internet website
from an email
from a television advertisement or infomercial

09

from a mail advertisement or solicitation, including from a catalog

10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

from a telephone call (a telemarketer)
from a store you visited
from someone who came to your home
from a radio advertisement
from a poster or flier
from a magazine or newspaper advertisement
from a social media site, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or blogs
from a friend or family member
when you were billed for [If code 1 in Q18_4 read: the internet service
for which you had never agreed to pay/If code 4 in Q18_8 read: after
cancelling a service for which you had been paying]
Qxx(xxxx)

(If code 06 in Q19_1, continue; if Code 17 in Q19_1 go to Q19_4; if 9 code 18 in Q19_1
skip Q19_10; otherwise skip to Q19_3)
Q19_2.
QID:xxxx

Was this an Internet auction site, an online classified ad site like Craigs List, or
some other type of Internet web site?
1
2

An Internet auction site
An online classified ad site such
as Craigs List

3
8
9

Another Internet web site
(DK)
(Refused)

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
62

a. How difficult or easy was it to answer this question?
b. Was it clear to you what the term “internet auction site” meant? What comes to mind
when you hear the term?
Q19_3
QID:xxxx

Q19_3a.
QID:xxxx

Was the information about this service presented in English or some other
language?
1

English

2
8
9

Some other language
(DK)
(Refused)

In what language was the information provided?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Q19_4.
QID:xxxx

- Autocode Q19_3a as 1 and Skip
to Q19_4
- Continue
- Skip to Q19_4
- Skip to Q19_4

English
Spanish
Chinese/Mandarin
Japanese
French
Hindi
Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

And how did you purchase this product (read and rotate 1-4, then 5)?
1
2
3
4
5
8
9

Visited a store
Ordered on the telephone
Mailed in an order
Ordered from internet site
Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

There are no Q19_5 – Q19_9c
Q19_10.
QID:xxx .

And, did you complain to anyone officially or unofficially about your experience
with this service]?
1

Yes

- Continue
63

2
8
9

No
(DK)
(Refused)

- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block B
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block B
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block B

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODES 2, 8 OR
9, PROBE
a. Did you talk to anyone about what happened? What about a friend or family
member?
b. IF YES to PROBE ask: Tell a little more about why you did not consider talking to
[INSERT PERSON REFERENCE ABOVE] complaining to someone unofficially?
(If code 1 in Q19_10 continue, otherwise - SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block B)
Q19_11.
QID:xxx .

To whom did you complain? (Open ended and code) (PROBE FOR THREE
RESPONSES:) Did you complain to anyone else?
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Family or friends / tell family or friends not to buy from the seller
The company that sold the product
The product manufacturer
The Better Business Bureau
A bank
A credit card company
A local consumer agency
The local police department
The Department of Motor Vehicles
A local consumer help line
The state Attorney General or state consumer agency
The Federal Trade Commission/FTC
Another federal agency (SPECIFY)
Complained to the phone company
Complained to an Internet service provider

64

BLKB_R2
_CLK
QID:
SECTION

CLOCK:

ROTATION GROUP 2 IN BLOCK B - billed for an item for your cell phone which you did not agree to
purchase

(If code 1 in Q18bB continue; else, Skip to note before Q22_1)
Q20_1

Q20_2.
QID:xxxx

There is no Q20_1

Now, thinking about being charged or billed for an item for your cell
phone (it might have been an app or ringtones – that you had not
agreed to purchase), how many times has this happened in the
last year? If you were billed more than once for the same
unauthorized item, please only count this as one time.

(Programmer note: block codes 10-97)
0
1
6
7
8
9
98
99

None – Go back to Q6_1 and recode as code 2
016
7
8
9 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 5-9 in Q20_2 continue, otherwise skip to Note before Q20_5)
Q20_3.
QID:xxxx

You said that that this happened to you (response in Q20_2) times
in the last year. Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

NOTE #9:
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- Go back to Q20_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q20_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q20_2 and adjust response

(If code 2-9 in Q20_2 read:) Thinking now about the most recent time this
happened to you …
65

Q20_5.
QID:xxxx

Did you try to get the seller to give you a refund or otherwise make an
adjustment?
1
2
8
9

Q20_6.
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- Skip to Q21_5
- Skip to Q21_5
- Skip to Q21_5

And was the seller willing to provide a refund, or otherwise make an adjustment
that satisfied you?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block B
- CONTINUE
- CONTINUE
- CONTINUE

There are no Q21_1 through Q21_4
Q21_5.
QID:xxxx

And how much did you actually end up paying for the item for your cell phone? If
you paid something but later received a refund of all or part of the money you
paid, please do not include the amount that was refunded.
00,000
00,001
99,997
99998
99999

None/$0000
$0001$99,997 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 500 – 99997 in Q21_5, continue, if code 0 in Q21_5 skip to q21_10; otherwise
skip to Q21_9)
Q21_5a.
QID:xxxx

You said you paid (response from Q21_5) – Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- Go back to Q21_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q21_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q21_5 and re-enter response

66

Q21_9.
QID:xxx

And, how did you pay for this item for your cell phone? For example, did you
provide your credit card or credit card number; did you pay with cash, write a
check or give the seller your checking account number; or did you pay in some
other way? (Do NOT read; Open end and code)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11

Cash
Credit Card
Wrote a check
Gave your debit card number linked to your bank account
Gave your checking account number
Pre-paid Debit card like GreenDot, MoneyPak, Vanilla Ice, or
Reloadit Card – that you had previously put money on
Gift card like Amazon, Target or iTunes
Money order or wire transfer, like Western Union, MoneyGram,
or the post office
Charged to your telephone, cable television account, or internet
services bill
Mobile or Internet payment method such as PayPal, Apple Pay,
Google Wallet

12
13
14
15

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 09 or 11,
ASK CONTINUE TO PROBE A, OTHERWISE SKIP to B.
a. What type of debit card was it?
b. Can you briefly describe to me how you paid/what was involved in the process?

(If code 13 in Q21_9 continue; otherwise skip to Q21_1)
Q21_9a.
QID:xxx

And, what kind of money order or wire transfer was this? (Interviewer
read codes 06-09 and 01)
01
Some other way (List)
02
(DK)
03
(Refused)
04
HOLD
06
07

You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who transferred the money electronically.
You went online to the website of a company like Western
Union or Money Gram and had the money transferred
67

08
09

Q21_1.
QID:xxxx

You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who gave you a paper money order that you then
used to pay the seller
You gave money to someone at the Post Office who gave you
a paper money order that you then used to pay the seller

How did you first learn about for the item for your cell phone (that you had not
agreed to purchase)? (Open end and code) (Interviewer: read list 06-18 if
necessary)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08

from an Internet website
from an email
from a television advertisement or infomercial

09

from a mail advertisement or solicitation,
including from a catalog
from a telephone call (a telemarketer)
from a store you visited
from someone who came to your home
from a radio advertisement
from a poster or flier
from a magazine or newspaper advertisement
from a social media site, such as Facebook,
Twitter, YouTube, or blogs
from a friend or family member
when you were billed for an item on your cell
phone that you had not agreed to purchase]

10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

Qxx(xxxx)
(If code 05 in Q21_1, continue; if Code 13 (family) in Q21_1 skip Q21_10; otherwise skip
to Q21_3)
Q21_2.
QID:xxxx

Was this an Internet auction site, an online classified ad site like Craigs List, or
some other type of Internet web site?
1
2

An Internet auction site
An online classified ad site such
as Craigs List

3
8

Another Internet web site
(DK)
68

9

(Refused)

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. How difficult or easy was it to answer this question?
b. Was it clear to you what the term “internet auction site” meant? What comes to mind
when you hear the term?
Q21_3
QID:xxxx

Q21_3a.
QID:xxxx

Was the information about this product presented in English or some other
language?
1

English

2
8
9

Some other language
(DK)
(Refused)

- Autocode Q21_3a as 1 and Skip
to Q21_4
- Continue
- Skip to Q21_4
- Skip to Q21_4

In what language was the information provided?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

English
Spanish
Chinese/Mandarin
Japanese
French
Hindi
Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

69

Q21_4.
QID:xxxx

And how did you purchase this product (read and rotate 1-4, then 5)?
1
2
3
4
5
8
9

Visited a store
Ordered on the telephone
Mailed in an order
Ordered from internet site
Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

There are no Q21_5 – Q21_9c
Q21_10.
QID:xxx .

And, did you complain to anyone officially or unofficially about your experience
with this offer?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block B
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block B
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block B

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODES 2, 8 OR
9, PROBE
a. Did you talk to anyone about what happened? What about a friend or family
member?
b. IF YES to PROBE ask: Tell a little more about why you did not consider talking to
[INSERT PERSON REFERENCE ABOVE] complaining to someone unofficially?
(If code 1 in Q21_10 continue, otherwise - SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block B)

Q21_11.
QID:xxx .

To whom did you complain? (Open ended and code) (PROBE FOR THREE
RESPONSES:) Did you complain to anyone else?
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10

Family or friends / tell family or friends not to buy from the seller
The company that sold the product
The product manufacturer
The Better Business Bureau
A bank
70

11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

BLKB_R3_CLK
QID:
SECTION

A credit card company
A local consumer agency
The local police department
The Department of Motor Vehicles
A local consumer help line
The state Attorney General or state consumer agency
The Federal Trade Commission/FTC
Another federal agency (SPECIFY)
Complained to the phone company
Complained to an Internet service provider

CLOCK:

ROTATION GROUP 3 IN BLOCK B - billed for membership club didn’t agree to purchase

(If code 1 in Q18bC continue; else, Skip to note before Q24_1)
Q22_1

Q22_2.
QID:xxxx

There is no Q22_1

Now, thinking about being charged or billed for a club or program
that the seller told you would allow you to buy something for a lower
price than is generally available (that you had not agreed to
purchase), how many times has this happened in the last year? If
you were billed more than once for the same unauthorized item, or
bill from the same provider appeared on your bill in more than one
month, please only count this as one time.

(Programmer note: block code 10-97)
0
1
6
7
8
9
98
99

None – Go back to Q6_1 and recode as code 2
016
7
8
9 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 5-9 in Q22_2 continue, otherwise skip to Note before Q22_4)
Q22_3.
QID:xxxx

You said that that this happened to you (response in Q22_2) times
in the last year. Is this correct?
71

1
2
8
9
NOTE #9:
QID:xxxx

Q22_4.
QID:xxxx

- CONTINUE
- Go back to Q22_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q22_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q22_2 and adjust response

(If code 2-9 in Q22_2 read:) Thinking now about the most recent time this
happened to you …
Did the membership enable you to make purchases at reduced prices as you had
been promised?
1
2
8
9

Q22_4a.
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

And what kinds of products were you supposed to be able to purchase at a
reduced price? (Open ended and code) (Probe for three responses: Any
other products?)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07

Books
Business opportunities / franchises / distributorships / work at
home plans
Buyers clubs
Cable or satellite TV services
Cameras (including digital cameras and camcorders)
CDs / video tapes / DVDs
Cell phone service or equipment
Computers: equipment or software
Credit monitoring service / ID theft service / Copy of your credit
report
Games or other programs delivered on your cell phone or other
mobile device
Health care products and services
Information such as psychic or adult entertainment services
delivered over the internet
Internet access services

08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

72

19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26

Q22_5.
QID:xxxx

Internet web site design / advertising on the internet
Investments
Magazines
Office supplies
Pay per call and information services such as adult
entertainment, gambling or psychic services delivered over the
telephone or internet
Real estate (including timeshares)
Telephone service or equipment, other than cell phone
Travel services / vacations

Did you try to get the seller to give you a refund or otherwise make an
adjustment?
1
2
8
9

Q22_6.
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- Skip to Q23_5
- Skip to Q23_5
- Skip to Q23_5

And was the seller willing to provide a refund, or otherwise make an adjustment
that satisfied you?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block B
- CONTINUE
- CONTINUE
- CONTINUE

There are no Q23_1 through Q23_4
Q23_5.
QID:xxxx

And how much did you actually end up paying for this buyers’ club membership
you did not agree to purchase? If you paid something but later received a refund
of all or part of the money you paid, please do not include the amount that was
refunded.
00,000
00,001
99,997
99998
99999

None/$0000
$0001$99,997 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 500 – 99997 in Q23_5, continue, if code 0 in Q23_5 skip to Q23_10; otherwise
skip to Q23_9)
73

Q23_5a.
QID:xxxx

You said you paid (response from Q23_5) – Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Q23_9.
QID:xxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- Go back to Q23_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q23_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q23_5 and re-enter response

And, how did you pay for this for the buyer’s club membership? For example, did
you provide your credit card or credit card number; did you pay with cash, write
a check or give the seller your checking account number; or did you pay in some
other way? (Do NOT read; Open end and code)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11

Cash
Credit Card
Wrote a check
Gave your debit card number linked to your bank account
Gave your checking account number
Pre-paid Debit card like GreenDot, MoneyPak, Vanilla Ice, or
Reloadit Card – that you had previously put money on
Gift card like Amazon, Target or iTunes
Money order or wire transfer, like Western Union, MoneyGram,
or the post office
Charged to your telephone, cable television account, or internet
services bill
Mobile or Internet payment method such as PayPal, Apple Pay,
Google Wallet

12
13
14
15

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 09 or 11,
ASK CONTINUE TO PROBE A, OTHERWISE SKIP to B.
a. What type of debit card was it?
b. Can you briefly describe to me how you paid/what was involved in the process?
(If code 13 in Q23_9 continue; otherwise skip to note before Q23_1)

74

Q23_9a.
QID:xxx

And, what kind of money order or wire transfer was this? ( (Interviewer
read codes 06-09 and 01)
01
Some other way (List)
02
(DK)
03
(Refused)
04
HOLD
06
07
08
09

You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who transferred the money electronically.
You went online to the website of a company like Western
Union or Money Gram and had the money transferred
You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who gave you a paper money order that you then
used to pay the seller
You gave money to someone at the Post Office who gave you
a paper money order that you then used to pay the seller

(If code 2 in Q22_4, (continued billing after cancelling), Skip to Q23_10
(complain); Otherwise Continue)
Q23_1.
QID:xxxx

How did you first learn about for the buyer’s club membership (that you had not
agreed to purchase)? (Open end and code) (Interviewer: read list 06-18 if
necessary)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09

from an Internet website
from an email
from a television advertisement or infomercial
from a mail advertisement or solicitation,
including from a catalog
from a telephone call (a telemarketer)
from a store you visited
from someone who came to your home
from a radio advertisement
from a poster or flier
from a magazine or newspaper advertisement
from a social media site, such as Facebook,
Twitter, YouTube, or blogs
from a friend or family member
when you were billed for this buyer’s club
membership that you had not agreed to
purchase

10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

75

Qxx(xxxx)
(If code 06 in Q23_1, continue; if Code 13 (family) in Q23_1 skip Q23_10; otherwise skip
to Q23_3)
Q23_2.
QID:xxxx

Was this an Internet auction site, an online classified ad site like Craigs List, or
some other type of Internet web site?
1
2

An Internet auction site
An online classified ad site such
as Craigs List

3
8
9

Another Internet web site
(DK)
(Refused)

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. How difficult or easy was it to answer this question?
b. Was it clear to you what the term “internet auction site” meant? What comes to mind
when you hear the term?
Q23_3
QID:xxxx

Q23_3a.
QID:xxxx

Was the information about this product presented in English or some other
language?
1

English

2
8
9

Some other language
(DK)
(Refused)

In what language was the information provided?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Q23_4.
QID:xxxx

- Autocode Q23_3a as 1 and Skip
to Q23_4
- Continue
- Skip to Q23_4
- Skip to Q23_4

English
Spanish
Chinese/Mandarin
Japanese
French
Hindi
Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

And how did you purchase this product (read and rotate 1-4, then 5)?
1
2

Visited a store
Ordered on the telephone
76

3
Mailed in an order
4
Ordered from internet site
5
Some other way (List)
8
(DK)
9
(Refused)
There are no Q23_5 – Q23_9a
Q23_10.
QID:xxx .

And, did you complain to anyone officially or unofficially about your experience
with this product?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block B
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block B
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block B

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODES 2, 8 OR
9, PROBE
a. Did you talk to anyone about what happened? What about a friend or family
member?
b. IF YES to PROBE ask: Tell a little more about why you did not consider talking to
[INSERT PERSON REFERENCE ABOVE] complaining to someone unofficially?
(If code 1 in Q23_10 continue, otherwise - SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block B)
Q23_11.
QID:xxx .

To whom did you complain? (Open ended and code) (PROBE FOR THREE
RESPONSES:) Did you complain to anyone else?
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Family or friends / tell family or friends not to buy from the seller
The company that sold the product
The product manufacturer
The Better Business Bureau
A bank
A credit card company
A local consumer agency
The local police department
The Department of Motor Vehicles
A local consumer help line
The state Attorney General or state consumer agency
The Federal Trade Commission/FTC
Another federal agency (SPECIFY)
Complained to the phone company
Complained to an Internet service provider
77

BLKB_R4_CLK
QID:
SECTION

CLOCK:

ROTATION GROUP 4 IN BLOCK B - billed for some other product or service which you did not agree to
purchase

(If code 1 in Q18bD continue; else, Skip to note before Block C)
Q24_1

there is not Q24_1

78

Q24_2.
QID:xxxx

Now, thinking about being charged or billed for some other product
or service that you had not agreed to purchase, how many times
has this happened in the last year? If you were billed more than
once for the same unauthorized item, please only count this as one
time.

(Programmer note: block codes 10-97)
0
1
6
7
8
9
98
99

None – Go back to Q6_1 and recode as code 2
016
7
8
9 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 5-9 in Q24_2 continue, otherwise skip to Note before Q24_4)
Q24_3.
QID:xxxx

You said that that this happened to you (response in Q24_2) times
in the last year. Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

NOTE #8:
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- Go back to Q24_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q24_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q24_2 and adjust response

(If code 2-9 in Q24_2 read:) Thinking now about the most recent time this
happened to you …

79

Q24_4.
QID:xxxx

What was the product or service? (Open ended and code) (Probe for three
responses: Any other products?)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07

Books
Business opportunities / franchises / distributorships / work at
home plans
Buyers clubs
Cable or satellite TV services
Cameras (including digital cameras and camcorders)
CDs / video tapes / DVDs
Cell phone service or equipment
Computers: equipment or software
Credit monitoring service / ID theft service / Copy of your credit
report
Games or other programs delivered on your cell phone or other
mobile device
Health care products and services
Information such as psychic or adult entertainment services
delivered over the internet
Internet access services
Internet web site design / advertising on the internet
Investments
Magazines
Office supplies
Pay per call and information services such as adult
entertainment, gambling or psychic services delivered over the
telephone or internet
Real estate (including timeshares)
Telephone service or equipment, other than cell phone
Travel services / vacations

08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
Q24_5.
QID:xxxx

Did you try to get the seller to give you a refund or otherwise make an
adjustment?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- Skip to Q25_5
- Skip to Q25_5
- Skip to Q25_5

80

Q24_6.
QID:xxxx

And was the seller willing to provide a refund, or otherwise make an adjustment
that satisfied you?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block B
- CONTINUE
- CONTINUE
- CONTINUE

There are no Q25_1 through Q25_4
Q25_5.
QID:xxxx

And how much did you actually end up paying for the item for this product or
service that you had not agreed to purchase? If you paid something but later
received a refund of all or part of the money you paid, please do not include the
amount that was refunded.
00,000
00,001
99,997
99998
99999

None/$0000
$0001$99,997 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 500 – 99997 in Q25_5, continue, if code 0 in Q25_5 skip to Q25_6; otherwise skip
to Q25_9)
Q25_5a.
QID:xxxx

You said you paid (response from Q25_5) – Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- Go back to Q25_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q25_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q25_5 and re-enter response

81

Q25_9.
QID:xxx

And, how did you pay for this for this product or service? For example, did you
provide your credit card or credit card number; did you pay with cash, write a
check or give the seller your checking account number; or did you pay in some
other way? (Do NOT read; Open end and code)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11

Cash
Credit Card
Wrote a check
Gave your debit card number
Gave your checking account number
Pre-paid Debit card like GreenDot, MoneyPak, Vanilla Ice, or
Reloadit Card – that you had previously put money on
Gift card like Amazon, Target or iTunes
Money order or wire transfer, like Western Union, MoneyGram,
or the post office
Charged to your telephone, cable television account, or internet
services bill
Mobile or Internet payment method such as PayPal, Apple Pay,
Google Wallet

12
13
14
15

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 09 or 11,
ASK CONTINUE TO PROBE A, OTHERWISE SKIP to B.
a. What type of debit card was it?
b. Can you briefly describe to me how you paid/what was involved in the process?
(If code 13 in Q25_9 continue; otherwise skip to note before Q25_1)
Q25_9a.
QID:xxx

And, what kind of money order or wire transfer was this? (Interviewer
read codes 06-09 and 01)
01
02
03
04

Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06

You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who transferred the money electronically.
You went online to the website of a company like Western
Union or Money Gram and had the money transferred
You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who gave you a paper money order that you then
used to pay the seller

07
08

82

09

You gave money to someone at the Post Office who gave you
a paper money order that you then used to pay the seller

(If code 2 in Q24_4, (continued billing after cancelling), Skip to Q25_10
(complain); Otherwise Continue)
Q25_1.
QID:xxxx

How did you first learn about the other product or service )?
(Open end and code) (Interviewer: read list 06-18 if necessary)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08

from an Internet website
from an email
from a television advertisement or infomercial

09

from a mail advertisement or solicitation,
including from a catalog
from a telephone call (a telemarketer)
from a store you visited
from someone who came to your home
from a radio advertisement
from a poster or flier
from a magazine or newspaper advertisement
from a social media site, such as Facebook,
Twitter, YouTube, or blogs
from a friend or family member
when you were billed for the product or service
that you had not agreed to purchase

10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

Qxx(xxxx)
(If code 05 in Q25_1, continue; if Code 13 (family) in Q25_1 skip Q25_10; otherwise skip
to Q25_3)
Q25_2.
QID:xxxx

Was this an Internet auction site, an online classified ad site like Craigs List, or
some other type of Internet web site?
1
2

An Internet auction site
An online classified ad site such
as Craigs List

3
8
9

Another Internet web site
(DK)
(Refused)
83

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. How difficult or easy was it to answer this question?
b. Was it clear to you what the term “internet auction site” meant? What comes to mind
when you hear the term?
Q25_3
QID:xxxx

Q25_3a.
QID:xxxx

Was the information about this other product or service presented in English or
some other language?
1

English

2
8
9

Some other language
(DK)
(Refused)

In what language was the information provided?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Q25_4.
QID:xxxx

- Autocode Q25_3a as 1 and Skip
to Q25_4
- Continue
- Skip to Q25_4
- Skip to Q25_4

English
Spanish
Chinese/Mandarin
Japanese
French
Hindi
Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

And how did you purchase this product or service (read and rotate 1-4, then 5)?
1
2
3
4
5
8
9

Visited a store
Ordered on the telephone
Mailed in an order
Ordered from internet site
Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

There are no Q25_5 – Q25_9c
Q25_10.
QID:xxx .

And, did you complain to anyone officially or unofficially about your experience
with this other product or service?
1

Yes

- Continue
84

2
8
9

No
(DK)
(Refused)

- SKIP to Next Question Block
- SKIP to Next Question Block
- SKIP to Next Question Block

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODES 2, 8 OR
9, PROBE
a. Did you talk to anyone about what happened? What about a friend or family
member?
b. IF YES to PROBE ask: Tell a little more about why you did not consider talking to
[INSERT PERSON REFERENCE ABOVE] complaining to someone unofficially?
(If code 1 in Q25_10 continue, otherwise - SKIP to Next Question Block)
Q25_11.
QID:xxx .

To whom did you complain? (Open ended and code) (PROBE FOR THREE
RESPONSES:) Did you complain to anyone else?
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Family or friends / tell family or friends not to buy from the seller
The company that sold the product
The product manufacturer
The Better Business Bureau
A bank
A credit card company
A local consumer agency
The local police department
The Department of Motor Vehicles
A local consumer help line
The state Attorney General or state consumer agency
The Federal Trade Commission/FTC
Another federal agency (SPECIFY)
Complained to the phone company
Complained to an Internet service provider

OVERALL BLOCK B: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. Overall, how easy or difficult was to answer the questions on the specific types of fraud?
b. Were any of the fraud questions unclear? IF YES: Which ones?
c. When you indicated that you had had certain experiences, we asked you a series of
questions about how you learned about and purchased the product, how much you
paid, and whether you had complained to anyone about your experience. Were these
questions clear? If not, can you remember specific questions that you found confusing?
d. Do you have any final feedback for me about how we could improve the questions?
85

BLOCK C STARTS HERE
ROTATION FOR BLOCK C (PROGRAMMER RANDOMIZE 1-4)
1
2
3
4

Q26_1 – Q27_11 – paid anyone for an opportunity to operate
your own business, such as a business opportunity or a
franchise
Q28_1 – Q29_11 – promised to provide you with work that
you could do at home
Q30_1 – Q31_11 – provide you with work as a mystery or
undercover shopper where you would be paid to shop at a
store and then report on your experience
Q32_1 – Q33_11 – promised that you would get a job at the
U.S. Postal Service or another branch of state or federal
government

(PROGRAMMER: WITHIN BLOCK C, RANDOMIZE THE FOLLOWING GROUPS OF
QUESTIONS Q26_1 – Q27_11; Q28_1- Q29_11, Q30_1- Q31_11, AND Q32_1-Q33_11)
BLKC_R1_CLK
QID:
SECTION

CLOCK:

ROTATION GROUP 1 IN BLOCK C - paid anyone for an opportunity to operate your own business, such
as a business opportunity or a franchise

Q26_1
QID:xxxx

In the past year, have you paid anyone for an opportunity to start or
operate your own business, such as a business opportunity or a
franchise?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 01, ASK
PROBE
a. What type of business was this? Specifically what does it sell or do?
Q26_2.
QID:xxxx

How many different such business opportunities have you
purchased in the past year?

(Programmer note: block codes 10-97)
86

0
1
6
7
8
9
98
99

None – Go back to Q6_1 and recode as code 2
016
7
8
9 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 5-9 in Q26_2 continue, otherwise skip to Note before Q26_4)
Q26_3.
QID:xxxx

You said that that this happened to you (response in Q26_2) times
in the last year. Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

NOTE #7:
QID:xxxx

Q26_4.
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- Go back to Q26_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q26_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q26_2 and adjust response

(If code 2-9 in Q26_2 read:) Thinking now about the most recent time this
happened to you …
Were you led to believe that most of the money you earned from this business
would be from recruiting others to join the business, rather than from the sale of
products?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

87

Q26_5.
QID:xxxx

Did the seller lead you to believe that you would earn a certain amount of income
or profit from this business?
1
2
8
9

Q26_6.
QID:xxxx

2
3
4
5
8
9

Make roughly as much or more money than you had been
led to expect
Make at least half as much money as you had been led to
expect
Make less than half as much money as you had been led
to expect
Not make any money or lost money
Not work at the business
(DK)
(Refused)

Were you promised help or assistance in setting up your business, such as
creating websites, providing lead lists, or locating customers who would use your
services or allow you to sell your products from their premises?
1
2
8
9

Q26_8.
QID:xxxx

- CONTINUE
- SKIP to Q26_7
- SKIP to Q26_7
- SKIP to Q26_7

Which of the following best describes the amount of money you made from this
business? Did you… (Read and rotate responses top to bottom and bottom
to top; rotate codes 1-4 or 4-1 and then 5)
1

Q26_7.
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- SKIP to Note before Q26_9
- SKIP to Note before Q26_9
- SKIP to Note before Q26_9

Did you obtain the promised assistance?
1
2
8

Yes Promised assistance was provided
No Promised assistance was NOT provided
(DK)

9

(Refused)

(If code 1 in Q26_4 or code 2-5 in Q26_6 or code 2 in Q26_8, Continue; Otherwise Skip
to Next Question in Rotational Block C)
88

Q26_9.
QID:xxxx

And how many months ago did you purchase this business?
00
01
12
98
99

Q27_1.
QID:xxxx

Within the past month
112
(DK)
(Refused)

How did you first learn about this business opportunity? (Open end and code)
(Interviewer: read list 06-18 if necessary)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08

from an Internet website
from an email
from a television advertisement or
infomercial
from a mail advertisement or solicitation,
including from a catalog
from a telephone call (a telemarketer)
from a store you visited
from someone who came to your home
from a radio advertisement
from a poster or flier
from a magazine or newspaper
advertisement
from a social media site, such as
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or blogs
from a friend or family member
when you were billed by the seller from
whom you purchased this business

09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

Qxx(xxxx)
(If code 6 in Q27_1, continue; if Code 17 in Q27_1 go to Q27_4; if code 18 in Q27_1 go to
Q27_5; otherwise skip to Q27_3)

89

Q27_2.
QID:xxxx

Was this an Internet auction site, an online classified ad site like Craigs List, or
some other type of Internet web site?
1
2

An Internet auction site
An online classified ad site such
as Craigs List

3
8
9

Another Internet web site
(DK)
(Refused)

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. How difficult or easy was it to answer this question?
b. Was it clear to you what the term “internet auction site” meant? What comes to mind
when you hear the term?
Q27_3
QID:xxxx

Q27_3a.
QID:xxxx

Was the information about this business opportunity presented in English or
some other language?
1

English

2
8
9

Some other language
(DK)
(Refused)

In what language was the information provided?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Q27_4.
QID:xxxx

- Autocode Q27_3a as 1 and Skip
to Q27_4
- Continue
- Skip to Q27_4
- Skip to Q27_4

English
Spanish
Chinese/Mandarin
Japanese
French
Hindi
Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

And how did you purchase this business opportunity? (read and rotate 1-4, then
5)?
1
2
3
4
5

Visited a store
Ordered on the telephone
Mailed in an order
Ordered from internet site
Some other way (List)
90

8
9
Q27_5
QID:xxxx

(DK)
(Refused)

And how much did you actually end up paying for this business opportunity? If
you paid something but later received a refund of all or part of the money you
paid, please do not include the amount that was refunded.
00,000
00,001
99,997
99998
99999

None/$0000
$0001$99,997 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 500 – 99997 in Q27_5, continue, if code 0 in Q27_5 skip to Q27_10; otherwise
skip to Q27_9)
Q27_5a.
QID:xxxx

You said you paid (response from Q27_5) – Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Q27_9.
QID:xxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- Go back to Q27_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q27_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q27_5 and re-enter response

And, how did you pay for this business opportunity? For example, did you
provide your credit card or credit card number; did you pay with cash, write a
check or give the seller your checking account number; or did you pay in some
other way? (Do NOT read; Open end and code)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11

Cash
Credit Card
Wrote a check
Gave your debit card number linked to your bank account
Gave your checking account number
Pre-paid Debit card like GreenDot, MoneyPak, Vanilla Ice, or
Reloadit Card – that you had previously put money on
Gift card like Amazon, Target or iTunes
Money order or wire transfer, like Western Union, MoneyGram,
or the post office

12
13

91

14
15

Charged to your telephone, cable television account, or internet
services bill
Mobile or Internet payment method such as PayPal, Apple Pay,
Google Wallet

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 09 or 11,
ASK CONTINUE TO PROBE A, OTHERWISE SKIP to B.
a. What type of debit card was it?
b. Can you briefly describe to me how you paid/what was involved in the process?
(If code 13 in Q27_9 Continue, otherwise skip to Q27_10)

Q27_9a.
QID:xxx

And, what kind of money order or wire transfer was this? (Interviewer read
codes 06-09 and 01)
01
02
03
04

Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06

You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who transferred the money electronically.
You went online to the website of a company like Western
Union or Money Gram and had the money transferred
You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who gave you a paper money order that you then
used to pay the seller
You gave money to someone at the Post Office who gave you
a paper money order that you then used to pay the seller

07
08
09
Q27_10.
QID:xxx .

And, did you complain to anyone officially or unofficially about your experience
with this business opportunity?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODES 2, 8 OR
9, PROBE
a. Did you talk to anyone about what happened? What about a friend or family
member?
b. IF YES to PROBE ask: Tell a little more about why you did not consider talking to
[INSERT PERSON REFERENCE ABOVE] complaining to someone unofficially?
92

(If code 1 in Q27_10 continue, otherwise - SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C)
Q27_11.
QID:xxx .

To whom did you complain? (Open ended and code) (PROBE FOR THREE
RESPONSES:) Did you complain to anyone else?
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Family or friends / tell family or friends not to buy from the seller
The company that sold the product
The product manufacturer
The Better Business Bureau
A bank
A credit card company
A local consumer agency
The local police department
The Department of Motor Vehicles
A local consumer help line
The state Attorney General or state consumer agency
The Federal Trade Commission/FTC
Another federal agency (SPECIFY)
Complained to the phone company
Complained to an Internet service provider

93

BLKC_R2_CLK
QID:
SECTION

CLOCK:

ROTATION GROUP 2 IN BLOCK C - work-at-home opportunity

Q28_1
QID:xxxx

In the past year, have you paid anyone who promised to provide
you with work that you could do at home?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 01, ASK
PROBE
a. What type of work was this?
b. What did you have to do?
Q28_2.
QID:xxxx

How many times have you paid someone for a work-at-home offer
in the past year? (This payment may have been to purchase
equipment or supplies that the seller said were needed to perform
the job.) If you made multiple payments in connection with the
same offer, please only count this as one time

(Programmer note: block code 10-97)
0
1
6
7
8
9
98
99

None – Go back to Q6_1 and recode as code 2
016
7
8
9 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 5-9 in Q28_2 continue, otherwise skip to Note before Q28_4)
Q28_3.
QID:xxxx

You said that that this happened to you (response in Q28_2) times
in the last year. Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- Go back to Q28_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q28_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q28_2 and adjust response
94

NOTE #7:
QID:xxxx

(If code 2-9 in Q28_2 read:) Thinking now about the most recent time this
happened to you …

There is no Q28_4.
Q28_5.
QID:xxxx

Did the seller lead you to believe that you would earn a certain amount of money
from this work at home opportunity?
1
2
8
9

Q28_6.
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C

Which of the following best describes the amount of money you made from this
work-at-home opportunity? Did you… (Read and Rotate 1-4 or 4-1, then 5)
1
2
3
4
5
8
9

Make roughly as much or more money than you had been
led to expect
Make at least half as much money as you had been led to
expect
Make less than half as much money as you had been led
to expect
Not make any money or lost money
Did not work at the business
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 2-5 in Q28_6, Continue; Otherwise Skip to Next Rotatiional Question in Block C)

95

Q29_1.
QID:xxxx

How did you first learn about this work-at-home opportunity? (Open end and
code) (Interviewer: read list 06-18 if necessary)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08

from an Internet website
from an email
from a television advertisement or
infomercial
from a mail advertisement or solicitation,
including from a catalog
from a telephone call (a telemarketer)
from a store you visited
from someone who came to your home
from a radio advertisement
from a poster or flier
from a magazine or newspaper
advertisement
from a social media site, such as
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or blogs
from a friend or family member
when you were billed by seller of this
work-at-home opportunity

09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

Qxx(xxxx)
(If code 06 in Q29_1, continue; if Code 17 in Q29_1 go to Q29_4; if code 18 in Q29_1 go
to Q29_5; otherwise skip to Q29_3)
Q29_2.
QID:xxxx

Was this an Internet auction site, an online classified ad site like Craigs List, or
some other type of Internet web site?
1
2

An Internet auction site
An online classified ad site such
as Craigs List

3
8
9

Another Internet web site
(DK)
(Refused)

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. How difficult or easy was it to answer this question?
b. Was it clear to you what the term “internet auction site” meant? What comes to mind
when you hear the term?
96

Q29_3
QID:xxxx

Q29_3a.
QID:xxxx

Was the information about this work-at-home opportunity presented in English or
some other language?
1

English

2
8
9

Some other language
(DK)
(Refused)

In what language was the information provided?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Q29_4.
QID:xxxx

English
Spanish
Chinese/Mandarin
Japanese
French
Hindi
Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

And how did you purchase this this work-at-home opportunity? (read and rotate
1-4, then 5)?
1
2
3
4
5
8
9

Q29_5
QID:xxxx

- Autocode Q29_3a as 1 and Skip
to Q29_4
- Continue
- Skip to Q29_4
- Skip to Q29_4

Visited a store
Ordered on the telephone
Mailed in an order
Ordered from internet site
Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

And how much did you actually end up paying for this work-at-home opportunity?
If you paid something but later received a refund of all or part of the money you
paid, please do not include the amount that was refunded.
00,000
00,001
99,997
99998
99999

None/$0000
$0001$99,997 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

97

(If code 500 – 99997 in Q29_5, continue, if code 0 in Q29_5 skip to Q29_10; otherwise
skip to Q29_9)
Q29_5a.
QID:xxxx

You said you paid (response from Q29_5) – Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Q29_9.
QID:xxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- Go back to Q29_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q29_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q29_5 and re-enter response

And, how did you pay for this work-at-home opportunity? For example, did you
provide your credit card or credit card number; did you pay with cash, write a
check or give the seller your checking account number; or did you pay in some
other way? (Do NOT read; Open end and code)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11

Cash
Credit Card
Wrote a check
Gave your debit card number linked to your bank account
Gave your checking account number
Pre-paid Debit card like GreenDot, MoneyPak, Vanilla Ice, or
Reloadit Card – that you had previously put money on
Gift card like Amazon, Target or iTunes
Money order or wire transfer, like Western Union, MoneyGram,
or the post office
Charged to your telephone, cable television account, or internet
services bill
Mobile or Internet payment method such as PayPal, Apple Pay,
Google Wallet

12
13
14
15

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 09 or 11,
ASK CONTINUE TO PROBE A, OTHERWISE SKIP to B.
a. What type of debit card was it?
b. Can you briefly describe to me how you paid/what was involved in the process?
(If code 13 in Q29_9 Continue; otherwise skip to Q29_10)
Q29_9a.
QID:xxx

And, what kind of money order or wire transfer was this? (Interviewer read
codes 06-09 and 01)
01
Some other way (List)
98

02
03
04

(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06

You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who transferred the money electronically.
You went online to the website of a company like Western
Union or Money Gram and had the money transferred
You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who gave you a paper money order that you then
used to pay the seller
You gave money to someone at the Post Office who gave you
a paper money order that you then used to pay the seller

07
08
09

Q29_10.
QID:xxx .

And, did you complain to anyone officially or unofficially about your experience
with this work-at-home opportunity?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODES 2, 8 OR
9, PROBE
a. Did you talk to anyone about what happened? What about a friend or family
member?
b. IF YES to PROBE ask: Tell a little more about why you did not consider talking to
[INSERT PERSON REFERENCE ABOVE] complaining to someone unofficially?
(If code 1 in Q29_10 continue, otherwise - SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C)

Q29_11.
QID:xxx .

To whom did you complain? (Open ended and code) (PROBE FOR THREE
RESPONSES:) Did you complain to anyone else?
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09

Family or friends / tell family or friends not to buy from the seller
The company that sold the product
The product manufacturer
The Better Business Bureau
99

10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

A bank
A credit card company
A local consumer agency
The local police department
The Department of Motor Vehicles
A local consumer help line
The state Attorney General or state consumer agency
The Federal Trade Commission/FTC
Another federal agency (SPECIFY)
Complained to the phone company
Complained to an Internet service provider

100

BLKC_R3_CLK
QID:
SECTION

CLOCK:

ROTATION GROUP 3 IN BLOCK C - with work as a mystery or undercover shopper

Q30_1
QID:xxxx

In the past year, have you paid anyone who promised to provide
you with work as a mystery or undercover shopper where you
would be paid to shop at a store and then report on your
experience?
1
2
8
9

Q30_2.
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C

How many times have you paid someone to be a mystery shopper
in the past year? (This payment may have been to purchase
equipment or supplies that the seller said were needed to perform
the job.) If you made multiple payments in connection with the
same offer, please only count this as one time

(Programmer note: block codes 10-97)
0
1
6
7
8
9

None – Go back to Q6_1 and recode as code 2
016
7
8
9 or more

98
99

(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 5-9 in Q30_2 continue, otherwise skip to Note before Q30_4)
Q30_3.
QID:xxxx

You said that that this happened to you (response in Q30_2) times
in the last year. Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- Go back to Q30_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q30_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q30_2 and adjust response
101

NOTE #7:
QID:xxxx

(If code 2-9 in Q30_2 read:) Thinking now about the most recent time this
happened to you …

There is no Q30_4.

Q30_5.
QID:xxxx

Did the seller lead you to believe that you would earn a certain amount of money
from working as a mystery shopper?
1
2
8
9

Q30_6.
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- SKIP to Q31_1
- SKIP to Q31_1
- SKIP to Q31_1

Which of the following best describes the amount of money you made from
working as a mystery shopper? Did you… (Read and rotate 1-4 or 4-1, then 5)
1
2
3
4
5
8
9

Make roughly as much or more money than you had
been led to expect
Make at least half as much money as you had been led to
expect
Make less than half as much money as you had been led
to expect
Not make any money or lost money
Did not work at the business
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 2-5 in Q30_6, Continue; Otherwise Skip to Next Question in Rotational Block C)

102

Q31_1.
QID:xxxx

How did you first learn about this mystery shopper opportunity? (Open end and
code) (Interviewer: read list 06-18 if necessary)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08

from an Internet website
from an email
from a television advertisement or
infomercial
from a mail advertisement or solicitation,
including from a catalog
from a telephone call (a telemarketer)
from a store you visited
from someone who came to your home
from a radio advertisement
from a poster or flier
from a magazine or newspaper
advertisement
from a social media site, such as
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or blogs
from a friend or family member
when you were billed by the seller of this
mystery shopper opportunity

09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

Qxx(xxxx)
(If code 06 in Q31_1, continue; if Code 17 in Q31_1 go to Q31_4; if code 18 in Q31_1 go
to Q31_5; otherwise skip to Q31_3)
Q31_2.
QID:xxxx

Was this an Internet auction site, an online classified ad site like Craigs List, or
some other type of Internet web site?
1
2

An Internet auction site
An online classified ad site such
as Craigs List

3
8
9

Another Internet web site
(DK)
(Refused)

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. How difficult or easy was it to answer this question?
b. Was it clear to you what the term “internet auction site” meant? What comes to mind
when you hear the term?
103

Q31_3
QID:xxxx

Q31_3a.
QID:xxxx

Was the information about this mystery shopper opportunity presented in English
or some other language?
1

English

2
8
9

Some other language
(DK)
(Refused)

In what language was the information provided?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Q31_4.
QID:xxxx

English
Spanish
Chinese/Mandarin
Japanese
French
Hindi
Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

And how did you purchase this this mystery shopper opportunity? (read and
rotate 1-4, then 5)?
1
2
3
4
5
8
9

Q31_5
QID:xxxx

- Autocode Q31_3a as 1 and Skip
to Q31_4
- Continue
- Skip to Q31_4
- Skip to Q31_4

Visited a store
Ordered on the telephone
Mailed in an order
Ordered from internet site
Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

And how much did you actually end up paying for this mystery shopper
opportunity? If you paid something but later received a refund of all or part of the
money you paid, please do not include the amount that was refunded.
00,000
00,001
99,997
99998
99999

None/$0000
$0001$99,997 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

104

(If code 500 – 99997 in Q31_5, continue, if code 0 in Q31_5 skip to Q31_10; otherwise
skip to Q31_9)
Q31_5a.
QID:xxxx

You said you paid (response from Q31_5) – Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Q31_9.
QID:xxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- Go back to Q31_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q31_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q31_5 and re-enter response

And, how did you pay for this mystery shopper opportunity? (Do NOT read;
Open end and code)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11

Cash
Credit Card
Wrote a check
Gave your debit card number linked to your bank account
Gave your checking account number
Pre-paid Debit card like GreenDot, MoneyPak, Vanilla Ice, or
Reloadit Card – that you had previously put money on
Gift card like Amazon, Target or iTunes
Money order or wire transfer, like Western Union, MoneyGram,
or the post office
Charged to your telephone, cable television account, or internet
services bill
Mobile or Internet payment method such as PayPal, Apple Pay,
Google Wallet

12
13
14
15

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 09 or 11,
ASK CONTINUE TO PROBE A, OTHERWISE SKIP to B.
a. What type of debit card was it?
b. Can you briefly describe to me how you paid/what was involved in the process?
(If code 13 in Q31_9 Continue,; otherwise skip to Q31_10)

Q31_9a.
QID:xxx

And, what kind of money order or wire transfer was this? (Interviewer read
codes 06-09 and 01)
105

01
02
03
04

Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06

You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who transferred the money electronically.
You went online to the website of a company like Western
Union or Money Gram and had the money transferred
You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who gave you a paper money order that you then
used to pay the seller
You gave money to someone at the Post Office who gave you
a paper money order that you then used to pay the seller

07
08
09

Q31_10.
QID:xxx .

And, did you complain to anyone officially or unofficially about your experience
with this mystery shopper opportunity?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODES 2, 8 OR
9, PROBE
a. Did you talk to anyone about what happened? What about a friend or family
member?
b. IF YES to PROBE ask: Tell a little more about why you did not consider talking to
[INSERT PERSON REFERENCE ABOVE] complaining to someone unofficially?
(If code 1 in Q31_10 continue, otherwise - SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C)

Q31_11.
QID:xxx .

To whom did you complain? (Open ended and code) (PROBE FOR THREE
RESPONSES:) Did you complain to anyone else?
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08

Family or friends / tell family or friends not to buy from the seller
The company that sold the product
The product manufacturer
106

09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

BLKC_R4_CLK
QID:
SECTION

The Better Business Bureau
A bank
A credit card company
A local consumer agency
The local police department
The Department of Motor Vehicles
A local consumer help line
The state Attorney General or state consumer agency
The Federal Trade Commission/FTC
Another federal agency (SPECIFY)
Complained to the phone company
Complained to an Internet service provider

CLOCK:

ROTATION GROUP 4 IN BLOCK C - promised you would get a job at the U.S. Postal Service or another
branch of state or federal government

Q32_1
QID:xxxx

In the past year, have you paid anyone who promised that you
would get a job at the U.S. Postal Service or another branch of
state or federal government?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C

Q32_2.
QID:xxxx

How many times have you paid someone for such a job in the past
year? If you made multiple payments in connection with the same
job offer, please only count this as one time.
(Programmer note: block codes 10-97)
0
1
6
7
8
9
98
99

None – Go back to Q6_1 and recode as code 2
016
7
8
9 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

107

(If code 5-9 in Q32_2 continue, otherwise skip to Note before Q32_4)
Q32_3.
QID:xxxx

You said that that this happened to you (response in Q32_2) times
in the last year. Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

NOTE #7:
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- Go back to Q32_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q32_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q32_2 and adjust response

(If code 2-9 in Q32_2 read:) Thinking now about the most recent time this
happened to you …

There is no Q32_4.
Q32_5.
QID:xxxx

Did you get the job that was promised?
1

Yes

2
8

No
(DK)

9

(Refused)

- SKIP to next question in rotational block
C
- CONTINUE
- SKIP to next question in rotational block
C
- SKIP to next question in rotational block
C

(If code 2 in Q32_5, Continue; Otherwise Skip to Next Question in Rotational Block C)
Q33_1.
QID:xxxx

How did you first learn about this offer to get you a job? (Open end and code)
(Interviewer: read list 06-18 if necessary)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08

from an Internet website
from an email
from a television advertisement or
infomercial
from a mail advertisement or solicitation,
including from a catalog
from a telephone call (a telemarketer)
from a store you visited
from someone who came to your home
from a radio advertisement

09
10
11
12
13

108

14
15
16
17
18

from a poster or flier
from a magazine or newspaper
advertisement
from a social media site, such as
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or blogs
from a friend or family member
when you were billed by the person
promising you this job
Qxx(xxxx)

(If code 06 in Q33_1, continue; if Code 17 in Q33_1 go to Q33_4; if code 18 in Q33_1 go
to Q33_5; otherwise skip to Q33_3)
Q33_2.
QID:xxxx

Was this an Internet auction site, an online classified ad site like Craigs List, or
some other type of Internet web site?
1
2

An Internet auction site
An online classified ad site such
as Craigs List

3
8
9

Another Internet web site
(DK)
(Refused)

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. How difficult or easy was it to answer this question?
b. Was it clear to you what the term “internet auction site” meant? What comes to mind
when you hear the term?
Q33_3
QID:xxxx

Q33_3a.
QID:xxxx

Was the information about this offer presented in English or some other
language?
1

English

2
8
9

Some other language
(DK)
(Refused)

- Autocode Q33_3a as 1 and Skip
to Q33_4
- Continue
- Skip to Q33_4
- Skip to Q33_4

In what language was the information provided?
1
2
3

English
Spanish
Chinese/Mandarin
109

4
5
6
7
8
9
Q33_4.
QID:xxxx

And how did you purchase this opportunity? (read and rotate 1-4, then 5)?
1
2
3
4
5
8
9

Q33_5
QID:xxxx

Japanese
French
Hindi
Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

Visited a store
Ordered on the telephone
Mailed in an order
Ordered from internet site
Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

And how much did you actually end up paying for this job opportunity? If you
paid something but later received a refund of all or part of the money you paid,
please do not include the amount that was refunded.
00,000
00,001
99,997
99998
99999

None/$0000
$0001$99,997 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 500 – 99997 in Q33_5, continue, if code 0 in Q33_5 skip to Q33_10; otherwise
skip to Q33_9)
Q33_5a.
QID:xxxx

You said you paid (response from Q33_5) – Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Q33_9.
QID:xxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- Go back to Q33_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q33_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q33_5 and re-enter response

And, how did you pay for the promised job; did you pay with cash, write a check
or give the seller your checking account number; or did you pay in some other
way? (Do NOT read; Open end and code)
01

Other (List)
110

02
03
04

(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11

Cash
Credit Card
Wrote a check
Gave your debit card number linked to your bank account
Gave your checking account number
Pre-paid Debit card like GreenDot, MoneyPak, Vanilla Ice, or
Reloadit Card – that you had previously put money on
Gift card like Amazon, Target or iTunes
Money order or wire transfer, like Western Union, MoneyGram,
or the post office
Charged to your telephone, cable television account, or internet
services bill
Mobile or Internet payment method such as PayPal, Apple Pay,
Google Wallet

12
13
14
15

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 09 or 11,
ASK CONTINUE TO PROBE A, OTHERWISE SKIP to B.
a. What type of debit card was it?
b. Can you briefly describe to me how you paid/what was involved in the process?
(If code 13 in Q33_9 Continue, otherwise skip to Q33_10)
Q33_9c.
QID:xxx

And, what kind of money order or wire transfer was this? (Open end and code)
(Interviewer read codes 06-09 and 01 if needed)
01
Some other way (List)
02
(DK)
03
(Refused)
04
HOLD
06
07
08
09

Q33_10.
QID:xxx .

You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who transferred the money electronically.
You went online to the website of a company like Western
Union or Money Gram and had the money transferred
You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who gave you a paper money order that you then
used to pay the seller
You gave money to someone at the Post Office who gave you
a paper money order that you then used to pay the seller

And, did you complain to anyone officially or unofficially about your experience
with for the job opportunity?
111

1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODES 2, 8 OR
9, PROBE
a. Did you talk to anyone about what happened? What about a friend or family
member?
b. IF YES to PROBE ask: Tell a little more about why you did not consider talking to
[INSERT PERSON REFERENCE ABOVE] complaining to someone unofficially?
(If code 1 in Q33_10 continue, otherwise - SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block C)

Q33_11.
QID:xxx .

To whom did you complain? (Open ended and code) (PROBE FOR THREE
RESPONSES:) Did you complain to anyone else?
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Family or friends / tell family or friends not to buy from the seller
The company that sold the product
The product manufacturer
The Better Business Bureau
A bank
A credit card company
A local consumer agency
The local police department
The Department of Motor Vehicles
A local consumer help line
The state Attorney General or state consumer agency
The Federal Trade Commission/FTC
Another federal agency (SPECIFY)
Complained to the phone company
Complained to an Internet service provider

OVERALL BLOCK C: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. Overall, how easy or difficult was to answer the questions on the specific types of fraud?
b. Were any of the fraud questions unclear? IF YES: Which ones?
c. When you indicated that you had had certain experiences, we asked you a series of
questions about how you learned about and purchased the product, how much you
paid, and whether you had complained to anyone about your experience. Were these
112

questions clear? If not, can you remember specific questions that you found confusing?
d. Do you have any final feedback for me about how we could improve the questions?

BLOCK D STARTS HERE
ROTATION FOR BLOCK D (PROGRAMMER RANDOMIZE 1-2, 3 ALWAYS COMES LAST)
1
2

3

Q34_1 – Q35_11 – told had to pay something, purchase a
good or service, or attend a sales presentation in order to
receive any of the prizes you were told you had won
Q36_1 – Q37_11 – told were eligible to receive a grant either
from the government or from someone else or that someone
would help you prepare a proposal for a grant that was
certain to be approved
Q38_1 – Q39_11 – sent you a check and asked you to send
some of the money from the check back to the sender or to
someone else

(PROGRAMMER: WITHIN BLOCK D, RANDOMIZE THE FOLLOWING GROUPS OF
QUESTIONS Q34_1 – Q35_11; Q36_1- Q37_11, AND Q38_1-Q39_11)
BLKD_R1_CLK
QID:
SECTION

CLOCK:

ROTATION GROUP 1 IN BLOCK D - billed for internet product or service which you did not agree to
purchase
Q34a
QID:xxxx

In the past year, has anyone told you that you had won a prize, a
sweepstakes, or a lottery or had been selected to receive an award
such as money, a free vacation, or other product or service?
1
2
8
9

Q34_1
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D

Were you told that you had to pay something, purchase a good or
service, or attend a sales presentation in order to receive any of the
prizes you were told you had won in the last year?
1

Yes

- CONTINUE
113

2
8
9

No
(DK)
(Refused)

- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D

114

Q34_1a
QID:xxxx

In connection with any of these prize offerings, did you make the
required payment or purchase or attend the required sales
presentation?
1
2
8
9

Q34_2.
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D

How many times during the last year did you make a required
payment or purchase or attend a required sales presentation? If
you made multiple required payments in order to obtain the same
prize, only count this as one time.

(Programmer note: block codes 10-97)
0
1
6
7
8
9
98
99

None – Go back to Q6_1 and recode as code 2
016
7
8
9 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 5-9 in Q34_2 continue, otherwise skip to Note before Q34_4)
Q34_3.
QID:xxxx

You said that that this happened to you (response in Q34_2) times
in the last year. Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

NOTE #11:
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- Go back to Q34_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q34_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q34_2 and adjust response

(If code 2-9 in Q34_2 read:) Thinking now about the most recent prize
promotion where you made a required payment or purchase or attended a
required sales presentation …

115

Q34_4a.
QID:xxxx

Did you ever receive the prize or award?
1
2
8
9

Q34_4b.
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- CONTINUE
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D

What were you told you had won? For example, were you told you had won a
foreign lottery, a sweepstakes, a free vacation, or something else?
1
2
3
4
8
9

Q34_4d.
QID:xxxx

- CONTINUE
- Skip to Q35_4c
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D

And was the prize or award essentially what had been described to you?
1
2
8
9

Q34_4c.
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

A foreign lottery
A sweepstakes
A free vacation
Something Else (Specify)
(DK)
(Refused)

And, what were you required to do? Were you required to make a payment,
make a purchase, or attend a sales presentation? (IF RESPONDENT GIVES
MORE THAN ONE OF THESE RESPONSES, REMIND THEM THAT YOU ARE
LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE MOST RECENT TIME THEY
WERE TOLD THAT THEY HAD TO DO ONE OF THESE THINGS.)
1
2
3
8
9

Make a payment
Make a purchase
Attend a sales presentation
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- CONTINUE
SKIP toQ35_1
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D

(If code 1 or 2 in Q35_4d continue, if code 3 in Q35_4d go to Q35_1; otherwise skip to
next Rotational Q in Block D)

116

Q34_5.
QID:xxxx

And how much did you pay (if code 2 in Q34_4d read:) for the items you had to
purchase?
00,000
00,001
99,997
99998
99999

None/$0000
$0001$99,997 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 500 – 99997 in Q35_5, continue; otherwise skip to Q34_9)
Q34_5a.
QID:xxxx

You said you paid (response from Q34_5 – Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- Go back to Q34_8 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q34_8 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q34_8 and re-enter response

There are no Q34_6 – Q34-8
Q34_9.
QID:xxx

And, [(if code 1 in Q34_4d ask:) how did you make this payment/[(if code 2 in
Q34_4d ask:) how did you pay for the items you had to purchase]? For
example, did you provide your credit card or credit card number; did you pay
with cash, write a check or give the seller your checking account number; or did
you pay in some other way? (Do NOT read; Open end and code)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11

Cash
Credit Card
Wrote a check
Gave your debit card number linked to your bank account
Gave your checking account number
Pre-paid Debit card like GreenDot, MoneyPak, Vanilla Ice, or
Reloadit Card – that you had previously put money on
Gift card like Amazon, Target or iTunes
Money order or wire transfer, like Western Union, MoneyGram,
or the post office
Charged to your telephone, cable television account, or internet
services bill
Mobile or Internet payment method such as PayPal, Apple Pay,

12
13
14
15

117

Google Wallet
NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 09 or 11,
ASK CONTINUE TO PROBE A, OTHERWISE SKIP to B.
a. What type of debit card was it?
b. Can you briefly describe to me how you paid/what was involved in the process?
(If code 13 in Q35_9 continue; otherwise skip to Q35_1)
Q35_9a.
QID:xxx

And, what kind of money order or wire transfer was this? (Interviewer
read codes 06-09 and 01)
01
Some other way (List)
02
(DK)
03
(Refused)
04
HOLD
06
07
08
09

Q35_1.
QID:xxxx

You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who transferred the money electronically.
You went online to the website of a company like Western
Union or Money Gram and had the money transferred
You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who gave you a paper money order that you then
used to pay the seller
You gave money to someone at the Post Office who gave you
a paper money order that you then used to pay the seller

How did you first learn about about having won this prize? (Open end and code)
(Interviewer: read list 06-18 if necessary)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08

from an Internet website
from an email
from a television advertisement or infomercial

09

from a mail advertisement or solicitation,
including from a catalog
from a telephone call (a telemarketer)
from a store you visited
from someone who came to your home
from a radio advertisement
from a poster or flier

10
11
12
13
14

118

15
16
17
18

from a magazine or newspaper advertisement
from a social media site, such as Facebook,
Twitter, YouTube, or blogs
from a friend or family member
when you were billed by the person offering you
this prize
Qxx(xxxx)

(If code 06 in Q35_1, continue; if Code 17 or 18 in Q35_1 skip to Q35_10; otherwise
skip to Q35_3)
Q35_2.
QID:xxxx

Was this an Internet auction site, an online classified ad site like Craigs List, or
some other type of Internet web site?
1
2

An Internet auction site
An online classified ad site such
as Craigs List

3
8
9

Another Internet web site
(DK)
(Refused)

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. How difficult or easy was it to answer this question?
b. Was it clear to you what the term “internet auction site” meant? What comes to mind
when you hear the term?
Q35_3
QID:xxxx

Q35_3a.
QID:xxxx

Was the information about this prize presented in English or some other
language?
1

English

2
8
9

Some other language
(DK)
(Refused)

- Autocode Q35_3a as 1 and Skip
to Q35_10
- Continue
- Skip to Q35_10
- Skip to Q35_1

In what language was the information provided?
1
2
3
4
5
6

English
Spanish
Chinese/Mandarin
Japanese
French
Hindi
119

7
8
9

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

There are no Q35_4 – Q35_9c
Q35_10.
QID:xxx .

And, did you complain to anyone officially or unofficially about your experience
with this offer?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODES 2, 8 OR
9, PROBE
a. Did you talk to anyone about what happened? What about a friend or family
member?
b. IF YES to PROBE ask: Tell a little more about why you did not consider talking to
[INSERT PERSON REFERENCE ABOVE] complaining to someone unofficially?
(If code 1 in Q35_10 continue, otherwise - SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D)
Q35_11.
QID:xxx .

To whom did you complain? (Open ended and code) (PROBE FOR THREE
RESPONSES:) Did you complain to anyone else?
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

Family or friends / tell family or friends not to buy from the seller
The company that sold the product
The product manufacturer
The Better Business Bureau
A bank
A credit card company
A local consumer agency
The local police department
The Department of Motor Vehicles
A local consumer help line
The state Attorney General or state consumer agency
The Federal Trade Commission/FTC
Another federal agency (SPECIFY)
120

19
20

BLKD_R2_CLK
QID:
SECTION

Complained to the phone company
Complained to an Internet service provider

CLOCK:

ROTATION GROUP 2 IN BLOCK D - told were eligible to receive a grant either from the government or
from someone else or that someone would help you prepare a proposal for a grant that was certain to be
approved
Q36_1
QID:xxxx

In the past year, has anyone told you that you were eligible to
receive a grant either from the government or from someone else
or that someone would help you prepare a proposal for a grant that
was certain to be approved?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D

121

Q36_1a
QID:xxxx

In connection with any of the grant offerings in the last year, were
you told that you had to pay a fee in order to receive your grant or
have the grant proposal prepared?
1
2
8
9

Q36_1b
QID:xxxx

- CONTINUE
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D

In connection with any of these grant offerings, did you make the
required payment?
1
2
8
9

Q36_2.
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D

How many times in the past year did you make the payments
required to receive a grant? If you made multiple payments in
connection with the same grant offering, please count this as only
one time.

(Programmer note: block codes 10-97)
0
1
6
7
8
9
98
99

None – Go back to Q6_1 and recode as code 2
016
7
8
9 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 5-9 in Q36_2 continue, otherwise skip to Note before Q36_4)

122

Q36_3.
QID:xxxx

You said that that this happened to you (response in Q36_2) times
in the last year. Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

NOTE #12:
QID:xxxx

Q36_4.
QID:xxxx

- CONTINUE
- Go back to Q36_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q36_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q36_2 and adjust response

(If code 2-9 in Q36_2 read:) Thinking now about the most recent time this
happened to you …

Did you ever receive the grant?
1
2
8
9

Q36_5.
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- Skip to Q37_5
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D

And was the grant essentially what had been described to you?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- Continue to Q37_5
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D

There are no Q37_1 through Q37_4
Q37_5.
QID:xxxx

How much did you pay to the person who promised to obtain the grant for you?
00,000
00,001
99,997
99998
99999

None/$0000
$0001$99,997 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 500 – 99997 in Q37_5, continue, if code 0 in Q37_5 skip to Q37_10; otherwise
skip to Q37_9)

123

Q37_5a.
QID:xxxx

You said you paid (response from Q37_5) – Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Q37_9.
QID:xxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- Go back to Q37_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q37_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q37_5 and re-enter response

And, how did you pay this money? For example, did you provide your credit
card or credit card number; did you pay with cash, write a check or give the seller
your checking account number; or did you pay in some other way? (Do NOT
read; Open end and code)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11

Cash
Credit Card
Wrote a check
Gave your debit card number linked to your bank account
Gave your checking account number
Pre-paid Debit card like GreenDot, MoneyPak, Vanilla Ice, or
Reloadit Card – that you had previously put money on
Gift card like Amazon, Target or iTunes
Money order or wire transfer, like Western Union, MoneyGram,
or the post office
Charged to your telephone, cable television account, or internet
services bill
Mobile or Internet payment method such as PayPal, Apple Pay,
Google Wallet

12
13
14
15

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 09 or 11,
ASK CONTINUE TO PROBE A, OTHERWISE SKIP to B.
a. What type of debit card was it?
b. Can you briefly describe to me how you paid/what was involved in the process?
(If code 13 in Q37_9 continue; otherwise skip to Q37_1)

124

Q37_9a.
QID:xxx

And, what kind of money order or wire transfer was this? (Interviewer
read codes 06-09 and 01)
01
Some other way (List)
02
(DK)
03
(Refused)
04
HOLD
06
07
08
09

You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who transferred the money electronically.
You went online to the website of a company like Western
Union or Money Gram and had the money transferred
You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who gave you a paper money order that you then
used to pay the seller
You gave money to someone at the Post Office who gave you
a paper money order that you then used to pay the seller

125

Q37_1.
QID:xxxx

How did you first learn about this grant offer? (Open end and code)
(Interviewer: read list 06-18 if necessary)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08

from an Internet website
from an email
from a television advertisement or infomercial

09

from a mail advertisement or solicitation,
including from a catalog
from a telephone call (a telemarketer)
from a store you visited
from someone who came to your home
from a radio advertisement
from a poster or flier
from a magazine or newspaper advertisement
from a social media site, such as Facebook,
Twitter, YouTube, or blogs
from a friend or family member
when you were billed by the person who offered
you the grant

10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

Qxx(xxxx)
(If code 06 in Q37_1, continue; if Code 17 or 18 in Q37_1 skip Q37_10; otherwise skip to
Q37_3)
Q37_2.
QID:xxxx

Was this an Internet auction site, an online classified ad site like Craigs List, or
some other type of Internet web site?
1
2

An Internet auction site
An online classified ad site such
as Craigs List

3
8
9

Another Internet web site
(DK)
(Refused)

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. How difficult or easy was it to answer this question?
b. Was it clear to you what the term “internet auction site” meant? What comes to mind
when you hear the term?

126

Q37_3
QID:xxxx

Q37_3a.
QID:xxxx

Was the information about this offer presented in English or some other
language?
1

English

2
8
9

Some other language
(DK)
(Refused)

- Autocode Q37_3a as 1 and Skip
to Q37_4
- Continue
- Skip to Q37_4
- Skip to Q37_4

In what language was the information provided?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

English
Spanish
Chinese/Mandarin
Japanese
French
Hindi
Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

There are no Q37_4 – Q37_9c
Q37_10.
QID:xxx .

And, did you complain to anyone officially or unofficially about your experience
with thisoffer?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODES 2, 8 OR
9, PROBE
a. Did you talk to anyone about what happened? What about a friend or family
member?
b. IF YES to PROBE ask: Tell a little more about why you did not consider talking to
[INSERT PERSON REFERENCE ABOVE] complaining to someone unofficially?
(If code 1 in Q37_10 continue, otherwise - SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D)

127

Q37_11.
QID:xxx .

To whom did you complain? (Open ended and code) (PROBE FOR THREE
RESPONSES:) Did you complain to anyone else?
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Family or friends / tell family or friends not to buy from the seller
The company that sold the product
The product manufacturer
The Better Business Bureau
A bank
A credit card company
A local consumer agency
The local police department
The Department of Motor Vehicles
A local consumer help line
The state Attorney General or state consumer agency
The Federal Trade Commission/FTC
Another federal agency (SPECIFY)
Complained to the phone company
Complained to an Internet service provider

128

BLKD_R3_CLK
QID:
SECTION

CLOCK:

ROTATION GROUP 3 IN BLOCK D - told were eligible to receive a grant either from the government or
from someone else or that someone would help you prepare a proposal for a grant that was certain to be
approved
Q38_1
QID:xxxx

In the past year, has anyone sent you a check and asked you to
send some of the money from the check back to the sender or to
someone else? This may have happened in connection with a
prize or grant such as we just discussed, a job, something you were
selling (perhaps on online), or something else.
1
2
8
9
Q38_1a
QID:xxxx

- CONTINUE
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D

In any of the instances in the last year where you received such a
check, did you actually send the money as requested?
1
2
8
9

Q38_2.
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D

How many times last year did you send money as requested?

(Programmer note: block codes 10-97)
0
1
6
7
8
9
98
99

None – Go back to Q6_1 and recode as code 2
016
7
8
9 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 5-9 in Q38_2 continue, otherwise skip to Note before Q38_4)
Q38_3.
QID:xxxx

You said that that this happened to you (response in Q38_2) times
129

in the last year. Is this correct?
1
2
8
9
NOTE #12:
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- Go back to Q38_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q38_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q38_2 and adjust response

(If code 2-9 in Q38_2 read:) Thinking now about the most recent time this
happened to you …

There are no Q39_1 through Q39_4
Q39_5.
QID:xxxx

How much money did you send?
00,000
00,001
99,997
99998
99999

None/$0000
$0001$99,997 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 500 – 99997 in Q39_5, continue, if code 0 in Q39_5 skip to Q39_10; otherwise
skip to Q39_9)
Q39_5a.
QID:xxxx

You said you sent (response from Q39_5) – Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- Go back to Q39_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q39_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q39_5 and re-enter response

130

Q39_9.
QID:xxx

And, how did you send this money? For example, did you provide your credit
card or credit card number; did you pay with cash, write a check or give the seller
your checking account number; or did you pay in some other way? (Do NOT
read; Open end and code)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
08
09
10
11

Cash
Credit Card
Wrote a check or paid out of your checking account
Wrote a check
Gave your debit card number linked to your bank account
Gave your checking account number
Pre-paid Debit card like GreenDot, MoneyPak, Vanilla Ice, or Reloadit Card – that you
had previously put money on
Gift card like Amazon, Target or iTunes
Money order or wire transfer, like Western Union, MoneyGram, or the post office
Charged to your telephone, cable television account, or internet services bill
Mobile or Internet payment method such as PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Wallet

12
13
14
15

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 09 or 11,
ASK CONTINUE TO PROBE A, OTHERWISE SKIP to B.
a. What type of debit card was it?
b. Can you briefly describe to me how you paid/what was involved in the process?
(If code 13 in Q39_9 continue; otherwise skip to Q39_9b)
Q39_9a.
QID:xxx

And, what kind of money order or wire transfer was this? (Open end and
code) (Interviewer read codes 06-09 and 01 if needed)
01
02
03
04

Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06

You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who transferred the money electronically.
You went online to the website of a company like Western
Union or Money Gram and had the money transferred
You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who gave you a paper money order that you then
used to pay the seller
You gave money to someone at the Post Office who gave you

07
08
09

131

a paper money order that you then used to pay the seller
There is no Q39_9d.
Q39_9b.
QID:xxx

And, was the check sent to you good or was it bad so that the bank either
refused to cash it or you later had to return the money?
1
2
3
8
9

Q39_10.
QID:xxx .

The check was good and I obtained the money for
which the check was written
The check was bad. My bank refused to cash it or I
later had to return the money
I did not attempt to cash the check
(DK)
(Refused)

And, did you complain to anyone officially or unofficially about your experience
with the check you were sent?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODES 2, 8 OR
9, PROBE
a. Did you talk to anyone about what happened? What about a friend or family
member?
b. IF YES to PROBE ask: Tell a little more about why you did not consider talking to
[INSERT PERSON REFERENCE ABOVE] complaining to someone unofficially?
(If code 1 in Q39_10 continue, otherwise - SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block D)
Q39_11.
QID:xxx .

To whom did you complain? (Open ended and code) (PROBE FOR THREE
RESPONSES:) Did you complain to anyone else?
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09

Family or friends / tell family or friends not to buy from the seller
The company that sold the product
The product manufacturer
The Better Business Bureau
132

10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

A bank
A credit card company
A local consumer agency
The local police department
The Department of Motor Vehicles
A local consumer help line
The state Attorney General or state consumer agency
The Federal Trade Commission/FTC
Another federal agency (SPECIFY)
Complained to the phone company
Complained to an Internet service provider

OVERALL BLOCK D: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
e. Overall, how easy or difficult was to answer the questions on the specific types of fraud?
f. Were any of the fraud questions unclear? IF YES: Which ones?
g. When you indicated that you had had certain experiences, we asked you a series of
questions about how you learned about and purchased the product, how much you
paid, and whether you had complained to anyone about your experience. Were these
questions clear? If not, can you remember specific questions that you found confusing?
h. Do you have any final feedback for me about how we could improve the questions?

133

BLOCK E STARTS HERE
ROTATION FOR BLOCK E (PROGRAMMER CODE)
1
BLKE_R1_CLK
QID:
SECTION

Q40_1 – Q41_11 – paid for weight loss products
CLOCK:

ROTATION GROUP 1 IN BLOCK E - paid for weight loss products

Q40_1
QID:xxxx

In the past year, have you paid anyone for a product such as
nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, skin patches, creams,
wraps, or earrings that the seller suggested or implied would help
you lose a substantial amount of weight?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- SKIP to Next Rotational Block
- SKIP to Next Rotational Block
- SKIP to Next Rotational Block

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 02, ASK
PROBE
a. Have you ever purchased weight loss products from a store or other seller in the past
year?
b. IF YES PROBE: Why did you not consider this when you were answering the question?
Q40_2.
QID:xxxx

How many different such weight-loss products have you purchased
in the last year?

(Programmer note: block codes 10-97)
0
1
6
7
8
9
98
99

None – Go back to Q6_1 and recode as code 2
016
7
8
9 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 5-9 in Q40_2 continue, otherwise skip to Note before Q40_4)

134

Q40_3.
QID:xxxx

You said that you purchased (response in Q40_2) different weight
loss product in the last year. Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

NOTE #7:
QID:xxxx
Q40_4.
QID:xxxx

Did the seller suggest or imply that using this product would make it easy to lose
weight?
Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

Did the seller suggest or imply that by using this product you could lose weight
without exercise and/or without reducing the amount you eat?
1
2
8
9

Q40_6.
QID:xxxx

- CONTINUE
- Go back to Q40_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q40_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q40_2 and adjust response

(If code 2-9 in Q40_2 read:) Thinking now about the most recent time you
purchased such a weight-loss product …

1
2
8
9
Q40_5.
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

Which of the following best describes your experience in using the product? Did
you… (Read and rotate 1-5 or 5-1)
1
2
3
4
5
8
9

Lose about as much or more weight than you expected to
lose
Lose about half of the weight you expected to lose
Only lose a little of the weight you expected to lose
Lose no weight or gain weight
Did not use the product
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 1 in Q40_4 or Q40_5, continue; otherwise skip to next Rotational Block)
Q41_1.
QID:xxxx

How did you first learn about this weight loss product? (Open end and code)
135

(Interviewer: read list 06-18 if necessary)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08

from an Internet website
from an email
from a television advertisement or
infomercial
from a mail advertisement or solicitation,
including from a catalog
from a telephone call (a telemarketer)
from a store you visited
from someone who came to your home
from a radio advertisement
from a poster or flier
from a magazine or newspaper
advertisement
from a social media site, such as
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or blogs
from a friend or family member
when you were billed by the seller of this
weight loss product

09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

Qxx(xxxx)
(If code 06 in Q41_1, continue; if Code 17 in Q41_1 go to Q41_4; if code 18 in Q41_1 go
to Q41_5; otherwise skip to Q41_3)
Q41_2.
QID:xxxx

Was this an Internet auction site, an online classified ad site like Craigs List, or
some other type of Internet web site?
1
2

An Internet auction site
An online classified ad site such
as Craigs List

3
8
9

Another Internet web site
(DK)
(Refused)

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. How difficult or easy was it to answer this question?
b. Was it clear to you what the term “internet auction site” meant? What comes to mind
when you hear the term?

136

Q41_3
QID:xxxx

Q41_3a.
QID:xxxx

Was the information about this weight loss product presented in English or some
other language?
1

English

2
8
9

Some other language
(DK)
(Refused)

In what language was the information provided?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Q41_4.
QID:xxxx

English
Spanish
Chinese/Mandarin
Japanese
French
Hindi
Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

And how did you purchase this weight loss product? (read and rotate 1-4, then
5)?
1
2
3
4
5
8
9

Q41_5
QID:xxxx

- Autocode Q41_3a as 1 and Skip
to Q41_4
- Continue
- Skip to Q41_4
- Skip to Q41_4

Visited a store
Ordered on the telephone
Mailed in an order
Ordered from internet site
Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

And how much did you actually end up paying for this weight loss product? If
you paid something but later received a refund of all or part of the money you
paid, please do not include the amount that was refunded.
00,000
00,001
99,997
99998
99999

None/$0000
$0001$99,997 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

137

(If code 500 – 99997 in Q41_5, continue, if code 0 in Q41_5 skip to Q41_10; otherwise
skip to Q41_9)
Q41_5a.
QID:xxxx

You said you paid (response from Q41_5) – Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- Go back to Q41_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q41_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q41_5 and re-enter response

(All in Q41_5a, skip to Q41_9)
Q41_9.
QID:xxx

And, how did you pay for this this weight loss product? For example, did you
provide your credit card or credit card number; did you pay with cash, write a
check or give the seller your checking account number; or did you pay in some
other way? (Do NOT read; Open end and code)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11

Cash
Credit Card
Wrote a check
Gave your debit card number linked to your bank account
Gave your checking account number
Pre-paid Debit card like GreenDot, MoneyPak, Vanilla Ice, or
Reloadit Card – that you had previously put money on
Gift card like Amazon, Target or iTunes
Money order or wire transfer, like Western Union, MoneyGram,
or the post office
Charged to your telephone, cable television account, or internet
services bill
Mobile or Internet payment method such as PayPal, Apple Pay,
Google Wallet

12
13
14
15

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 09 or 11,
ASK CONTINUE TO PROBE A, OTHERWISE SKIP to B.
a. What type of debit card was it?
b. Can you briefly describe to me how you paid/what was involved in the process?
(If code 13 in Q41_9 Continue, otherwise skip to Q41_10)

138

Q41_9a.
QID:xxx

And, what kind of money order or wire transfer was this? (Interviewer read
codes 06-09 and 01)
01
02
03
04

Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06

You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who transferred the money electronically.
You went online to the website of a company like Western
Union or Money Gram and had the money transferred
You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who gave you a paper money order that you then
used to pay the seller
You gave money to someone at the Post Office who gave you
a paper money order that you then used to pay the seller

07
08
09
Q41_10.
QID:xxx .

And, did you complain to anyone officially or unofficially about your experience
with this product?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- SKIP to Next Rotational Block
- SKIP to Next Rotational Block
- SKIP to Next Rotational Block

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODES 2, 8 OR
9, PROBE
a. Did you talk to anyone about what happened? What about a friend or family
member?
b. IF YES to PROBE ask: Tell a little more about why you did not consider talking to
[INSERT PERSON REFERENCE ABOVE] complaining to someone unofficially?
(If code 1 in Q41_10 continue, otherwise - SKIP to Next Rotational Block )

139

Q41_11.
QID:xxx .

To whom did you complain? (Open ended and code) (PROBE FOR THREE
RESPONSES:) Did you complain to anyone else?
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Family or friends / tell family or friends not to buy from the seller
The company that sold the product
The product manufacturer
The Better Business Bureau
A bank
A credit card company
A local consumer agency
The local police department
The Department of Motor Vehicles
A local consumer help line
The state Attorney General or state consumer agency
The Federal Trade Commission/FTC
Another federal agency (SPECIFY)
Complained to the phone company
Complained to an Internet service provider

OVERALL BLOCK E: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. Overall, how easy or difficult was to answer the questions on the specific types of fraud?
b. Were any of the fraud questions unclear? IF YES: Which ones?
c. When you indicated that you had had certain experiences, we asked you a series of
questions about how you learned about and purchased the product, how much you
paid, and whether you had complained to anyone about your experience. Were these
questions clear? If not, can you remember specific questions that you found confusing?
d. Do you have any final feedback for me about how we could improve the questions?

140

BLOCK F STARTS HERE
ROTATION FOR BLOCK F (PROGRAMMER RANDOMIZE 1-2)
1
2
BLKF_R1_CLK
QID:
SECTION

Q42_1 – Q43_11 – paid for offer to repair your computer
Q44_1 – Q44_11 – paid for claim that owed money or were
subject to a court case or law enforcement action
CLOCK:

ROTATION GROUP 1 IN BLOCK F - paid for offer to repair your computer

Q42_1a
QID:xxxx

In the past YEAR, have you paid anyone to fix your computer who
told you, (read and rotate A-B) ?

,
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

A

that your computer had viruses or security
vulnerabilities that needed to be repaired to keep
the computer running. This may have been done
in a pop-up ad on your computer
That they needed to remotely examine your
computer to repair viruses or security
vulnerabilities on your computer that needed to
be repaired to keep the computer running?

B

(If code 1 in Q42_a or Q42_b continue, otherwise skip to Next
Rotational Q in Block F)
Q42_2.
QID:xxxx

How many times have you paid someone for such computer repairs
in the past year? If you made multiple payments in connection with
the same computer repair, please only count this as one
transaction.

(Programmer note: block codes 10-97)
0
1
6
7

None – Go back to Q6_1 and recode as code 2
016
7
141

8
9
98
99

8
9 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 5-9 in Q42_2 continue, otherwise skip to Note before Q42_4)
Q42_3.
QID:xxxx

You said that you paid someone to repair you’re your computer
(response in Q42_2) times in the last year. Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

NOTE #7:
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- Go back to Q42_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q42_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q42_2 and adjust response

(If code 2-9 in Q42_2 read:) Thinking now about the most recent time this
happened to you …

142

Q42_4.
QID:xxxx

Was this person someone (read 1-5)?
1

6

who contacted you and with whom you had not
previously done business
you called after receiving a message telling you
that my computer needed to be fixed
you called after finding their number in an online
advertisement when you looked for someone to
help you with a computer problem
to whom you had taken your computer to get it
fixed, OR
with whom you have an ongoing relationship, such
as having a service contract
(Other) (Specify)

8

(DK)

9

(Refused)

2
3
4
5

Q43_1.
QID:xxxx

-Continue
- Continue
- Continue
- SKIP to Next
Rotational Q in Block F
- SKIP to Next
Rotational Q in Block F
- SKIP to Next
Rotational Q in Block F
- SKIP to Next Rotational
Q in Block F
- SKIP to Next Rotational
Q in Block F

How did you first learn about this offer to repair your computer? (Open end and
code) (Interviewer: read list 06-18 if necessary)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08

from an Internet website
from an email
from a television advertisement or
infomercial
from a mail advertisement or solicitation,
including from a catalog
from a telephone call (a telemarketer)
from a store you visited
from someone who came to your home
from a radio advertisement
from a poster or flier
from a magazine or newspaper
advertisement
from a social media site, such as
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or blogs
from a friend or family member
when you were billed by the person who
offered to repair your computer

09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

143

Qxx(xxxx)
(If code 06 in Q43_1, continue; if Code 17 in Q43_1 go to Q43_4; if code 18 in Q43_1 go
to Q43_5; otherwise skip to Q43_3)
Q43_2.
QID:xxxx

Was this an Internet auction site, an online classified ad site like Craigs List, or
some other type of Internet web site?
1
2

An Internet auction site
An online classified ad site such
as Craigs List

3
8
9

Another Internet web site
(DK)
(Refused)

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. How difficult or easy was it to answer this question?
b. Was it clear to you what the term “internet auction site” meant? What comes to mind
when you hear the term?
Q43_3
QID:xxxx

Q43_3a.
QID:xxxx

Was the information about this offer presented in English or some other
language?
1

English

2
8
9

Some other language
(DK)
(Refused)

- Autocode Q43_3a as 1 and Skip
to Q43_4
- Continue
- Skip to Q43_4
- Skip to Q43_4

In what language was the information provided?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

English
Spanish
Chinese/Mandarin
Japanese
French
Hindi
Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

144

Q43_4.
QID:xxxx

And how did you purchase this this offer? (read and rotate 1-4, then 5)?
1
2
3
4
5
8
9

Q43_5
QID:xxxx

Visited a store
Ordered on the telephone
Mailed in an order
Ordered from internet site
Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

And how much did you actually end up paying for this offer to repair your
computer? If you paid something but later received a refund of all or part of the
money you paid, please do not include the amount that was refunded.
00,000
00,001
99,997
99998
99999

None/$0000
$0001$99,997 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 500 – 99997 in Q43_5, continue, if code 0 in Q43_5 skip to Q43_10; otherwise
skip to Q43_9)
Q43_5a.
QID:xxxx

You said you paid (response from Q43_5) – Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- Go back to Q43_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q43_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q43_5 and re-enter response

145

Q43_9.
QID:xxx

And, how did you pay for this offer to repair your computer? For example, did
you provide your credit card or credit card number; did you pay with cash, write a
check or give the seller your checking account number; or did you pay in some
other way? (Do NOT read; Open end and code)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11

Cash
Credit Card
Wrote a check
Gave your debit card number linked to your bank account
Gave your checking account number
Pre-paid Debit card like GreenDot, MoneyPak, Vanilla Ice, or
Reloadit Card – that you had previously put money on
Gift card like Amazon, Target or iTunes
Money order or wire transfer, like Western Union, MoneyGram,
or the post office
Charged to your telephone, cable television account, or internet
services bill
Mobile or Internet payment method such as PayPal, Apple Pay,
Google Wallet

12
13
14
15

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 09
or 11, ASK CONTINUE TO PROBE A, OTHERWISE SKIP to B.
a. What type of debit card was it?
b. Can you briefly describe to me how you paid/what was involved in the process?
(If code 13 in Q43_9 Continue, otherwise skip to Q43_10)
Q43_9a.
QID:xxx

And, what kind of money order or wire transfer was this? ( (Interviewer read
codes 06-09 and 01)
01
02
03
04

Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06

You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who transferred the money electronically.
You went online to the website of a company like Western
Union or Money Gram and had the money transferred
You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who gave you a paper money order that you then

07
08

146

09

Q43_10.
QID:xxx .

used to pay the seller
You gave money to someone at the Post Office who gave you
a paper money order that you then used to pay the seller

And, did you complain to anyone officially or unofficially about your experience
with this offer?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- SKIP to Next Rotational Block
- SKIP to Next Rotational Block
- SKIP to Next Rotational Block

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODES 2, 8 OR
9, PROBE
a. Did you talk to anyone about what happened? What about a friend or family
member?
b. IF YES to PROBE ask: Tell a little more about why you did not consider talking to
[INSERT PERSON REFERENCE ABOVE] complaining to someone unofficially?
(If code 1 in Q43_10 continue, otherwise - SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block F)
Q43_11.
QID:xxx .

To whom did you complain? (Open ended and code) (PROBE FOR THREE
RESPONSES:) Did you complain to anyone else?
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Family or friends / tell family or friends not to buy from the seller
The company that sold the product
The product manufacturer
The Better Business Bureau
A bank
A credit card company
A local consumer agency
The local police department
The Department of Motor Vehicles
A local consumer help line
The state Attorney General or state consumer agency
The Federal Trade Commission/FTC
Another federal agency (SPECIFY)
Complained to the phone company
Complained to an Internet service provider
147

BLKF_R2_CLK
QID:
SECTION

CLOCK:

148

ROTATION GROUP 2 IN BLOCK F - paid money who claimed you owed money or were subject to a court
case or law enforcement action in the last year

Q44_1
QID:xxxx

In the last year, have you paid money after being contacted by
someone claiming that you owed money to the government or a
government agency such as the Internal Revenue Service or the
U.S. Treasury or that a court case or law enforcement action had
been filed against you?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block F
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block F
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block F

(If code 1 in Q44_1 continue, otherwise skip to Next Rotational
Q in Block F)
Q44_2.
QID:xxxx

How many times have you paid someone in the past year after
being told you owed money to the government? If you made
multiple payments in connection with the same report you owed,
please only count this as one transaction.

(Programmer note: block codes 10-97)
0
1
6
7
8
9
98
99

None – Go back to Q6_1 and recode as code 2
016
7
8
9 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 5-9 in Q44_2 continue, otherwise skip to Note before Q44_4)
Q44_3.
QID:xxxx

You said that you paid money (response in Q44_2) times in the
last year after being told you owed money to the government or that
a court case had been filed against you. Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- Go back to Q44_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q44_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q44_2 and adjust response
149

NOTE #13:
QID:xxxx

Q44_4.
QID:xxxx

(If code 2-9 in Q44_2 read:) Thinking now about the most recent time this
happened to you …

What did the person claim you needed to pay money for? (read 1-3)
1
2
3
8
9

Q44_4a.
QID:xxxx

To pay taxes you owed
To keep from being arrested or having to go to
court
Other (Specify) (Do not read)
(DK)
(Refused)

Did you owe the money the person claimed you owed or had the court case
actually been filed against you?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block F
- Continue
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block F
- SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block F

There are no questions Q45_1-Q45_2
Q45_3
QID:xxxx

Was the information about this offer presented in English or some other
language?
1

English

2
8
9

Some other language
(DK)
(Refused)

- Autocode Q45_3a as 1 and Skip
to Q45_5
- Continue
- Skip to Q45_5
- Skip to Q45_5

150

Q45_3a.
QID:xxxx

In what language was the information provided?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

English
Spanish
Chinese/Mandarin
Japanese
French
Hindi
Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

There is no Q45_4.
Q45_5
QID:xxxx

And how much did you actually end up paying this person who claimed you owed
this debt? If you paid something but later received a refund of all or part of the
money you paid, please do not include the amount that was refunded.
00,000
00,001
99,997
99998
99999

None/$0000
$0001$99,997 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 500 – 99997 in Q45_5, continue, if code 0 in Q45_5 skip to Q45_10; otherwise
skip to Q45_9)
Q45_5a.
QID:xxxx

You said you paid (response from Q45_5) – Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Q45_9.
QID:xxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- Go back to Q45_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q45_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q45_5 and re-enter response

And, how did you pay this money? For example, did you your credit card or
credit card number; did you pay with cash, write a check or give the seller your
checking account number; or did you pay in some other way? (Do NOT read;
Open end and code)
01
02
03

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
151

04

HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11

Cash
Credit Card
Wrote a check
Gave your debit card number linked to your bank account
Gave your checking account number
Pre-paid Debit card like GreenDot, MoneyPak, Vanilla Ice, or
Reloadit Card – that you had previously put money on
Gift card like Amazon, Target or iTunes
Money order or wire transfer, like Western Union, MoneyGram,
or the post office
Charged to your telephone, cable television account, or internet
services bill
Mobile or Internet payment method such as PayPal, Apple Pay,
Google Wallet

12
13
14
15

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 09 or 11,
ASK CONTINUE TO PROBE A, OTHERWISE SKIP to B.
a. What type of debit card was it?
b. Can you briefly describe to me how you paid/what was involved in the process?
(If code 13 in Q45_9 Continue; otherwise skip to Q45_10)

152

Q45_9a.
QID:xxx

And, what kind of money order or wire transfer was this? (Interviewer read
codes 06-09 and 01)
01
02
03
04

Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06

You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who transferred the money electronically.
You went online to the website of a company like Western
Union or Money Gram and had the money transferred
You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who gave you a paper money order that you then
used to pay the seller
You gave money to someone at the Post Office who gave you
a paper money order that you then used to pay the seller

07
08
09

Q45_10.
QID:xxx .

And, did you complain to anyone officially or unofficially about your experience
with this call you received?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- SKIP to Next Rotational Block
- SKIP to Next Rotational Block
- SKIP to Next Rotational Block

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODES 2, 8 OR
9, PROBE
a. Did you talk to anyone about what happened? What about a friend or family
member?
b. IF YES to PROBE ask: Tell a little more about why you did not consider talking to
[INSERT PERSON REFERENCE ABOVE] complaining to someone unofficially?
(If code 1 in Q45_10 continue, otherwise - SKIP to Next Rotational Q in Block F)
Q45_11.
QID:xxx .

To whom did you complain? (Open ended and code) (PROBE FOR THREE
RESPONSES:) Did you complain to anyone else?
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD
153

06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Family or friends / tell family or friends not to buy from the seller
The company that sold the product
The product manufacturer
The Better Business Bureau
A bank
A credit card company
A local consumer agency
The local police department
The Department of Motor Vehicles
A local consumer help line
The state Attorney General or state consumer agency
The Federal Trade Commission/FTC
Another federal agency (SPECIFY)
Complained to the phone company
Complained to an Internet service provider

OVERALL BLOCK F: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. Overall, how easy or difficult was to answer the questions on the specific types of fraud?
b. Were any of the fraud questions unclear? IF YES: Which ones?
c. When you indicated that you had had certain experiences, we asked you a series of
questions about how you learned about and purchased the product, how much you
paid, and whether you had complained to anyone about your experience. Were these
questions clear? If not, can you remember specific questions that you found confusing?
d. Do you have any final feedback for me about how we could improve the questions?

154

BLOCK G STARTS HERE
ROTATION FOR BLOCK G (PROGRAMMER CODE)
1
BLKG_R1_CLK
QID:
SECTION

Q46_1 – Q47_11 – Other purchase paid but never received
CLOCK:

ROTATION GROUP 1 IN BLOCK G – Other purchase

Q46_1
QID:xxxx

Other than the things we have already discussed, in the past year
have you purchased something which you paid for but NEVER
received?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 1 in Q46_1, otherwise skip to Next section-Block H)
Q46_2.
QID:xxxx

How many times has this happened to you in the past year?

(Programmer note: block codes 10-97)
0
1
6
7
8
9
98
99

None – Go back to Q6_1 and recode as code 2
016
7
8
9 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 5-9 in Q46_2 continue, otherwise skip to Note before Q46_4)

155

Q46_3.
QID:xxxx

You said that this happened to you (response in Q46_2) times in
the last year. Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

NOTE #14:
QID:xxxx

Q46_4.
QID:xxxx

- CONTINUE
- Go back to Q46_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q46_2 and adjust response
- Go back to Q46_2 and adjust response

(If code 2-9 in Q46_2 read:) Thinking now about the most recent time this
happened to you …

Did you try to get the seller to give you a refund or otherwise make an
adjustment?
1
2
8
9

Q46_5.
QID:xxxx

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- CONTINUE
- Skip to Q46_6
- Skip to Q46_6
- Skip to Q46_6

And was the seller willing to provide a refund, or otherwise make an adjustment
that satisfied you?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- SKIP to Next Block (Block H)
- CONTINUE
- CONTINUE
- CONTINUE

156

Q46_6.
QID:xxxx

What was the item that you purchased? (Open ended and code)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07

Books
Business opportunities / franchises / distributorships / work at
home plans
Buyers’ clubs
Cable or satellite TV services
Cameras (including digital cameras and camcorders)
CDs / video tapes / DVDs
Cell phone service or equipment
Computers: equipment or software
Credit monitoring service / ID theft service / Copy of your credit
report
Games or other programs delivered on your cell phone or other
mobile device
Health care products and services
Information such as psychic or adult entertainment services
delivered over the internet
Internet access services
Internet web site design / advertising on the internet
Investments
Magazines
Office supplies
Pay per call and information services such as adult
entertainment, gambling or psychic services delivered over the
telephone or internet
Real estate (including timeshares)
Telephone service or equipment, other than cell phone
Travel services / vacations

08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26

157

Q47_1.
QID:xxxx

How did you first learn about this item? (Open ended and code.) (Interviewer:
Read and rotate 06-14, if needed)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08

from an Internet website
from an email
from a television advertisement or
infomercial
from a mail advertisement or solicitation,
including from a catalog
from a telephone call (a telemarketer)
from a store you visited
from someone who came to your home
from a radio advertisement
from a poster or flier

09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

from a magazine or newspaper
advertisement
from a social media site, such as
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or blogs
from a friend or family member
when you were billed for this item

(If code 6 in Q47_1, continue; if Code 17 in Q47_1 go to Q47_4; if code 18 in Q47_1 go to
Q47_5; otherwise skip to Q47_3)

158

Q47_2.
QID:xxxx

Was this an Internet auction site, an online classified ad site like Craigs List, or
some other type of Internet web site?
1
2

An Internet auction site
An online classified ad site such
as Craigs List

3
8
9

Another Internet web site
(DK)
(Refused)

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. How difficult or easy was it to answer this question?
b. Was it clear to you what the term “internet auction site” meant? What comes to mind
when you hear the term?
Q47_3
QID:xxxx

Q47_3a.
QID:xxxx

Was the information about this item presented in English or some other
language?
1

English

2
8
9

Some other language
(DK)
(Refused)

In what language was the information provided?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Q47_4.
QID:xxxx

- Autocode Q47_3a as 1 and Skip
to Q47_4
- Continue
- Skip to Q47_4
- Skip to Q47_4

English
Spanish
Chinese/Mandarin
Japanese
French
Hindi
Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)

And how did you purchase this item? (read and rotate 1-4, then 5)?
1
2
3
4
5
8

Visited a store
Ordered on the telephone
Mailed in an order
Ordered from internet site
Some other way (List)
(DK)
159

9

Q47_5
QID:xxxx

(Refused)

And how much did you actually end up paying for this item? If you paid
something but later received a refund of all or part of the money you paid, please
do not include the amount that was refunded.
00,000
00,001
99,997
99998
99999

None/$0000
$0001$99,997 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 500 – 99997 in Q47_5, continue, if code 0 in Q47_5 skip to Q47_10; otherwise
skip to Q47_9)
Q47_5a.
QID:xxxx

You said you paid (response from Q47_5) – Is this correct?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- Go back to Q47_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q47_5 and re-enter response
- Go back to Q47_5 and re-enter response

160

Q47_9.
QID:xxx

And, how did you pay for this item? For example, did you provide your credit
card or credit card number; did you pay with cash, write a check or give the seller
your checking account number; or did you pay in some other way? (Do NOT
read; Open end and code)
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11

Cash
Credit Card
Wrote a check
Gave your debit card number linked to your bank account
Gave your checking account number
Pre-paid Debit card like GreenDot, MoneyPak, Vanilla Ice, or
Reloadit Card – that you had previously put money on
Gift card like Amazon, Target or iTunes
Money order or wire transfer, like Western Union, MoneyGram,
or the post office
Charged to your telephone, cable television account, or internet
services bill
Mobile or Internet payment method such as PayPal, Apple Pay,
Google Wallet

12
13
14
15

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODE 09 or 11,
ASK CONTINUE TO PROBE A, OTHERWISE SKIP to B.
a. What type of debit card was it?
b. Can you briefly describe to me how you paid/what was involved in the process?
(If code 13 in Q47_9 Continue; otherwise skip to Q47_10)
Q47_9a.
QID:xxx

And, what kind of money order or wire transfer was this? (Interviewer read
codes 06-09 and 01)
01
02
03
04

Some other way (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06

You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who transferred the money electronically.
You went online to the website of a company like Western
Union or Money Gram and had the money transferred
You gave cash to an agent of a company like Western Union or
MoneyGram who gave you a paper money order that you then

07
08

161

09
Q47_10.
QID:xxx .

used to pay the seller
You gave money to someone at the Post Office who gave you
a paper money order that you then used to pay the seller

And, did you complain to anyone officially or unofficially about your experience
paying for something but not receiving it?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

- Continue
- SKIP to Next Block
- SKIP to Next Block
- SKIP to Next Block

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODES 2, 8 OR
9, PROBE
a. Did you talk to anyone about what happened? What about a friend or family
member?
b. IF YES to PROBE ask: Tell a little more about why you did not consider talking to
[INSERT PERSON REFERENCE ABOVE] complaining to someone unofficially?
(If code 1 in Q47_10 continue, otherwise - SKIP to Next Block-Block H)

162

Q47_11.
QID:xxx .

To whom did you complain? (Open ended and code) (PROBE FOR THREE
RESPONSES:) Did you complain to anyone else?
01
02
03
04

Other (List)
(DK)
(Refused)
HOLD

06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Family or friends / tell family or friends not to buy from the seller
The company that sold the product
The product manufacturer
The Better Business Bureau
A bank
A credit card company
A local consumer agency
The local police department
The Department of Motor Vehicles
A local consumer help line
The state Attorney General or state consumer agency
The Federal Trade Commission/FTC
Another federal agency (SPECIFY)
Complained to the phone company
Complained to an Internet service provider

OVERALL BLOCK G: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. Overall, how easy or difficult was to answer the questions on the specific types of fraud?
b. Were any of the fraud questions unclear? IF YES: Which ones?
c. When you indicated that you had had certain experiences, we asked you a series of
questions about how you learned about and purchased the product, how much you
paid, and whether you had complained to anyone about your experience. Were these
questions clear? If not, can you remember specific questions that you found confusing?
d. Do you have any final feedback for me about how we could improve the questions?

163

BLOCK H STARTS HERE
BLKH_CLK
QID:
SECTION

CLOCK:

Changing topics and thinking some more about you...
Q48.

Have you listed your home telephone number on the national do-not-call registry?
1
2
8
9

Q49.

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

In the past two years, that is, since (programmer, pull in date 2 years prior to
interview date) have you experienced a serious negative life event, such as a
divorce, the death of a family member or close friend, a serious injury or illness in
your family, or the loss of a job?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

Q50.
Please imagine a ladder with steps numbered from zero at the bottom to ten at
the top. The top of the ladder represents those who are the best off (have the
most money, the most education, and the most respected jobs), while the bottom
of the ladder represents those who are worst off (have the least money, least
education, and least respected job or no job). On which step of the ladder would
you say you personally feel you stand at this time?
00
10
98
99

00- Best off
10 – Worst off
(DK)
(Refused)

164

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. How difficult or easy was it to answer this question? Why was it easy/difficult?
b. When answering the question, what types of people were you thinking about in the
comparison?
c. PROBE :What about people
a. In the U.S.
b. In the world
c. That you know or in your social circle OR
d. A broader group of people
Q51.

On which step do you think you stand regarding your willingness to take risks?
The top of the ladder or “10” represents those who are almost always willing to
take risks, while the bottom of the ladder or “zero” represents those who are
almost never willing to take risks. Where on the ladder do you stand on your
willingness to take risks?
10 Almost always willing to take risks
09
08
07
06
05
04
03
02
01
00 Almost never willing to take risks
98 (DK)
99 (Refused)

OVERALL BLOCK H: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. Overall, how easy or difficult was to answer the questions on the specific types of fraud?
b. Were any of the fraud questions unclear? IF YES: Which ones?
c. When you indicated that you had had certain experiences, we asked you a series of
questions about how you learned about and purchased the product, how much you
paid, and whether you had complained to anyone about your experience. Were these
questions clear? If not, can you remember specific questions that you found confusing?
d. Do you have any final feedback for me about how we could improve the questions?
DEMO_CLK
QID:
SECTION

CLOCK:
165

Interviewer read:
And for statistical purposes only...
D2
QID:xxx

In what state do you live?
AL
AK
AZ
AR
CA
CO
CT
DE
DC
FL
GA
HI
ID
IL
IN
IA
KS
KY
LA
ME
MD
MA
MI
MN
MS
MO
MT
NE
NV
NH
NJ
NM
NY
NC
ND
OH
OK
OR
PA
RI
SC
SD
TN

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Washington, D.C.
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee

166

TX
UT
VT
VA
WA
WV
WI
WY

Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

STATABV(101-102)
D3
QID:34307

May I please have your ZIP code?
(Programmer: (Open ended and code actual ZIP Code) [SURVENT NOTE:
Check ZIP Code against list of valid U.S. ZIP Codes])
99998 (DK)
99999 (Refused)
D3(3190-3194)

ZIPMTCH
QID:34308

[DO NOT ASK; AUTOCODED BY SURVENT:] Valid Zip Code Provided.
1
2

Yes
No
ZIPMTCH(3902)

QID:228788

Q4
QID:34310

Skip: (If code 1 in ZIPMTCH, Skip to D6;
Otherwise, Continue)

I just need to confirm your home ZIP Code is: (response in D12).
1
2

Yes, correct ZIP Code given
No, incorrect ZIP Code given
Q4(3990)

D6
QID:34303

Including yourself, how many adults, 18 years of age or older, live in this
household?
(Programmer: (Open ended and code actual number))
167

01
96
97
98
99

0196
97 or more
(DK)
(Refused)
D6(3043-3044)

D7. How many people under the age of 18 currently reside in your household?
01
96
97
98
99

0196
97 or more
(DK)
(Refused)

168

D8
QID:498707

What is the highest level of school you have completed or the highest degree you
have received?
(Interviewer: Open ended and code)
(Interviewer: If respondent says currently attending college, code as 4;
If respondent says completed some college courses, code as 4;
If respondent says currently attending graduate school, code as 7;
If respondent says completed some graduate school classes, code as 7)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0

Less than a high school diploma (Grades 1
through 11 or no schooling)
High school graduate (Grade 12 with diploma
or GED certificate)
Technical, trade, vocational or business
school or program after high school
Some college – college, university, or
community college -- but no degree
Two year associate degree from a college,
university, or community college
Four year bachelor’s degree from a college or
university (e.g., BS, BA, AB)
Some postgraduate or professional schooling
after graduating college, but no postgraduate
degree (e.g., some graduate school)
Postgraduate or professional degree,
including master’s, doctorate, medical, or law
degree (e.g., MA, MS, PhD, MD, JD)
(DK)
(Refused)
D4_1(2335)
D4_1REC(2335)

D9
QID:107157

Have you, or has anyone currently living in your household, ever served in the
U.S. military?
(Interviewer: If yes, clarify if service member is respondent or family
member)
1
2
3

Yes, respondent (or) Yes, respondent
plus other member(s) of household
Yes, other member of household
No
169

4
5
6

(DK)
(Refused)
Yes, other member of household
(deceased)
(If code 1 or 2 in D9, continue; Otherwise skip to D10)
D9a
QID:xxx

And are you or the other person currently serving (in the U.S. military)?
(Interviewer: If yes, clarify if service member is respondent or family
member)
1
2
3
4
5
6

Yes, respondent (or) Yes, respondent
plus other member(s) of household
Yes, other member of household
No
(DK)
(Refused)
Yes, other member of household
(deceased)

170

(If Spanish language interview – code X in XX, continue, otherwise skip to D12)
D10.

Other than Spanish, what languages, if any, do you regularly use in conducting
personal business? (Allow for 3 responses)
01
02
03
04

Other (LIST)
(DK)
(Refused)
None/Spanish only

06
07
08
09
10

English
Chinese/Mandarin
Japanese
French
Hindi

(If Code 06 in in D10 continue, otherwise skip to D12)
D11.

If you were engaged in a somewhat complicated transaction, such as trying to
buy a home, rent an apartment or purchase a car, would you be comfortable
conducting the transaction in English?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP: IF CODES 02, 08
OR 09, PROBE
a. How difficult or easy was it to answer this question?
b. What is the main reason you would be uncomfortable?

D12
QID:56851

Are you of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin - such as Mexican, Puerto Rican,
Cuban, or other Spanish origin?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)
D5(2522)
D5_FLT(2911)
D5_1(2912)
171

D5_2(2913)
D13
QID:218795

I am going to read a list of racial categories. Please choose one or more
categories that best indicates your race. (Read 1-5)
(Programmer: Allow FIVE responses)
1
2
3
4
5
8
9
0

White
Black or African-American
Asian
American Indian or Alaska Native, or
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
(DK)
(Refused)
(No more responses)

# of Responses: 5
D69_P(2303)
D69_1(2362)
D69_2(2363)
D69_3(2364)
D69_4(2365)
D69_5(2366)
(Programmer: Note #1:)
QID:228918

D14
QID:xxx.

(Programmer: Note #2:)
Skip: (If code 1 in INTRO1, Autocode D14 as 1 and Skip to Note before
D14a;
Otherwise, Continue)

Were you born in the United States or in another country?
1
2
8
9

U.S.
In another country
(DK)
(Refused)

(if code 2 in D14 continue, otherwise skip to note before D17)
D15
QID:xxx.

Was at least one of your parents born a U.S. citizen at the time you were born?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)
172

NOTE: (OPEN ENDED, RECORD VERBATIM) COGNITIVE FOLLOW-UP:
a. How difficult or easy was it to answer this question? Why was it easy/difficult to answer?
b. Is there anything you think could be done to improve the way this question is being
asked?
(If code 2, 8 or 9 in D14 continue, otherwise skip to note before D17)
D16
QID:xxx.

How many years have you lived in the United States? (Interviewer: Open ended and
code actual number)
0
197
98
99

Less than 1 year
97+ years
(DK)
(Refused)

(If code 1 in INTRO1, skip to D18, otherwise continue)
D17
QID:228651

Do you have a working landline telephone in your home?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)
D74(2388)

QID:xxxx

D18
QIDxxx

Skip: (If code 1 in D17 Continue, Otherwise skip to Note before D19;
Otherwise, Continue)

How many different residential phone NUMBERS do you have coming into your
household, not including lines dedicated to a fax machine, modem, or used
strictly for business purposes? Do not include cellular phones.
(Interviewer: Open ended and code actual number)
(Interviewer: A VOIP or cable phone line would count as a
landline.)
0
1
2
3

Zero
One
Two
Three
173

4
5
8
9
QID:228919

D19
QID:228653

Four
Five or more
(DK)
(Refused)

Skip: (If code 2 in INTRO1, Autocode D19 as 1 and Skip to Note before D20;
Otherwise, Continue)

Do you have a working cell phone that you receive and make calls on?
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)
D75(2399)

QID:228865

D20
QID:228655

Skip: (If code 2-4 in D19, Continue;
Otherwise, Skip to Note before D21)

Does anyone in your household have a working cell phone?
(Interviewer: This can include children under 18 in the household)
1
2
8
9

Yes
No
(DK)
(Refused)
D76(2400)

QID:228868

(Programmer: Note #1:)
Skip: (If code 2-4 in D20, Skip to ANN_INC;
Otherwise, Continue)

QID:228894

(Programmer: Note #2:)
Skip: (If code 1 in D18 AND [code 1 in D19 or D20], Continue;
Otherwise, Skip to ANN_INC)

D21

174

QID:103424

Of all the telephone calls your household receives (read 1-3)?
1
2
3
8
9

All or almost all calls are received on
cell phones
Some are received on cell phones and
some on regular phones, OR
Very few or none are received on cell
phones
(DK)
(Refused)
D15C(2588)

ANN_INC
QID:579114

What is your total ANNUAL household income, before taxes? Please include
income from wages and salaries, remittances from family members living
elsewhere, farming, and all other sources.
(Interviewer: Open ended and code)
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
98
99

Under $720
$720 to $5,999
$6,000 to $11,999
$12,000 to $23,999
$24,000 to $35,999
$36,000 to $47,999
$48,000 to $59,999
$60,000 to $89,999
$90,000 to $119,999
$120,000 to $179,999
$180,000 to $239,999
$240,000 and over
(DK)
(Refused)
ANN_INC(3187-3188)

QID:579158

Skip: (If code 98 or 99 in ANN_INC, Continue;
Otherwise, Skip to DEMCLK2)

175

ANN_INC2
QID:579116

Is your total ANNUAL household income before taxes, $48,000 or more, or is it
less than $48,000?
(Interviewer:
(If under, ask:) Is it over or under $36,000?
(If under, ask:) Is it over or under $24,000?
(If under, ask:) Is it over or under $12,000?
(If under, ask:) Is it over or under $6,000?
(If under, ask:) Is it over or under $720?)
(Interviewer:
(If over, ask:) Is it over or under $60,000?
(If over, ask:) Is it over or under $90,000?
(If over, ask:) Is it over or under $120,000?
(If over, ask:) Is it over or under $180,000?
(If over, ask:) Is it over or under $240,000?)
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
98
99

Under $720
$720 to $5,999
$6,000 to $11,999
$12,000 to $23,999
$24,000 to $35,999
$36,000 to $47,999
$48,000 to $59,999
$60,000 to $89,999
$90,000 to $119,999
$120,000 to $179,999
$180,000 to $239,999
$240,000 and over
(DK)
(Refused)
ANN_INC2(3301-3302)

D22
QID:xxxx

Thinking ahead to three years from now, how do you think your income will
compare to your income today? Do you think it will be (ROTATE TOP TO
BOTTOM, BOTTOM TO TOP BETWEEN VERSION 1 AND VERSION 2)?
1
2
3
4
5
8
9

Much lower
Slightly lower
About the same
Slightly higher
Much higher
(DK)
(Refused)

176

D23
QID:xxxx

And thinking for a moment about your personal debt on which you currently make
interest payments. I am talking about your debts you partially pay off each month
for things like mortgages, credit cards, personal loans or car loans. Would you
say the amount of debt you currently have is (Read 1-3)
1
2
3
4
8
9

D24.
QID:xxxx

More than you can handle financially
About as much as you can handle
financially, OR
You could handle more debt than you
currently have
(Do not have any personal debt)
(DK)
(Refused)

(INTERVIEWER CODE GENDER, IF NOT CLEAR ASK:) For our study I need to
confirm if you are male or female?
1
2
8
9

Male
Female
(DK)
(Refused)

EndCLOCK:
QID:xxxx

SECTION CLOCK:

(Interviewer: THANK RESPONDENT BY SAYING:)
QID:228178
Again, this is _____, with Gallup. I would like to thank you for your time. Our
mission is to "help people be heard" and your opinions are important to Gallup in
accomplishing this.
READ ONLY IF ASKED: This study was sponsored by the Federal Trade Commission, an
agency of the US government. Your answers today will be used to help shape
future policies protecting US consumers. We appreciate your help.

FINTVID
QID:162731

INTERVIEWER I.D. #:
FINTVID(1571-1574)

177