KGB has opened their doors as is paying regular people (like you) to answer questions from their homes. You receive a question via text message online and seek out the answer and get paid for doing so.
The title may sound familiar to some of our long-time readers. We’ve reviewed a similar program a few months ago that operated along the same lines. That program was ChaCha. Unfortunately, they’ve since closed their doors to new workers. Lucky for you, KGB has opened theirs and is paying regular people (like you) to answer questions from their homes.
What is KGB?
The Knowledge Generation Bureau or KGB is a service that allows you to text any question to the number 542542 and get an answer. The system is entirely similar to the popular service ChaCha. The major difference is that KGB charges 99 cents to answer a question, while ChaCha is entirely free. KGB doesn’t come outright and state that they will charge you. In fact, I saw no mention of being charged until I dug around their terms of use.
Nevermind that, you aren’t interested in asking questions, but rather getting paid to answer them. Well, KGB wants you. They are hiring Work at Home Special Agents to take incoming queries and respond with the correct answer. There are a few requirements though. You need to be over 18, a US citizen, and have broadband Internet access. Aside from that, you should be knowledgeable on how to find the answers to pretty much any question through various Internet resources. Click here for more information on becoming a work at home agent for KGB.
To apply to become a KGB Special Agent, you need to take the Special Agents Challenge and you can do so by clicking here. The challenge will ask you a series of questions and grade you on the number of right and wrong answers. I passed it my first time through, but you can take it as many times as you like. It isn’t entirely difficult, but it does determine if your eligibility to become a secret agent. After completing the test, you have to hold tight until they contact you via email with information as to when you can start working.
How much can you make?
KGB offers their secret agents 10 cents per full response and 5 cents per validation response. A full response consists of you researching a question and providing an answer while a validation response requires you to look over an automated response to ensure that it is correct
I worked with ChaCha for about two weeks and earned roughly $10 an hour. Given the amount of work I had to do for $10 an hour it was hardly worth it. Now, for someone who is in dire need of cash, $10 an hour may sound like a god-send. Well, it’s unlikely you’ll hit the $10/hour mark as a Special Agent with KGB. I’d estimate you could probably earn between $4 and $6 per hour. While this isn’t exactly a lavish income, you could still earn some side cash each month.
As of this writing, I applied to become an agent approximately 3 hours ago, but I have yet to hear back from KGB. I’ll keep you guys posted on the status of my application. Until then, do we have any KGB workers here at I’ve Tried That? What has your experience been like working for them?
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41 Responses
How long ago did you work with ChaCha? Since their change in pay, even the fastest guide isn’t making $10 an hour anymore! It’s more in the $3-$6 an hour range now.
I’m in the UK so I can’t apply, what with not being eligible to work in the US
which sucks because it’s from home anyway. I did the test too and got 100% on everything (and the killer question made me chuckle). Ah well 
I work with both ChaCha and KGB in my spare time. Both are an ok way to make a few bucks extra if you are at home and online anyway. The only thing I really like better about ChaCha is the ability to work when you want as opposed to having to schedule shifts with KGB. Good to hear that they are hiring Special Agents again. I know a few people who are interested. Thanks for all that you guys do.
I just took the KGB test out of curiosity and was a bit rusty the first time then I caught on to the timing. So just passed and will see how long it takes to hear back from them. I agree–something is better than nothing and I am always on the internet doing some type of research.
Thanks Steve–you are a great source of information.
Deborah
I used to work for ChaCha in the beginning.I made quite a bit of money back when they started. Then they started changing things and firing good workers.The pay began to suck and they would fired people who voiced their opinions to much. So It doesn’t surprise me that the pay is dropped to near nothing and the work has doubled.
I just passed everything and got an email the other day to set up my info and start working. I have a full-time job, I just thought this would be something easy to do while watching tv at night or something. I’m just worried about giving things like my social security number and other information to people I don’t know and to a company that’s not registered with the Better Business Bureau. So I guess I’m not going to do it…..? I’m not sure.
Sounds like Jen is paranoid. Better put on your tin hat.
I also work for both.Here’s the difference. As a ChaCah “guide” you barely make anything. If your a specialist its a different story.Guides are all chacha hires, then eventually you can work your way up. With KGB_ you start off as a specialist so you get more than a chacha guide. I guess you have to work for at least one to understand what I’m talking about.
So when did you hear back from the KGB after passing the Special Agent test?
I took the KGB test and passed (I took a wild guess on the killer qustion) but I don’t think I should give away my bank info and S.S.# to this company with out hearing peoples opinions is it safe???
I wouldn’t either, DT. The only reason they would need your SS# is to send you a 1099 if you make more than $600. I guess the bank account is so they can deposit your earnings?
Yes, the bank account is to deposit the earnings… so I should not give them the S.S.# unless it is over $600.
Thank you Joe!!!
I started working for KGB in my spare time, last month I made about 27.00 and this month I am up to about 12 bucks. Before you get turned off about making 2 bucks an hour, just think of it like I do. If I commit myself to making just 2 bucks a day (about 2o questions daily) then I have paid off my cell phone bill for the month! It’s usually at night, when my kids are asleep and it’s kind of fun. The And top earners made over $500.00 bucks last month, although it wouldn’t surprise me that they worked night and day all day. But hey, it can be done is my point. Now, I am hoping that KGB soon puts in a practice where if you answer __ questions a month, your pay is increased, much like ChaCha does. This would motivate me to keep up with the figures and do as much as I can. So let’s all hope that KGB does implement something like that, I am sticking around hoping they will!
ChaCha’s pay has completely gone down the hill. They’ve gotten rid of the Top Guide feature where you can make $0.20 a question. Nearly everyone is making an average of $0.11 a question now. I even went out and got a “real” job because I went from making $140-$150 a week to $70 if I was lucky.
As for KGB. I work for them as well sometimes. It bores me, though.
I work for KGB. This is my second month. I don’t suggest this job for anyone that needs serious cash. I find its easy to make a couple dollars on my lunch hour when I have nothing to do. You have to work 27 hours per month, which can be a drawback if you’re busy. You get payed .10 per question, sometimes .05 if the question is already answered for you (you just check to make sure the answer is correct).
I enjoy the job. I like the fun facts I learn. Although 70% of it is porn/relationship related. 20% is current issues. (Weather, swine flu etc) and the other 10% is just random things (homework help, dream interpretation)
So is anybody going to answer the question several people have asked on here? How long did it take for you to hear back from the KGB to start training?
Is this the same site as seen on tv?
*I passed the KGB challenge, and started training the following day.
*Your social security number is required at time of registration to confirm you are authorized to work in the United States, as well as tax purposes.
This is true of any job and is nothing to be concerned about.
*To the person who said you have to “work your way up” at ChaCha – this is not even close to accurate. There are different guide roles, with different pay. However, you just apply for the role your interested in. If you want the most money, apply for the highest paying role. It’s that simple.
*keep an eye on ChaCha, as registration is currently closed but it does open from time to time. There is typically a small time frame to get your foot in the door before it closes again.
Good luck!
I just passed the KGB test yesterday! I am waiting for them to e-mail me with further instructions. However, I too am hesitant about giving out my SS# to this company. I did try to find them in the Better Business Bureau but no such luck. Their website said they are NY based but even though I checked the NY BBB’s; I still could not locate them. I am feeling a bit wary now although I really need this job for some change on the side..
Well i applied at KGB, within a day i got emails, ive been through all orientation and training, and the simulation, there gunna be scheduling my shadow shift within the next few days ( ialready gave my SSN and Routing Number) They seemed pretty fast to respond w/ me. But to anyone who works for them how many questions do you think you go through an hour?
I passed about 1 day ago. My mom works from home to,its not her real job but more of a “Oh well,its not like I’m doing anything important at home.” She works for LiveOps and in her forums they are constantly talking about websites like these.
Anyways I’m 18 and live with my family,i’m kinda of spoiled but it makes me feel good that I can bring in my own income. I’m singed up with alot of surveys website. I make about $300 total a month. A little bit more money from this website would help to.
I don’t mind giving my SS#
I work as a ChaCha guide, and I make, on average, about 11 to 13 cents a question. It’s not bad though. I see many people in the forums saying they make about 500-700 dollars a month. If i had the time, I would sit on the computer all day and do this. Some of the questions are fun. I answer a lot of Math questions (which bring in 16 cents a questions, though they used to be 20 cents about a month ago..). I make at least $100 a month, but I know I could easily make $200-$250 if I just had the self-control to sit down and focus, and if I had more time, I would be making around $300-350.
I applied for KGB hoping it would be similar to ChaCha but I have a friend who works for KGB and he is only there because ChaCha stopped hiring a short while ago. He says the second they open their doors again, he’s leaving KGB.
With ChaCha, you make a MINIMUM of 10 cents. And you become a Specialist (the ones who make more than 10 cents a question) immediately. All you have to do is type in your specialties.
I haven’t tried KGB yet, but I’m thinking I’m already not going to like it half as much as ChaCha. I do want the extra money, so we’ll see what happens.
This answer is for those who asked about how long it took to hear back from kgb.
After I took the test I received an email saying “Great job,” etc. but at that time all the training classes were full and they’d open up more training classes as additional coverage was needed.
Five days after that email (yesterday, in fact) they sent two emails, the first saying a training class opened up, the second one providing more details of the training and a link to the training system. They also give you a deadline by which you need to complete the training, which involves three steps: Skills and Knowledge Training, Simulation Preparation and Job Preview, and Simulation. The clock starts when you receive that email, not when you first log in to the training system. They say steps 1 and 2 take a few hours but you don’t have to comnplete them in one sitting.
I’m still not sure I want to do it. Like many people, I’ve got a thing about giving out the personal info they ask for…
I just took the test and passed, filled out the necessary information and am waiting for an email. Can anyone who has worked for KGB attest to the fact that it is not a scam and they only ask for your SSN for business purposes? I’m a little wary of giving that information…
KGB is legit, you have to provide the SSN for them to cover their tails. The bank number is obvious, so you can get paid.
I’ve worked for kgb for a few weeks now. It’s really easy. So far this month I’ve made almost $40. I just thought it would be good for me since I’m home a lot anyways because Target doesn’t give me very many hours. I recommend it to anyone who just wants some extra cash, definitely not as a main job though.
I just started working for kgb_ last night. I made 7.20 working two hours, but many of the questions were prepopulated answers that only get .05 per question, and it was the middle of the night so not very much traffic. It is legit, I heard about it from a friend who does it, and she gets paid and everything, not a scam. They need the SSN to send you tax forms if you make over $600 and the bank account info. because they deposit your earnings once you make $40, or after two months regardless of your earnings. I have also signed up with ChaCha but have not yet completed the process to start taking texts.
I’ve worked for kgb_for about a month & a half. They need your bank account number & your S.S. for direct depositing your money & taxes. They also ask for a cell phone number, with which they text you a password. I’ve never heard from them, on my cell, since that text & they haven’t given out my number. You can’t make a fortune but it is some nice change. I heard from them within two days. After you take the test, you start to work. You are paid for every question answered, once you start, but they critique all of your work. After a couple of weeks, I became a full fledged agent. The only difference is that they don’t review all of your work. They’re pretty busy, so if you’re looking for some extra cash, jump in. I was hesitant over the S.S. number, too, but it is a legitimate deal.
I’m not all about handing out your SSN to just anyone but kgb is a legitimate company and it’s pretty obvious what they need your info for: If you like getting paid for your work it’d be important for them to have your “personal” info. It amazes me that people actually think that their SSN is private. While working as an accountant for a large health care organization I realized how easy it was to have your SSN stolen. Virtually anyone with access to the computers (99% of employees) has access to anyone’s SSN that had been treated at any of our care centers or hospitals. Your SSN is in so many company’s databases that are accessible by any employee it’s ridiculous. DMV, IRS, Health care organizations, Credit card companies, Banks, etc…they all have your information and any employee can access it. Every job you apply for has your SSN on file and are you 100% positive they disposed of your info properly? Like I said, I’m not all about just handing out your SSN to just anyone but just remember that there are thousands of people from various corporations that have access to your personal data…so I guess my point is: none of us are safe. Haha.
I am hesitant about giving KGB my SSN, but i hear it is a legit deal. Any comments regarding what i should think?
I just finished my training today with Kbg. Still have to take the practice question part and make sure I pass that and then can start working. I have been watching ChaCha to get in the door when they start hiring again but nothing yet! Hopefully the first of the month?Maybe?? Hopefully I can make $200 a month, but probably not if I could make a few dollars under $600 by Christmas that way I don’t have to file the 1099 for this year.
ive been working at kgb for about a week now. im finding i make about $1.50 an hour. i dont understand how people can make more than $2 or $3 an hour. i dunno. i guess im a perfectionist with my answers maybe? its a pittance but i have lots of free hours during the day so ill probably make $100-$150 a month from them. in my 1st week ive made $43 but i worked 39 hours! oh well. it’s sumthin! and it adds up. and the work is semi-fun/ interesting.
oh and they recently lowered the amount of hours you have to work per month. it was 27, it is now 8. and while you CAN book shifts in advance and they want you to, i stopped booking shifts and just log in whenever. theyll let you know if youre not needed (early morning). but if you are needed, you can work for several hours. every time but once ive logged in without a shift ive worked for as long as i wanted to. 1 more downside? the all-too-familiar headache u get when staring at a computer screen too long. =)
its been 2 days since i passed the kgb skills test. How long until i hear back from them? Are you sure that they will even respond? or did i just take that KILLER test for nothing?
Spencer, I just took the test, the Killer test isn’t serious, but only to mess with you. The question they gave me was a paradox and impossible to answer and I am guessing all the killer tests are like that.
My killer test was somewhat legit…. They asked how long it would take to fill up 10 Olympic sized pools with skittles if you alternated eating one and putting one in. I think I came up with a decent answer (although it took me like half an hour to figure it out) Why is anyone doing this for 2$ an hour? can that be right?
i passed the kgb test and now i just have to do the training, i was just wondering if you are timed on it or not?
kgb is absolutely legit. I’ve been working for them for almost 2 months now and have gotten paid a few days sooner than they say you will be paid.
With kgb, you work your way up. You start out as a special agent and if you do really really well and answer a lot of questions, you will be invited to become a (specialist). You can be a specialist AND answer questions, so you will make more money. Eventually, if you are just absolutely outstanding, you might be invited to become an operative….and they are actual employees (work from home) and make an hourly wage.
A few of my friends who are specialists are working full time(or more) and earning over 1200$ a month. That may not seem like a lot, but someone mentioned that it couldn’t be a full time job…but it can if you work hard and impress kgb with your answers!
I’ve worked a total of 10.5 hours and have made $28 so far this month. It isn’t a lot, but it’s $28 I never would’ve had if it wasn’t for kgb. I’m hoping to pull my self together here soon and start doing kgb AND chacha full time. We’ll see though! To some people it’s not worth it, but for others who have applied to so many jobs and can’t find ANY work…it’s a lifesaver.
kgb542542 used to be infonxx and they’ve been around with a decent reputation for years.
I’ve been working with KGB for about 5 months. I’ve gotten really fast with answering texts, but my highest earning ever was $3.10/hour. That was during a really busy period when the questions were non-stop. When it’s not so busy, you’ll be lucky to clear $2.00/hour.
I’ve just started chacha training, and I’ll see how that is.
So in America you can dial 411, yeah. Well in Briton they have a different version of this, where you can get more detailed information. kgb_ is an extension of that service, but for America. Make any sense?
The reason some of you are looking for this business in New York but can’t really find it, this may be the reason. Although it is based in New York, it came from Briton. Or so I can understand.
Also… I don’t think it’s legal to work for kgb_ and ChaCha at the same time. I could be wrong but that was my understanding. And also, why would you want to work for both? It would be ridiculous for a person to work at McDonalds and Jack in the Box. Ya gotta diversify!
I certainly agree that one could easily make close $4 to $6 an hour via working for kgb.