Thankfully, ghost completes are easier to define than their elusive namesake. It\u2019s where a user manipulates the survey link to qualify for the incentive without filling it out. No data is collected. This is the primary driver of global sample fraud, which makes up between 15% and 30%<\/a> of all data collected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n While directly impacting sample providers, the effects of ghost completes haunts the rest of the market research industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n PureSpectrum<\/strong>: Ghost completes impact everyone in the market research ecosystem from suppliers to buyers to brands. They reduce conversion impacting buyer reputation and the overall operations that are needed to maintain a healthy insights industry.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Without secure links, sample providers face erratic transaction accounting, leading to issues with respondent payments, buyer payments, and field reporting accuracy. Common problems include large end-of-month reversals of completes, disrupting accounting and planning. Sometimes, if suppliers have already paid respondents, this harms buyer reputations and can drive up costs if not addressed.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s where the heroes who aim to vanquish these specters for the good of the industry come into play. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A server-to-server (S2S)<\/a> connection creates a secure, direct link between us (Forsta), the sample providers, and buyers, enabling instant sharing of participants\u2019 survey response statuses. By creating one secure data-sharing pathway, S2S blocks fraudsters from bypassing the system and skipping the survey. Ultimately this benefits market researchers by preventing waste and leakage and reducing research costs.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n In short, S2S enhances data security by adding server-to-server validation between providers and platforms, reducing reliance on secure keys, and stopping potential link manipulation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n PureSpectrum<\/strong>: S2S ensures a secure transaction process which helps eliminate ghost completes and prevents operational misalignment between buyers and suppliers. A secure connection is crucial for buyers and suppliers when fielding, as it affects their reputation and performance.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Forsta has extensive experience with S2S and has fully embraced it. As the market research industry begins to catch up to the benefits of collaboration, we’ve eagerly seized the opportunity to enhance market research for all our clients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cS2S brings stakeholders together in a way not currently seen in the industry. By creating a secure connection with the sample provider in Forsta Surveys, it is simple and efficient to safeguard the integrity of data while optimizing resource utilization.\u201d – Kyle Ferguson, CEO of Forsta.<\/strong> <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n This is what Forsta\u2019s S2S integration looks like: <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n With ghost completes effectively eliminated, market researchers\u202fwill benefit\u202ffrom\u202fa healthy and secure sample flow\u202fto their surveys. One of the most attractive benefits is reduced research costs for everyone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Panel suppliers will also benefit by avoiding the distribution of incentives for ghost completes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you can create, share, or adopt an S2S integration, do it for the strength of the industry. It\u2019s great for sample providers and ultimately will reduce costs for market researchers. S2S is the best weapon we have against fraudsters right now, so the more people strapping on the scabbard, the better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n PureSpectrum<\/a> offers a complete end-to-end market research and insights platform, helping insights professionals make decisions more efficiently, and faster than ever before. Awarded MR Supplier of the Year at the 2021 Marketing Research and Insight Excellence Awards, PureSpectrum is recognized for industry-leading data quality. PureSpectrum developed the respondent-level scoring system, PureScore\u2122<\/a>, and believes their continued success stems from their talent density and dedication to simplicity and quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.forsta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2026\/02\/image-4.avif\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nImpact of survey fraud<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Server-to-server (S2S) integration<\/strong>\u202f <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Forsta\u2019s approach to survey fraud<\/strong>\u202f <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.forsta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2026\/02\/image-5.avif\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAbout PureSpectrum: <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n