Market Research Email - Scam?

[Fastpedeller]

We were sent an email by a market research company a few days ago, inviting us to take part in a survey about buying new cars (we bought a new car last October). This was 'on behalf of a major car manufacturer'. The deal was a 1.5 hour interview at our place of work or home, and we received £50 cash. We agreed to this on the basis that we would get back to them once we'd checked our diaries for a time/date. Phoned them yesterday and their staff rang back today to confirm a time/date, and then went on to say "oh by the way the payment has to now be by bank transfer, if you can just give your details". The alarm bells rang and we told them if they were interested in using us in the survey we'd happily give them a receipt the for £50 CASH, but wouldn't give our bank details. Looking at Companies House records they appear to have a company, but that doesn't prove anything - other than they can scarper owing people lots of money and just be liable for a few quid. Scam?

[Fastpedeller]

After I sent an email voicing my concern that the terms of payment had changed, I then received an email from them confirming a misunderstanding. Apparently the interviewer pays cash and reclaims by bank transfer (from the sponsor) the fee to himself. Anyway it all now looks like we'll get a cash payment and it's a 'large company miscommunication'. I'll update once we've got our 50 quid (but will keep the car keys firmly in my hand).

[Fastpedeller]

Today we spent a very interesting 1.5 hours discussing our car (and hopefully improving the product in the long run), and were given £50 cash - So all genuine after all!