How to Avoid Freelance Writing Scams

Writers dream of parlaying their skill into the money they need to pay bills, while keeping their own schedule. The idea of working in your pajamas while lounging on the couch is quite appealing. One roadblock to that lifestyle is the prevalence of scams in the freelance writing community. Understanding how to spot, and avoid, these time- and money-sucking con artists is one key to being successful in this field.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Do your research about a company before accepting a job. If you will be working for a major company, for example one that is listed on a stock exchange or is otherwise well-known, your chances of being scammed are lower. You should still visit forums and read articles regarding this company. People who have been victimized are quick to make their experiences known.

2. Read all the documentation before signing or agreeing to anything. You could be signing away rights or agreeing to a volume of work that you did not intend to agree to if you do not read all contracts before signing them.

3. Watch for companies that require an unpaid sample before allowing you to work for them. Many dishonest organizations use this ruse to gain free articles that they can place on their websites without paying for them.

4. Avoid clients who ask you to write a large number of articles for a low price, with the promise that better-paying work will come later. They offer something like "You write 50 articles for $25 now, and the next batch of 50 will pay you $1,000." Unless you get this in writing, it is most likely not going to happen.

5. Ask for help if you are not certain. There are many forums and websites dedicated to freelance writing. If you are not sure about a job or a client, post the information and see what the community can tell you before making a decision.

References

• Get Paid to Write Online: Freelance Writing Questions: Avoiding Scams
• Freelance Writing Jobs; 6 Tips for Avoiding Freelance Writing Scams; Jonathan Bailey; February 2011