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As writers we are always wary of getting scammed by people that are trying to take advantage of us. We hear about it all the time and it has happened to many of us. It hasn’t happened to me yet so I don’t know if I’m just lucky or if I’m just good at picking out the bad ones.
Knowing that there are scammer out there shouldn’t stop you from applying for jobs though. You do need to watch for the red flags though, and those little flags can prevent you from doing a lot of work that you won’t get paid for.
“Send Me an Article on This Topic”
Watch out for people who want you to do the first article on spec or they want you to do the first one for free. This is how they get their content for their sites and they likely are not actually paying many, if any, writers for actual work. Why should they when naïve writers will send off their hard work with a hope and a prayer?
You should expect to provide samples, but work that you have already written should give them enough information to tell them what kind of work that you are capable of. Have samples online at places like Bukisa or Associated Content that you can direct potential clients to. Make sure your samples are good!
Note that test articles are not always the same as free. Many companies will ask for a test article or even several to see if you can follow through with their directions. Verify that you will get paid for the test articles before completing them.
“Up to $100 for 500 words for easy work”
Now before you get excited, I will admit that there are companies out there that do pay $100 for 500 words but I’m pretty sure that the work is not easy. If they claim that the work is easy and that it will only take you minimal time to do it but say they are paying a lot more than you know it is worth, look around for other red flags.
Sometimes they use this as a lure to get writers to write for low fees first, and promise that if they are good the real money will come. It rarely does but by the time the writers figure it out they have already gotten loads of content from them and there are other naïve writers waiting to make their millions.
“For a small fee you get access to millions of unseen jobs!”
First, you should never have to pay to get work. Does a doctor pay to get a listing of sick patients? Does a mechanic pay to find out who needs their car fixed? Of course not. People come to you or you apply for jobs but you don’t pay out money to get jobs.
Many places write an ad that looks like a job and then they direct you to a site where they encourage you to sign up for the first week for free and only “this much” after that. They act like they are service providers because they know damn well that they can’t promise you work. In fact, even if you do pay the “small monthly fee” you still have to apply for the jobs and compete with all the other people that are paying to get access to the jobs.
Sometimes it is really hard to tell but you think it is worth checking out. If this is the case, read the email that you get in reply very carefully. They should give details about who they are, their websites, the name of their company, and other information that will identify them. If they don’t give that information, ask for it – the scammers will try to dance their way around your questions.
Keep applying for jobs but be smart. Watch for those little warning signs and if your gut is telling you to back out there is likely a good reason. Follow your instincts.
Article by Danielle
I'm a social media junkie and professional freelance writer living in small town Manitoba, Canada. I drink a lot of coffee and love my computer (named Garcia after Penelope Garcia from Criminal Minds - the ultimate girl geek!), my kids, my husband, and my cats. In 10 years I hope to be that crazy lady travelling across Canada and the States with her three cats and her loving hubby. :) If you're interested in my professional services please visit my professional writer's site to find out more about my services or check out some testimonials from some of my clients.
has written 254 awesome articles for us at The Social Freelance Writer
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