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Home > Articles > Freelance Writing > FREELANCING SCAMS EXPOSED

FREELANCING SCAMS EXPOSED

By Lori Tate

While it may seem that there are thousands, even millions, of great freelancing jobs out there, be careful and cautious. That great job you saw over the Internet may not be so great beneath the surface.

When looking for legitimate freelancing work, you might want to avoid the following:

Envelope stuffing scams

— Sounds great, right? I mean, anyone can stuff envelopes! You don’t even have to pay for anything! However, although you can make $2 to $5 per envelope you stuff, you typically stuff the envelopes with the same advertising flyer you saw. It’s just a circle, and you’re just drawing other people in.

Data entry/typist scams

These ads typically explain that you can earn a certain amount of money for each page or each word you type. Sounds wonderful, because everyone can type, right? Well, yes, but be aware that like the envelope stuffing scam, you will be perpetuating the data entry scam if you do it, because your job will be typing the same kind of ads you saw. You also may ask people to send you money for software to learn how to type the ads. Basically, you’re just passing along the scam.

Chain letters scams

Stay away from them! No matter what the letter says, the letter is illegal.

Import/export businesses scams

Apparently, many companies inside and outside the United States are advertising for serious homeworkers. The ads say you can get started for no fees, but when you actually request more information, you are asked to send a deposit of up to $100. The deposit is to weed out the people who aren’t serious about the job, the company representative says. It costs money to send these materials, you know. What do I think? You should never pay money to work for someone. There is one exception to this rule — Direct sale organizations may charge you a fee for a starter kit. Be sure to get details on the kit though, including exactly how you will make your money, what you will receive, and how you can return the starter kit if you don’t like it.

Advertising revenue scams

Don’t work for any web site or company that pays you from a portion of their advertising revenue or by the number of hits your article gets. For example, http://www.sagebase.com pays writers from revenue it generates through banners or articles on the page the writer’s article is placed. However, I wrote more than five articles for them a few years ago, and I haven’t seen any money yet. While it is possible you may receive some money from such web sites or companies, you would most likely receive more from a company that pays you an assigned fee directly.

Writing research papers scams

I have seen at least three advertisements asking for people to write research papers for students. I recently worked for one such company, http://www.aboutpapers.com, for about three weeks. I was told the papers I wrote would be examples for students to use when writing their own papers. Aboutpapers.com pays at least $10 per page, but the representative I spoke to wouldn’t tell me how much the students actually pay for the papers. I checked out the web site, which doesn’t give many details, and actually states something like, “If you want more information, we suggest you look elsewhere for a job.” I wrote two papers for aboutpapers.com, and earned $160. However, even after writing several e-mails to the aboutpapers.com representative, and leaving several messages on his answering machine, I haven’t received my money. While this is just my experience, I wanted to share it with you, so you would be aware that all is not what it seems.

Make $1,000 to $4,000 part-time or full-time scams

I know you’ve seen these ads, and wondered, “Can I do that?” My answer? “Yes, if you want to spend about $100,” which is what these companies usually charge for a set-up fee. They usually also don’t give you any details until you send money, and sometimes not even then. Be cautious, and realize that there is no free ride anywhere. If someone offers you one, it’s probably not a legitimate opportunity. You deserve better.

Phone acting scams

This is not actually a scam, but be aware, advertisements for “phone acting” or “phone actresses” usually means you will be doing phone Freelance Job Board.

REMEMBER!

Don’t send money.

Never pay anyone to work for them. I don’t care whether it’s $1 or $100; no legitimate company will ask you for money. Remember, you want to make money, not give it away. There is one exception to this rule. Some legitimate companies — mainly direct sales organizations — will charge a fee for a starter kit. However, the company representative should be very specific about what you will receive, how you will make the money, and the return policy. If you don’t get as many details as you want, walk away.

Sketchy details

When you ask questions, such as what kind of business is this, and what your specific duties will be, do you get satisfactory answers, or do you get directed to a web site, because the person “can’t possibly tell you about it all in an e-mail”? Be wary of web sites and people who can’t sum up their business in a few sentences, because if they can’t do even that, how much responsibility are they going to show in other areas? Additionally, if this business opportunity is so great, why aren’t they willing to tell you the details up front?

There are tons of legitimate freelancing opportunities out there, but you have to be savvy and cautious to find them. Use your head, and realize that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

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LORI TATE

Lori Tate has ten years of professional writing experience, including four as a journalist. She is looking for research, writing and editing work. You can contact her at onehappyperson30@yahoo.com.