Tirelessly, you search Yahoo! for job postings and finally something promising comes up. But wait, why are they asking you for money or to write for free? Maybe they are offering to pay you instead, but the offer seems too good be true. If it sounds too promising, it might be a scam.
The world of freelancing can be a lucrative one. But it can also be wrought with scammers. Before you jump on 'the next big thing,' do your research to make sure the company and offer is legit.
There are thousands upon thousands of gigs out there for freelance writers. Always proceed with caution when choosing which gigs to go with and which contracts to sign. Only give the amount of info needed to receive payment. I recommend using PayPal for all transactions and invoices. This way, there is no need for you to give out bank information and certain other info that scammers can use. It also puts all transactions and agreements on record, especially if you send out the invoice outlining the agreement before the work is completed.
You cannot prevent every single instance of someone trying to con you. But when you proceed with caution, it does make being scammed less likely.
More from Lyn:
F is for Feeding the Wolves
The Newbie's Guide to Success at the Yahoo! Contributor Network
Freelance Writing Tips: Your Client is Not Obligated to Please You
Why Online Article Writers Need a Website
The world of freelancing can be a lucrative one. But it can also be wrought with scammers. Before you jump on 'the next big thing,' do your research to make sure the company and offer is legit.
There are thousands upon thousands of gigs out there for freelance writers. Always proceed with caution when choosing which gigs to go with and which contracts to sign. Only give the amount of info needed to receive payment. I recommend using PayPal for all transactions and invoices. This way, there is no need for you to give out bank information and certain other info that scammers can use. It also puts all transactions and agreements on record, especially if you send out the invoice outlining the agreement before the work is completed.
You cannot prevent every single instance of someone trying to con you. But when you proceed with caution, it does make being scammed less likely.
More from Lyn:
F is for Feeding the Wolves
The Newbie's Guide to Success at the Yahoo! Contributor Network
Freelance Writing Tips: Your Client is Not Obligated to Please You
Why Online Article Writers Need a Website
Lyn is the founder of Write W.A.V.E. Media, parent company to LifeSuccessfully.com and several others. She enjoys publishing freelance writers and supports advocacy through journalism. She's also a freelance web journalist, Community Guide at Yahoo! Contributor Network, and a Y! Shine Parenting Guru. The homeschool ‘Momtrepreneur’ teaches with nature, books, and play. Pet and human homelessness, green living, positive parenting, and education choice (including homeschool) are her passions. She has been published all over the web with major media companies, as well as smaller businesses and organizations. Contact Lyn for guidance in the world of freelance writing.
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