In Australia, and many countries around the world, freelance writing provides people with a rewarding way to work independently while generating an income.
However, those new to the profession should be aware that scams exist that were created to take advantage of freelancers.
In the following sections, we’ll explore some common scams you may face as a writer, and the best ways to sidestep them.
Commonly encountered freelance writing scams
While there are many scams in operation engineered to hoodwink writers, here are some of the most often experienced.
The ghost scam
Sometimes called the non-payment scam, the ghost scam is one of the most basic pitfalls in the business of freelance content writing. It involves a client hiring a writer and requesting an article. However, once the completed piece is submitted, the hirer disappears without making a payment, and never answers (or simply blocks) messages.
The fake overpayment scam
This is a scam involving cashier’s checks for payment.
The scam artist sends the writer a cashier’s check with a payment higher than the agreed amount. They claim there has been an accounting mistake and request that the writer returns the difference. In truth, the check is fake, and the scammer steals the money sent, leaving the writer with nothing.
The test article scam
Stating that they require a trial before enlisting the services of a writer, a prospective client requests multiple unique articles with many words free of charge. They then use the content and vanish, wasting the writer’s time and leaving them with no payment or future work.
The pay-to-work scam
Often called the “upfront fee”, this scam involves an agency or online platform that requires writers to purchase software, pay a fee or buy a starter kit before they can access assignments or a job board.
The off-platform pitch scam
A potential hirer reaches out through email, urgently requesting the writer to quickly write a script for a presentation or webinar. However, they demand that communication is moved to an instant messaging app, like Telegram or WhatsApp. No payment is ever made for work completed.
Best practices to avoid scams
While there are a multitude of scams in circulation, writers can prevent getting caught out by them by following some simple steps.
Writers should only use secure platforms (like Fiverr and Upwork) when communicating or receiving verified payments with new clients. After they have established a relationship of trust, they can opt for more informal options.
Insisting on a deposit is a wise move. Requesting a partial upfront payment (50 per cent is the accepted standard) prior to starting work for new clients ensures a level of financial protection against scammers.
As a professional writer, having a contract or letter of agreement and getting clients to sign them is also key. Such documents can outline the scope of the work, so projects don’t get bigger (without payments to match) but can also include payment deadlines for completed work and a late payment policy.
Some writers choose to watermark draft copies of their work or submit low-resolution PDFs as proof until a final invoice has been paid in full.
Before undertaking work with any new client, writers should perform their due diligence. Researching hirers can help better understand client needs, and can also help sidestep scams. By Googling the name of a company requesting an article, writers can check the About page on their website for real names. These can then be searched for to see if they have a checkable digital footprint.
As mentioned, writers being paid by check should be wary of overpayments. The checks should bever be cashed, and any requests to return part of the funds should always be refused.
Are you looking for writing assignments you can trust?
To work safely and securely as a freelance writer, apply to work through Words of Worth Australia now and get paid properly for every word you write.