How to Spot Scams and Protect Yourself as a Freelance Writer
- Jennifer Johnson
- Mar 4
- 9 min read
Protect Your Freelance Writing Career from Scams
Fantastic!
You’ve found a writing gig that looks promising.
The pay sounds great, the client seems nice, and you’re already buzzing with ideas. Everything’s starting to come together in your head – this could really kick things off for you.
But then, something niggles at you. Maybe it’s how quickly they rushed through the details, or the fact they’re asking for a hefty free sample. You can’t shake the feeling that something’s not quite right.
Is this opportunity as good as it seems, or is there a catch lurking behind it?
Unfortunately, scams are out there, and they can be sneaky.
It’s frustrating, because when you’re trying to build your business, the last thing you want is to waste time, energy, or work on something that’s not legit. And while spotting scams isn’t always obvious at first, there are some red flags to look out for that will make it easier to stay on track.
Over time, you get better at picking up on what looks dodgy, what feels suspicious, and what’s just not worth your time. This post will give you a head start.
I’m walking you through 10 common scams a freelance writer can face, how to spot them, and how to protect yourself, so you can feel confident saying “yes” to the right work and “no” to the rest.
1. The Offer Feels Too Good to Be True
A job post pops up: “Get paid $500 for a 300-word article – no experience needed!”
Scammers love to dangle these dream offers. Why? Because they know how tempting it is, especially when you’re just starting out as a freelance writer. They’ll often rush to “hire” you, skipping things like asking for writing samples, checking your experience, or even explaining the project properly. It all feels a little too easy.
These scams are designed to lure you in. Some might steal your work under the guise of a “trial project,” while others go even further; like phishing for your personal details.
How to Protect Yourself:
Pause before you say yes. If something feels off, slow things down. A legit client won’t mind if you ask for more details or take time to consider.
Ask for specifics. What’s the project? Who is the client? What’s the deadline? Scammers will often dodge these questions or stay vague.
Look them up. Google the client’s name, company, and email address. Search phrases like “Company X scam” or check forums like Reddit and Facebook freelancing groups to see if others have run into them.
Check market rates. A quick search on platforms like ClearVoice, Contena, or freelance job boards will show you typical pay for the kind of work you’re being offered. If the numbers don’t line up, it’s probably not real.
If a client is serious, they’ll happily answer questions and provide clarity. If they’re evasive or pushy, trust your gut and move on.
2. Vague Job Descriptions or Details
You come across a job post that says something like, “Looking for a writer to help with some articles. DM for details.”
That’s it. No description, no project scope, no deadlines — just a few lines that tell you absolutely nothing.
It’s normal for some clients to keep things short and sweet when posting jobs, but if they’re vague and can’t clarify when you ask questions? That’s a big red flag.
Scammers keep things deliberately unclear because they don’t want to give too much away. Maybe they’re trying to get free work out of you, or maybe the “job” doesn’t even exist. Either way, vague details make it easier to hide their real intentions.
How to Protect Yourself:
Ask for specifics. Questions like: What’s the project about? How many words do you need? What’s the deadline? A genuine client will give you clear answers. Scammers will either avoid responding or stay vague.
Look for a company or client name. If they haven’t shared one, ask, and then Google it. No website, reviews, or online presence? Proceed with caution.
Request a contract. A proper job will have written terms covering the scope of work, deadlines, and payment. If they avoid this step, that’s a sign to walk away.
Trust the details you don’t get. If it feels like you’re pulling teeth trying to get information, don’t force it. A good client will want you to understand the project.
Bottom line: a solid writing job comes with details. If the client doesn’t know what they want, or doesn’t want to tell you, then they probably aren’t worth your time.
3. Requests for Very Specific Free Samples or Unpaid Test Work
This isn’t necessarily always a scam, but it’s a bit suss in my opinion, and it can often result in you doing lots of work for nothing in return.
For example, you’ve been chatting with a potential client, and everything seems great – until they say, “We just need you to write a quick unpaid sample to see if you’re a good fit. Something like a 1,000-word article on X topic.”
Sounds harmless, right? Except the topic looks suspiciously like a blog post they could use, and suddenly, you’re doing actual work for free.
Some companies use “test projects” as a sneaky way to crowdsource free content. They’ll ask multiple writers for custom samples, use the work, then disappear without paying or hiring anyone.
Early in my freelance writing career, a company asked me to write two 1,000-word blog posts as part of their selection process— no pay, no promises of the job, just a chance to "throw my hat in the ring". The topics they wanted? Conveniently perfect for their website. I was tempted (desperate for clients, like most of us starting out), but something didn’t sit right. Legit or not, it felt like they were getting the better deal.
How to Protect Yourself:
Offer portfolio samples instead. If they want to see your work, share pieces you’ve already written—blog posts, articles, anything relevant. If they still insist on a sample, proceed with caution.
Propose a paid test. It’s completely reasonable to charge for test projects, even if it’s a small, discounted rate. Say something like, “I’m happy to do a short test piece – my rate for that would be X.”
Add in a copyright: If you do write a small unpaid test (like a paragraph or two), include the date and a note: “This work is for sample purposes only and may not be published or used without payment.” It’s not ironclad, but it sets a clear boundary.
Remember: samples are about showing your skills, not doing work for free. A legitimate client will understand that you’re running a business, not giving out freebies.
4. Upfront Payment Requests (From You)
You’re excited – someone wants to hire you!
But then they say, “Before we get started, you’ll need to pay a small fee for software/training/a processing charge.” Or they send you a suspicious link to “purchase resources” before you can begin.
Instant red flag.
Legitimate clients pay you for your work. Scammers flip this around, asking for money upfront with the promise of future work. Once you pay, they’ll disappear, and you’ll be out of pocket.
How to Protect Yourself:
Don’t pay to work. If someone asks you to “invest” in their job opportunity, close the conversation. Clients cover their own software, training, or processes – not you.
Be wary of links. Avoid clicking any links they send, especially for “resources” or “payment portals.” These are often phishing scams designed to steal your details.
Stick to standard tools. Most legitimate freelance writer jobs use well-known tools like Google Docs, Trello, or Zoom. If they require something obscure or expensive, that’s a reason to dig deeper.
Ask yourself: Does this make sense? A real client hires you because they need help; they shouldn’t be asking you for money to get started.
A good rule of thumb? Money only flows one way: from the client to you. If it’s the other way around, it’s not a real opportunity. It’s a scam.
5. Overpayment with a Catch
You land a new client, agree on your rate, and – surprise – they send you more than you asked for. Then comes the catch: “Oops, I overpaid you! Can you send the extra amount back right away?”
It might sound like a simple mistake, but it’s not.
The “payment” they sent, whether it’s a bank transfer or digital payment, will bounce or be reversed. By the time you refund the “extra” money, you’re out of pocket, and the scammer is long gone.
How to Protect Yourself:
Wait for payments to clear. Don’t touch the money until it’s fully processed and sitting safely in your account. Scammers often pressure you to refund quickly, hoping you’ll act before the payment fails.
Stick to trusted payment methods. Use platforms like PayPal, Wise, or bank transfers. Avoid unusual payment systems you’ve never heard of.
Overpayments aren’t mistakes – they’re traps. If something feels fishy, hit pause and trust your gut. Real clients will pay the agreed amount and don’t need you to send money back.
6. Nonexistent Online Presence
You get a message from a potential client, but something feels off.
You Google their name, their business, even their email—and… nothing. No website, no LinkedIn, no digital footprint at all. Just radio silence.
Legitimate businesses (and people) leave a trail online, whether it’s a website, a social media account, or a LinkedIn profile. Scammers, on the other hand, hide behind generic email addresses and fake names, making it harder to trace them when they disappear.
How to Protect Yourself:
Check their email domain. Generic domains like Gmail or Yahoo don’t always mean a scam, but paired with no online presence? Proceed with caution. Legitimate businesses often use branded email addresses (e.g., name@companyname.com).
Ask for more details. If they’re vague about who they are or what they do, ask questions like, “What’s your company website?” or “Can you share more about your business?” Real clients will have answers; scammers often won’t.
A legitimate client doesn’t need to have a flashy online presence, but they should exist somewhere. If you can’t find them, it’s worth asking yourself why.
7. Pressure to Act Quickly
You get a message that sounds something like: “We need to hire you today! Can you start immediately? No need for a contract, let’s just get going.”
It might feel flattering, like you’re in demand, but that sense of urgency can often be a tactic. Scammers use it to rush you into making decisions without stopping to think.
When someone pushes you to act quickly, they might be hoping you won’t ask questions or notice red flags. Maybe they don’t want you looking into their business. Maybe they want free work before you realise what’s happening. Either way, rushing you is a sign they’re hiding something.
How to Protect Yourself:
Slow things down. A legitimate client won’t mind if you ask for details and take time to think it over. Even if it’s a rush deadline that is legit, you still need to ask the right questions.
Ask for a contract. Always. No exceptions. If they’re serious, they’ll agree. If they dodge or insist it’s not necessary, that’s your cue to walk away.
Rushing is their trick. Pausing is your power. Take the time you need to make sure everything checks out. You’ll thank yourself later.
8. Unclear or Suspicious Payment Methods
The client seems eager to work with you, but when it’s time to discuss payment, things get weird. They suggest unconventional methods like “I’ll pay you in cryptocurrency,” or “Can you accept a prepaid gift card instead?”
Some might even avoid the topic entirely until the last minute.
Scammers use untraceable or unusual payment methods to avoid accountability. Cryptocurrency, gift cards, or third-party apps you’ve never heard of can leave you unpaid and unable to get your money back.
How to Protect Yourself:
Stick to trusted platforms. PayPal, Stripe, Wise, or direct bank transfers are standard options that offer security for both you and the client. If they suggest something unfamiliar, that’s a reason to pause.
Ask upfront about payment. Before starting a project, clarify the payment method, schedule, and currency. If they avoid answering or get defensive, that’s a red flag.
Payment should be simple and clear. If a client overcomplicates it, pushes for a sketchy method, or refuses to talk about it, there’s a good chance it’s not legit.
9. Requests for Personal Information
Everything seems fine with a potential client, and then they ask for details like your bank account login, a scanned copy of your ID, or your tax information before anything’s been signed or agreed. It might sound like part of the process, but this is a huge red flag.
Why would you, as a freelance writer, need to provide your tax information? Or your passport? It doesn’t make sense.
Scammers use personal information for identity theft or fraud. Once they have sensitive details, they can use them to open accounts, steal money, or impersonate you online.
How to Protect Yourself:
Only share what’s necessary. Clients don’t need access to your bank account, passwords, or ID to work with you. The only details they should ask for are what’s required for payments (like your PayPal email or bank account number for deposits).
Verify their legitimacy first. If they’re asking for sensitive information, ensure they’re a real client. Research their business, look for reviews, or ask other freelancer writers if they’ve worked with them before.
Wait for a contract. Don’t share any personal details until you have a signed contract outlining the project, payment terms, and client information.
Protect your identity. Use secure payment methods like PayPal or Wise, and set up a PO Box or virtual business address if you’re not comfortable sharing your home address.
If someone’s asking for sensitive information and you’re not sure why, don’t be afraid to say no. Protecting your personal details isn’t being difficult; it’s being smart.
Summary
Scams are annoying, no doubt about it. But they’re also something you can handle because now you know what to look for.
If something feels off, ask questions. If someone pressures you, pause. And if you’re not sure, step back. The right opportunities won’t make you feel rushed, confused, or like you’re second-guessing yourself.
Got a story about a scam you spotted or dodged? I’d love to hear it, so drop a comment below.
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