Freelancing can be a dream—flexible hours, creative freedom, and the ability to work from anywhere. But alongside legitimate opportunities lurk predators waiting to take advantage of writers, especially those just starting out. Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer or brand new to the game, staying informed about common scams can save you time, money, and sanity.
Here are some of the most common freelance scams targeting writers—and how to protect yourself.
1. The “Test Piece” That Never Pays
How it works: A potential client asks you to complete a “test article” or “trial piece” to see if you’re a good fit. You submit the work—and never hear from them again. Meanwhile, they’ve published your unpaid content.
Red flag: They refuse to pay for the test, even a small fee.
How to protect yourself: Only do test work if you’re compensated, or offer samples from your portfolio instead. Your time and talent are valuable.
2. Too-Good-to-Be-True Job Offers
How it works: A job offers a high rate for minimal work, often without even interviewing you. You’re asked to pay for “training materials” or software to get started.
Red flag: Upfront payments for anything before you’re hired.
How to protect yourself: No legitimate employer or client will ask you to pay them. Ever.
3. The Vanishing Client
How it works: You complete the work, submit your invoice, and then… nothing. Ghosted.
Red flag: Vague contracts (or none at all), no clear payment terms.
How to protect yourself: Always use contracts, even for small gigs. Use platforms like Upwork or Fiverr with built-in payment protection when possible. For direct clients, request partial payment upfront.
4. Fake Publishers or Anthologies
How it works: A so-called “publisher” invites you to submit work, only to later demand payment to be included in a collection or anthology.
Red flag: Pay-to-publish schemes masked as writing opportunities.
How to protect yourself: Legitimate publishers pay you for your work. Be wary of vanity presses that prey on writers’ dreams.
5. Check Overpayment Scam
How it works: A client sends a check for more than the agreed amount and asks you to refund the difference. Later, the check bounces—and you’re out the cash.
Red flag: Any form of overpayment followed by a refund request.
How to protect yourself: Never accept overpayments. Use secure, traceable payment platforms like PayPal or Wise.
6. “We’ll Pay You in Exposure”
How it works: You’re offered the chance to write for a blog, magazine, or website… for free. The reward? “Exposure” and “portfolio building.”
Red flag: A business profiting off your work while you get nothing in return.
How to protect yourself: Exposure doesn’t pay the bills. If a platform can afford to publish, they can afford to pay. Choose free gigs only if you’re gaining something strategic (e.g., byline on a major platform).
Final Thoughts
Scams evolve, but the bottom line remains: if something feels off, it probably is. Trust your gut, do your research, and don’t be afraid to say no. As a freelance writer, you’re not just a creator—you’re a business. And you deserve to be treated (and paid) like one.
Stay safe, stay savvy—and keep writing.
Copyright 2025
Crystal Amon
Princess Crystal Says 
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