Are Freelance Writing Jobs on Craigslist a Scam?

If you are starting out as a freelance writer looking for opportunities to earn a little cash, you may find that there are many jobs posted on Craigslist. These jobs can vary from one-time projects to ongoing work with content companies, web development firms and private people who just need some articles or blog posts. Pay rates also vary widely depending on the scope of work and what hiring companies deem as “fair” wages for freelance writing.

While Craigslist can be a great source of freelance writing work, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when applying for work there. Why? Because oftentimes scammers use this free advertising website as a place to steal information from job seekers. Craigslist is a place where people of all types post information annoymously. This means it can be a playground for unscrupulous scammers who use email as a way to gather information on citizens.

So what do you look for to avoid being scammed as a freelance writer?

1. Does the job sound too good to be true? If the job advertisement says something like ” Work from home part time and earn full time wages” or “Make $50 an hour in your spare time”, chances are you’ve found a scam ad. Do not apply to it, but rather promptly flag it so Craigslist will take it down.

2. Does the advertisement ask you to click on a link that takes you to a work from home website? If so, you may be dealing with a scammer who uses Craigslist to get traffic and steal information online. Again, avoid it like the plague and flag the ad as spam.You won’t get a job there.

3. Does the ad ask you to write a “sample” and send it in for approval (with no mention of pay)? This is a common ploy that some scammers will use to get free content to use as they please. You do the work, and never get paid. Instead you get a blanket email that says “thanks for your sample, but you are not what we are looking for”. Do yourself a favor, and never work for free. Get payment terms in writing before you send an unpublished writing sample in. Or send in something you’ve already published online under your own name.

4. Does the ad ask for your personal information (social security number, birthdate, home address, etc)? This is clearly a scammer who acts like a potential hiring manager but who is actually an information thief. Never send your personal information to anyone online, especially through email. Keep your resume neutral and leave off your personal information until a job offer is made by a real person.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Craigslist is not a bad place to find freelance writing gigs. In fact, it can be a very good source of work on a regular basis. Other career-oriented advertising websites can also fall prey to online scammers. The point is to be cautious when applying for any work online. Check out the company further by reviewing their website, pick up the phone and actually call to speak to a hiring manager whenever possible, and protect your information at all times. By following these “rules” you can avoid becoming a victim of online scammers.

Work Life Group Chooses Tess C. Taylor’s Inspirational Career Story as One of the Top 50 Stories!

(eWebWire.com) February 07, 2010 — WORLD WIDE WEB, February 07, 2010 (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE) — 

In this job market, it’s refreshing to hear about the career achievements of determined Americans, especially those who have reinvented themselves in order to pursue their dreams. Work Life Group, a career resource organization, recently held a contest for writers to share their inspirational stories about career transformations.

Tess C. Taylor, a writer from Charleston, South Carolina, submitted her story entitled “Creating True Beauty in the World”, which was picked as one of the top 50 stories. The story details how Eugean Taylor, a talented artist from Charleston, South Carolina, has been able to use his talents to transform a failing graphic design career into a thriving role as an art teacher.

After earning his MFA from Savannah College of Art and Design, during the post 9:11 period, Eugean Taylor found himself searching desperately for a job as a graphic artist. After taking a series of part time jobs in copy centers, sign shops and even supporting himself and his family by working nights at a local movie theatre, it seemed his career would never take flight. That’s when he was approached by a man at the local art show who told him he should consider becomming a teacher.

Tess C. Taylor, who is Eugean’s wife, was inspired to share the story about her husband’s journey to finding himself through his talents and how he has contributed to the Charleston community as a result. You can read the story and vote for the story at the Work Life Group’s website. http://career.worklifegroup.com/career-stories/creating-true-beauty-world-tess-c-taylor-59.html