How To Avoid Scam Freelance Gigs
Where there is opportunity, there are scams. Where people are looking for a service there are people offering that service, but there are fakes too.
Freelance work can be done in many different sectors and needs many different sets of skills, but one thing is the same: scammers are always hunting for eager freelancers who are trying to make money online. One of the challenges of starting as a freelancer is identifying which gigs are worthwhile.
First, always ensure the security of your personal data. Do not send sensitive information to just anyone online. It is preferable to err on the side of caution rather than admit defeat and risk embarrassing failure. Freelancer websites are becoming increasingly targeted by hackers and phishers who are getting better at their craft.
Second, go with your instincts whenever a job offer seems fishy, one of the easiest ways to avoid a work scam is to simply rely on your guts. This might be especially challenging if you’ve been idle for some time and suddenly find yourself in the desperate position of needing work. If you have not been looking for work for a long time, you might be out of touch, this is the situation that people prey on. Still, consider the position and how you were contacted for it. Never feel bad about leaving a situation in which you feel uneasy or unsafe. It’s also important to keep in mind that there are many legitimate opportunities available as a freelancer.
Lastly, the organisation or person that is organising the gig ought to be able to provide you with a comprehensive summary of what it is they want. A red flag is raised whenever the person in question is evasive or ambiguous in their responses.
No one will look out for you the way that you can watch out for yourself. As a consequence of this, you must pay attention to all invitations, job advertisements, and other opportunities. If you are ever asked to perform anything that even vaguely seems illegal, you should immediately start fleeing. And if you have the time, you might also want to report them to protect other people who are in the same situation as you.
If it is too good to be true, run away. If it feels wrong, don’t do it. These are simple catch phrases, but also truths that you should not ignore!
