This is a satirical guide to what freelancers should avoid (or be wary of)
Freelancers are more prone to getting scammed by potential clients because, sometimes, there is no way to tell if a client is legit or not.
You can, however, tell from the job post itself if the job is legit or a scam. As they say:
“If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.”
Here are some common ways scammers scam freelancers. If the job of your dreams shows any one of these, run away as fast as you can. Well, you can also report the post first if you want to be a hero.
1. Dazzle the victim with high or above-average pay for minimal work.
2. Ask the victim for a deposit to use your software, tools or computer.
3. Ask to use or rent the victim’s Facebook, Ad Manager or Gmail account.
4. Launder money by transferring funds to the victim’s PayPal. Tell them to withdraw it and send it to you by Western Union.
5. Ask the victim for identity information, such as a valid ID, account number and password.
6. Put the victim through a series of unpaid tests and trial work. Tell them you will own the work whether they are hired or not.
7. Tell the victim they need to webcam with clients in their underwear or, worse, topless.
8. Say you want to hire the victim, but you have another applicant who is willing to do the job for a much lower rate. Ask the victim if they will agree to that rate.
9. Tell the victim the job is very easy and they can even do it with their eyes closed to justify your unreasonably low pay.
10. Find the victim on a legit freelancing platform and tell them you will take the work outside the platform to avoid fees.
As with all kinds of advice, take everything with a grain of salt. And a glass of margarita with a wedge of lime.
In this world of give and take, yin and yang, cause and effect, it’s not only freelancers who get scammed. Some clients have also been unlucky to encounter a less-than-trustworthy freelancer.
One way to prove you are a legit professional is by paying your taxes. Admit it, it’s not something we all want to do, but it is the law. If you are someone who follows the law, despite not wanting to, it shows you can be trusted to do the right thing. That shows you have integrity.
That shows professionalism.
If you are not yet a registered taxpayer, here are the steps on how to register with BIR as a freelancer.
If you’ve been lucky enough to find yourself a client, or a decent-paying job at least, then make sure you know these three relationship rules not to apply at work.
Don’t fall for any get-rich-quick schemes. Develop your skills and learn new ones. Share what you know with other freelancers and learn what you can from clients and other freelancers. Having a mentor is a good way to start your freelancing career.
Remember the scammer moves above and try not to get scammed or, worse, scam anyone.
Hope you have an awesome job and a fruitful career!
Astrid Abella 