Making the decision to write for a new client can be fairly difficult. With so many internet scams out there, you will want to know what to look out for. Here are some tips on how to know if a client is trying to scam you.

Extremely Low Pay

On the one hand, it is always good for a client to be upfront about their payment terms. However, if you are being offered an extremely low amount of pay that seems really unreasonable, then it is important to keep in mind that you are being scammed in a way. You should not get paid $1 per article if there is somewhere that you can write that same article and get paid a much higher amount of money. Most people will make much more money writing for Associated Content or Demand Studios. Consider how much you’re being paid and whether it seems like a good deal or not before deciding to take on a client full-time.

Delay in Payment

If your client is constantly giving you the run around, this is a good sign that you are being scammed. When you are told that you will be paid on a certain day, then your payment should come on that day. If it is delayed, then you should be given a specific time, and it should definitely come by then. It will be easier to trust a regular client over time, but keep in mind that they can scam you with payment delays as well. For first time clients, it is a good idea to ask for 10 or 25% of the total payment upfront.

Asking For Personal Information

Keep in mind that a client should never ask you for information that is personal. They should not ask for your SSN, unless it is because they want tax information. Although it is not all that common for identity theft scams to happen with writing clients, it is always a possibility that you should be aware of at all times. Any time that you asked for personal info on the internet, you should never provide it and know right away that someone is trying to scam you.

These are just a few signs that a client is trying to scam you. If one or more of these signs seem to happen, it is important to be cautious when making the decision to work for the client. When you begin to notice anything usual happening or if you do not get paid, it is time to take action. But what can you do if a client doesn’t pay you? Check back tomorrow to find out.