Did you know that 20% of international freelancers report non-payment from clients?
Hi, I’m Simon Taki Zaku, your favorite SEO specialist, and today, I’m diving into a painful yet eye-opening story from my early freelancing days.
This is a story I’ve never shared publicly before, so buckle up because it’s going to be both shocking and educational.
Back in 2019, as a budding freelance writer eager to build my career, I experienced one of the harsh realities of freelancing: getting scammed by a client.
This client, who went by the name "Liz Fournier," stole $840 worth of my hard work.
I poured my time, energy, and talent into writing for them, only to be ghosted when it came time to pay.
So, basically, this is how I got scammed $840 by a so-called freelance client named ‘Liz Fournier’ sometime in 2019 when I was just getting started freelancing.
You see, there is a huge rise on the topic of freelancers getting scammed by clients or getting cheated by clients. And nobody talks about it!
Everyone is just focused on “how can I not get scammed by freelancer”. Forgetting you as a freelancer are equally facing that risk.
And more so because most times you have to work and submit before you are paid. Even on freelancer job boards.
And I actually have been scammed by a ‘freelance client’ using ‘Liz Fournier’. Please if you come across any Liz Fournier claiming to hire you, run.
How did this happen? Read on I’ll share!
Online scams have been in existence since the Internet came into being. Scammers have always devised new ways or newer ways to prey on people.
In fact, in 2020 alone, the US saw a $3.5 billion fraud and cybercrime related losses. The UK had 1.4 million crime & cybercrime reports the same year.
That’s huge!
Now, how did I get scammed by a Freelance writing client and how can you avoid getting scammed?
My $840 Freelance Gig Scam Story
About 5 to 6 years ago when I started this very website, simonzaku.com, I went on PeoplePerHour, and then I got a message from this potential client saying he was looking for a freelance SEO writer for his projects.
RED FLAG: Liz Fournier suggested we went to Skype if I wanted them to hire me.
We then went on Skype, and here are some of the screenshots of the conversations that I had with this very ‘employer’ on Skype.
So after writing dozens of articles for Liz Fournier, (at a very low rate), for about 30 full days, I asked for payment.
Normally, Liz Fournier would just send me the details of the project or the article. Give me the timeline, the word count, and the price per article or per word.
I then get to write everything in 1-5 hours (yes I was reporting 5-10 articles per day).
And if there was any correction, I'll revisit and correct all the articles. So, the thing was, 1, I didn't ask for any upfront because I trusted this so-called client
Another thing I ignored was who this “Liz Fournier” really was. I didn’t do my research prior.
Are they a founder? The CEO? Where do they work?
And all of that.
As a beginner freelance writer at the time, I made these mistakes. And it caused me a whole lot of time and energy.
They agreed to pay after 30 days of work.
And in 30 days, I wrote more than 50,000-words in articles.
When it was time to pay, i heard nothing.
They stopped replying. And to date, which is 6 years later, I still haven't heard from ‘Liz Fournier’ yet.
How about the ‘Liz Fournier’ Skype account?
The Skype account still comes online, but never opens or replies to my messages.
Now very importantly, here are some of the major freelance scams that are trending online.
Popular Freelance Job Scams to Avoid:
The Free Trials Scam:
What freelancer free trials?
A freelancer situation where a freelance client insists the freelancer gives them a free trial with no form of written contract or written agreement.
Listen…
They made not hire you!
A lot of times, people may want to get free trial work anyhow possible.
I have been a victim.
And this isn’t just the first. (Subscribe to my blog - I’ll be sharing my stories here)
And after the free trial period, they drop you off.
2. The Second is Work Before Pay (no upfront).
For this, the freelance clients promises a great pay or reward after work is done.
But after that certain time, they disappear.
3. Fake Job Postings/Applications Scams.
Years back, a company I followed on LinkedIn posted a job position I felt I was at least a great fit for, and then I applied.
I was interviewed by the team and even hired for the job. I don't want to mention the name of the company, but I still follow the company.
I applied, was interviewed, and I even got the job.
And after getting the job, I worked for about 2 months, and I completed the entire project successfully.
Now after the contract was done, I still noticed that every job posting on LinkedIn was still very much active even though they were not hiring.
I personally completed the project.
This meant a lot of people were still applying for a job that isn't even active. (Maybe do trial projects).
What I'm saying is some brands post on job listing boards for the attention it gets. Or the free work itself.
“Hey you’ve passed the first step. Now to move on, we need you to write a 500-word review on “INSERTS TOPIC?”
Heard this?
Or for example, on LinkedIn, when people apply for a job you opted, by default they follow the employee brand page unless you decide to unfollow.
4. Late Payment Excuses.
A written agreement is actually needed because sometimes as a freelancer, the client is going to say “I'm busy” or “I’m on the road”, etc.
But with an agreement, (for example, on the 29th of every month, client pays or work stops).
Most times, freelance clients tend to convince freelancers they are legit, and they're definitely going to pay but don’t fall for that.
Be sure to ensure you always get a contract signed or a written agreement so that you can follow-up just in case something goes wrong.
What I do is before working with you, I like to know more about the person who is hiring me.
That is a freelance client.
I ask a bit more personal questions like;
What is your name?
What are your social media handles?
What company do you own or work with?
Are you comfortable sharing your phone number an company email?
How Can You Tell a Fake Freelance Client?
There is no one way to know a scammer but you can tell a fake freelance client by using any or all of the following together;
when the clients insist on free trial.
when the client is insisting that you first work for a certain period before they pay you.
insists on no upfront payments.
the job application offer has been active for 30 to 60 days.
When it is getting closer to your pay date, you start to notice the freelance clients start to complain a lot. Or
During pay date, the freelance client start to avoid your messages or calls.
How to Avoid Getting Scammed as a Freelancer!
For ghosting scams, it is a bit difficult to tell because as a businessman, you understand time is important.
Acquaint yourself with the client and know the best way to reach out.
What are 5 steps to avoid getting scammed by fraudulent freelance clients?
always find out more about the person hiring you,
always ask for a written agreement or a signed contract.
always request for multiple ways to contact (WhatsApp, colleagues, calls, emails, workers, social accounts, etc).
always ensure you sign a contract that includes payment dates and payment deadlines.
Have you ever been scammed as a freelancer? Use the comments section below ;)
Join my free freelance community here.
Best,
Simon Taki Zaku
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