I almost fell for a freelance scam

And I recently edited an article on scams, too.

Author

Diana Kelly Levey
February 01, 2025

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Scams are everywhere and while we all might think we’re getting savvy to them, scammers are getting smarter (sometimes) and they’re getting plenty of freelancers to fall for them.

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Here’s what happened. I received this email in my inbox through my website submission form:

Hello,
I hope this message finds you well! My name is Annette Haynes, and I'm reaching out to learn more about your writing services. I'm looking for your expertise to help create 2 short articles for my upcoming webinar. I found your contact information during my online search.
Your portfolio displays a diverse range of skills, and I believe you would be a fantastic match for this project. If you're available and interested, I would love to provide you with more details. I prefer to communicate through email.
Best wishes!

703-410-2085

(Also, why include your phone number if you say you prefer to communicate via email?)

Flattery will get you everywhere, right?

I responded back the way I usually do when I have a cold email coming in this way requesting work help.

I sent her my “Client Intake Form” to fill out. The form requests details about the project, key decision makers, and their budget, amongst other things.

“Annette” didn’t fill it out. (Shocker.)

But she did reply within that same day. Keep reading for the email and the ‘tip off’ it’s a scam:

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“The Freelance Project”

Hello Diana,
Thank you for your prompt reply. The articles are intended for an upcoming school webinar aimed at students aged 15 to 21. The theme of the program is "Internet and Social Media and : Merit and Demerit" The objective of the webinar is to address the growing issue of Internet and social media addiction that is increasingly affecting young people today. The articles will be read by a voice artist to the participants.

I want you to write two short articles. The title of the articles are "Social Media and Mental Health" AND "Internet and Youth Development."

I require  short articles of 1,400 words each. That's 2800 words in total. The tone should be informal yet assertive. Please provide the final document in PDF format. I would like to retain exclusive rights to the articles, although you may include them in your portfolio. You will be responsible for sourcing the necessary materials, and I request that no illustrations or graphics be included.

I don't want references, links or citations. The article's word count is already quite limited, and I want to avoid citations taking up too much space. However, you can include citations, but they should be listed at the end of the article and excluded from the word count.  As per reviews,  I may not always have the time to review drafts as they come in. I’d rather look over the completed articles all at once so we can make any necessary corrections together.

To acknowledge your efforts, you may include your byline on the articles. If you need a contract, please draft yours  and send it over, and I will peruse it, sign and send it back to you.

The budget for this project is $1.75 per word. That's $1.75 x 2800 words totaling $4,900. I believe this is a fair offer, but please inform me if it does not meet your expectations. Payment will be made by one of the program's sponsors.

Below is the outline for the article, which will guide you on the topics I would like you to cover:

ARTICLE 1: Social Media and Mental Health (1,400 words)

1. Social Media: Background and Introduction.
2. The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health:
i. The Positive Impact
ii. The Negative Impact
3. Managing the Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
4. Conclusion.


ARTICLE  2 : Internet and Youth Development (1,400 words)

1. Introduction/Overview:
2.  A brief history of the Internet.
3. Importance of the Internet on Education.
4. The  effects of the Internet on Student Performance.
5. Internet addiction and how to mitigate  it.
6. Conclusion.

I would appreciate receiving the article by or before March 15, 2025.

Finally, what would be your preferred mode of payment? Though I'm proposing a certified bank draft, a cashier's check or bank certified check. The check will be issued and mailed to you as soon as you send me your details.

Best regards.

[no name signed]

There are a few “red flags” here.

Who wants long articlesto accompany a webinar?

The rates are high.

But of course, the big “tip off” is a check. I included in my “client questionnaire”—that she didn’t fill out—how I want to be paid.

Check is not the ideal option.

I actually sat with this email for a bit. It’s a good rate. (That’s another tip off!)

I almost sent it to a freelance friend to ask what she thought.

Then I Googled the phone number.

The results were all about scams.

This article came up as a result. I’m glad I found it.

I responded back to the email with that link. And didn’t hear back.

I shared this for a few reasons.

I don’t want you to get scammed.

But I also want you to know that many of us almost fall for these and you shouldn’t feel stupid if you do.

Read this article from Kaneesha Allen on six freelance scams to know about.

Stay safe and vigilant out there.

Diana

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