Here are some tips to help you avoid freelance writing scams:

Don’t write “trial” articles.

If someone isn’t intelligent enough to figure out whether or not you’d be a good fit for the job by reading something you’ve already written, then you don’t want to work for them. Scammers ask for “trial articles” then re-sell them illegally or use them on their own sites. Once you’ve given it away, you can’t prove it’s yours.

Don’t give away your SSN.

Unless they hire you, they don’t need it. (Who does a background check to hire a freelance writer?!) Even if they do hire you, employers (U.S.) only need your SSN to report you to the IRS after you’ve earned $600 in one year. They don’t need it before they hire you — ever.

Read the fine print.

Don’t sign contracts that don’t spell out the terms clearly, including what rights you’re giving away and when you’ll be paid. “On publication” could mean never if they never publish your article. Get a date.

Use Google to your advantage.

Freelance writers stick together, they complain on their own blogs, and they report freelance writing scams to places like writersweekly.com. If you’re in doubt, a google search might turn up something.

Trust your better judgment.

Even if you’re broke and really need the money, don’t hope that something sounding too good to be true will really pan out. It’s better to be safe than sorry, as the saying goes.