How to avoid getting scammed as a writer

Don't get scammedon your hard work

When it comes to writing articles for others, its easy to get scammed. Ive written many articles based solely on just trust, and I get screwed many times. If your using a freelance website to get work, its common for many people to want you to submit a sample..usually around 500 words. Well this sample is usually a way of them getting a free article.
I recently sent in a sample on a review of a camera...below is my sample. Ive never written for this person and neither did we discuss any form of payment.

I messaged him for work and he said can you write me a sample of 150 words on the "Kodak C195"
I said sure...no prob....

Article that I sent

When it comes time to capture those moments in life, the Kodak Easyshare C195 has all the built in features you could ever need in a digital camera. Having the latest share technology app available and stunning features that let you take pics like a pro, the C195 is truly a piece of art.
The C195 has all the features one would need in a digital camera along with a price that fits the bag. Boasting a true 14Mp will let you capture that special glimpse with clear crystal quality, and focusing in with a 5X optical zoom can make you feel like your up close and personal. And when it comes time to let the world see what you have to show, a one push button app lets you share your photos when you want. Being able to instantly upload to Facebook, Flickr, YouTube and ORKUT sites with a push of a button is something truly worth sharing.


OK so you read, not bad huh...well this is the guys response to me

" Article was great, you sent it to me fast...but i'm not sure you will work for the low payment "


Then I never heard from him again.

What is he talking about, we didn't even discuss payment, he liked my work, so whats the problem. The moral to the story is, he scammed me in a polite way. Now this guy is on Freelance and getting many free samples that are not costing him anything. And he's polity telling the writers different stories while getting his free sample.

So writers be cautious and don't do work for free. Submit a sample of your previous work, not a sample they want...and always get a few dollars upfront. Whats a few bucks if the person is legit.

We Americans have a saying " We like to get kissed before we get screwed "