# Freelance Content Writer. WTH scam is this? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 10, 2012, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freelance-content-writer-wth-scam-is-this/643636 "2012-12-10T19:55:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2012, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freelance-content-writer-wth-scam-is-this/643636/1 "2012-12-10T19:55:20Z")
So out of the blue I get this email: > [@](#): > > We are looking for English writers to write articles on business, management, health, beauty and fitness topics. We are looking for 5-6 GOOD writers who are looking for long term work. > > Job Requirements: > > 1. Articles should be error free > 2. Articles should pass copyscape > 3. Well researched articles > 4. Articles should be minimum 600 words > 5. Do not use article spinner software > 6. Do not copy paste from articles online, printed books, magazines or any other form > 7. Do not re-write the same article for others > > Employment: Part-time > Remuneration: Fixed, $4000 a month > > The articles need to be informative to the reader with 100% correct grammar, punctuation and free from factual errors. Also, the articles must be 100% unique; they will be reviewed through Copyscape and Plagiarism Detect for plagiarism. If an article you submit does not pass Copyscape, or has spelling and punctuation mistakes, you will not be paid for that article until it is corrected and resubmitted to us for approval. We will not be able to pay if all requirements in this listing are not met, so please don’t bid if you can’t meet these requirements. > > Work Schedule: From 10am - 17pm NY Time > > If you are interested in our Job proposal , please add to skype writers-jei - for a job interview. > Thank you in advance for your cooperation! OK, I’m listed on some freelance sites. But has anyone ever heard of this? It looks too scammish for me. ---
**Author:** ![hogarth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hogarth/32/1773_2.png) [@hogarth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hogarth)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2012, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freelance-content-writer-wth-scam-is-this/643636/2 "2012-12-10T20:36:58Z")
I thought that sort of thing was for creating “link farms” to fool Google into indexing pages full of hyperlinks by adding a thin veneer of content on top. I could be wrong, though. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2012, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freelance-content-writer-wth-scam-is-this/643636/3 "2012-12-10T20:41:35Z")
And _nothing_ you write will pass all their requirements. Or so they will claim. They get content, you don’t get paid. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2012, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freelance-content-writer-wth-scam-is-this/643636/4 "2012-12-10T20:47:07Z")
**Work Schedule: From 10am - 17pm NY Time** Well there’s the scam, it’s never going to be 17PM no matter how long you work. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2012, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freelance-content-writer-wth-scam-is-this/643636/5 "2012-12-10T20:51:35Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > **Work Schedule: From 10am - 17pm NY Time** > > Well there’s the scam, it’s never going to be 17PM no matter how long you work. But it’s 17 o’clock _somewhere_. ---
**Author:** ![robert\_columbia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e79b87/32.png) [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2012, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freelance-content-writer-wth-scam-is-this/643636/6 "2012-12-10T21:01:48Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > And _nothing_ you write will pass all their requirements. Or so they will claim. They get content, you don’t get paid. There was a story a while back surrounding one of those “assemble stuff at home” opportunities that supposedly makes money selling you kits and then refusing to buy the finished product because it doesn’t meet standards or they only buy in lots of \. The researchers contacted one of those companies and arranged to assemble a radio at home including soldering joints and stuff. The researcher had the radio completed by a team of electrical engineers to a high standard - much higher than the average person who used a soldering iron a few times could do. Guess what, the radio didn’t meet standards and they wouldn’t pay for it. ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2012, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freelance-content-writer-wth-scam-is-this/643636/7 "2012-12-10T21:12:24Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > But it’s 17 o’clock _somewhere_. Time for a drink then. ---
**Author:** ![Baracus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/2bfe46/32.png) [@Baracus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baracus)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2012, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freelance-content-writer-wth-scam-is-this/643636/8 "2012-12-10T21:22:02Z")
So how is this supposed to work? It says renumeration is fixed at $4000/month. Then it says you won’t get paid for articles until all errors are corrected. Then it says don’t “bid” unless you can meet all their requirements. Wtf? My guess is that either you will write a bunch of stuff for them and when your first paycheck is due, you will never hear from them again or your first “assignment” will be to cash a check for them, Western Union them the proceeds, and then write an article about wiring money. ---
**Author:** ![Amateur\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/59ef9b/32.png) [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2012, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freelance-content-writer-wth-scam-is-this/643636/9 "2012-12-10T21:27:49Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > But it’s 17 o’clock _somewhere_. Maybe in Never-Never Land. It’s almost seventeen hundred as I write this, though. ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2012, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freelance-content-writer-wth-scam-is-this/643636/10 "2012-12-11T00:56:02Z")
Mr Worf, inform Starfleet Command: We have engaged the Borg. Having been bemused by this whole affair I decide to contact them and gather more information. I let them know that I was an experienced writer who could be interested in doing the work…for the right price. So read the below and tell me the person who is on the other end is not on the pacific rim somewhere. I’d be astonished if they weren’t. The below is verbatim except where I’m changed my real name to my handle and removed some, to me, personal identifiers. > [@](#): > > Thank you for your interest in our job offer! > > Please be advised that an applicant should do 6 articles a day (each article circa 500 - 700 words). > > We need a high quality of work and are interested in a long-term partnership. > > Your monthly salary will be $4000, provided that you follow all instructions and do everything properly. > > Your first salary $ 2000 - as an advance, you will receive after 5 days of work, not counting the day of the test. > > Before we get down to work we need to test your skills, writing a test article by keyword: texas [lottery.com](http://lottery.com) > 1.About key phrases: > > 1. Your title - is the key phrase. > 2)The key phrase in the text should be used 1-3 times. > > Sharp warning: the key-phrase is indecomposable, you can not use fragments of key-phrase. > > Once again: key-phrase is indivisible. > > 2.About Description: > > Description should be no more than 160 characters. > > It is like a very short conspectus, synopsis, the gist of the article. > > Don’t forget that description must look engaging, winning and attractive to reader. > > 3.Your content should be 90% original. NO plagiary please. > > Take a look at our Groupon Boston article as an example: [http://seogearinc.com/sample.html](http://seogearinc.com/sample.html) > > You must complete test within 24 hours. > > Please keep in mind that your articles should be captivating and moving enough and must encourage readers to share them through their social circles like FaceBook, Google+ and others. > > A test email should be sent to the address: [hr@seogearinc.com](mailto:hr@seogearinc.com) (In the subject necessarily indicate your name and surname) > After that, the next day after testing your skills, we conclude a contract with you for 1 month. > > If the work conditions are satisfying for you,I’ll call you and we’ll talk in more detail. > > [4:19:10 PM] Seo Gear: Mr. Chance, what do you think about our terms and the offer? > > [4:21:23 PM] Jonathan Chance: I will think about it. I can fit it in my schedule each day, but it seems a lot of writing. I’m currently working on a contract that pays the same, using some specialized knowledge I have, but it’s 8 shorter stories. So I’m not opposed to it, but I’d have to consider the time commitment and pay level. I’m been a businessman (owned and sold five) and a writer (been in the Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal) so I’m sometimes careful about these things. Any questions for me? And do you have a sample contract I could look at? And further information about the company? > > [4:38:41 PM] Seo Gear: Mr. Chance, sorry for not replying immediately, it is nice to hear that you have experience in this. I do appreciate your time, and, of course, we would be happy to hear from you soon. I have several questions for you, but I would like to answer your questions first. So, the conditions are that when you submit a test article in 24 hours since these conversation, the company management shall make a decision concerning your application. If it is positive, then the company shall sign a 1month contract with you. > > [4:39:07 PM] Seo Gear: THe company is operating since 2009 and is quite successful and we need more writers now as we have more and more orders. > > [4:45:01 PM] Jonathan Chance: Oh, I understand that. I just want a greater feel for the company before I commit. My guess is you’re running placement to maximize page views for different clients. You should know that I have no problem with writing that. So that’s no worries. What I do want to know is some basic info. Company name, physical address, client sample, and so forth. I can write, literally, anything you want. I just want to know for whom I’m doing so. Also, you didn’t address my issue with the number of articles and the amount of pay. Is there flexibility in that? > > [4:45:16 PM] Jonathan Chance: NOTE: I’ll be running out for a while. But we can continue this in the morning. > > [4:46:47 PM] Seo Gear: Ok, Mr. Chance, I will provide you with all information available. > > [4:47:02 PM] Jonathan Chance: Thank you, I look forward to looking it over. > > [4:47:18 PM] Seo Gear: First of all, there is a physical address and here it is > > [4:47:20 PM] Seo Gear: 2502 S Sawyer Ave, > Chicago, IL 60623 > +1(773) 757-6497 > > [4:48:28 PM] Seo Gear: Here is a website: [http://www.seogearinc.com/](http://www.seogearinc.com/) > > [4:49:06 PM] Seo Gear: You can find a lot information there and I shall answer all of your questions in a while. > > [5:01:01 PM] Seo Gear: Mr. Chance, may management told me that as soon you shall provide the test article, and if it would be ok, the company may consider different contract terms with you that my suit you. > > [5:01:18 PM] Seo Gear: that will suit you. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2012, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freelance-content-writer-wth-scam-is-this/643636/11 "2012-12-11T01:30:35Z")
So, they want you to write 500-700 words on the Texas Lottery website that are captivating and engaging enough that people would be sharing it on Facebook? And once they’ve given you the green light, they give you 5-6 assignments like that per day? Crikey. If it’s legit, it sounds kind of high-maintenance. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2012, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freelance-content-writer-wth-scam-is-this/643636/12 "2012-12-11T01:42:48Z")
[Whois result is odd](http://whois.net/whois/seogearinc.com) - seems to have Russian domain servers and a fake physical address. The phone number he gave doesn’t match the phone number displayed on the website, even in area code - 773 is definitely Chicago, 212 isn’t. Going by Google Street View, 2502 S Sawyer is at least a storefront, though it didn’t look really occupied the last time someone from Google drove by. Oh and from the “satisfied customer” blurb on their website? “[dotnet-host.com](http://dotnet-host.com)” is of course not an actual website, and they didn’t even code that URL correctly. Plus the “TRUSTe” icon at the bottom doesn’t link to that website, same with the other tiny icons down there. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2012, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freelance-content-writer-wth-scam-is-this/643636/13 "2012-12-11T01:55:09Z")
The phone number appears to be for a cell phone and the address links to a Hispanic legal services company next door to a nail salon. And you might want to[compare notes](http://molliecoons.com/tag/seogearinc/)with this free-lancer. ---
**Author:** ![Lasciel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e79b87/32.png) [@Lasciel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lasciel)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2012, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freelance-content-writer-wth-scam-is-this/643636/14 "2012-12-11T02:32:57Z")
> [@kunilou](#): > > The phone number appears to be for a cell phone and the address links to a Hispanic legal services company next door to a nail salon. > > And you might want to[compare notes](http://molliecoons.com/tag/seogearinc/)with this free-lancer. Looks like they like you more than her - she only got offered 2500 a month. ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2012, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freelance-content-writer-wth-scam-is-this/643636/15 "2012-12-11T14:10:11Z")
Hey, the pay for me, baby! Follow up, I received this somewhat oracular note this morning. Just a few minutes ago, in fact. > [@](#): > > [8:59:45 AM] Seo Gear: don’t fall victim to a scam > > [9:00:26 AM] Jonathan Chance: Well, exactly. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2012, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freelance-content-writer-wth-scam-is-this/643636/16 "2012-12-11T14:24:26Z")
5-7 articles a _day_? About subjects _they_ give you? With no writing errors – even plugging and chugging into a spelling and grammar checker would cut into productivity at that pace. _And_ it has to be good enough to increase their Facebook viewership? ---
**Author:** ![CairoCarol](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cairocarol/32/3825_2.png) [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2012, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freelance-content-writer-wth-scam-is-this/643636/17 "2012-12-11T14:31:43Z")
> [@Lasciel](#): > > Looks like they like you more than her - she only got offered 2500 a month. Well, duh. He has mastered correct comma usage, she has not. ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2012, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freelance-content-writer-wth-scam-is-this/643636/18 "2012-12-11T14:53:01Z")
Honestly, I do 8 per day in about 4 hours right now. So the workload doesn’t strike me as excessive. The scam part of it does, however. Call me silly. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2012, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freelance-content-writer-wth-scam-is-this/643636/19 "2012-12-12T02:47:11Z")
> [@Jonathan\_Chance](#): > > Honestly, I do 8 per day in about 4 hours right now. So the workload doesn’t strike me as excessive. The scam part of it does, however. > > Call me silly. I’m guessing they want to count a month as 30 days, obligating you to 180 articles. With a 600 word minimum and a $4K paycheck, that works out to less than four cents a word. If you can crank out 108,000 words per month on a variety of topics on deadline, you really should be getting more for your work. ---
**Author:** ![Xema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9de053/32.png) [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2012, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freelance-content-writer-wth-scam-is-this/643636/20 "2012-12-12T03:04:06Z")
> [@kunilou](#): > > the address links to a Hispanic legal services company next door to a nail salon. With a sign on the door saying ‘Beware of the Leopard’ ? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freelance-content-writer-wth-scam-is-this/643636.md?page=2)