Freelance bidding: Avoiding the red flags

Often, when browsing jobs on sites like oDesk, the occasional job will appear where a buyer requests providers be "tested".  Now testing, in and of itself, is not a bad thing.  Many buyers (myself included, when I post data entry jobs) will give all interviewees the same test to complete to see who can follow directions.  Many buyers make it clear that 1) it's an extremely small, easy task, and 2) they are giving ALL providers the EXACT SAME task…so if the provider doesn't want to do this, they know before even applying.

It's when this level of transparency isn't present that the you should be on alert.

What types of scams are out there?

Original Articles: When a buyer wants you to create original content for them without compensation under the guise of a "test", "contest" or "sample", beware.  Often, a buyer will "interview" 20 or more providers and ask them to create an original sample.  After 20 people submitted their "samples", the buyer is left with 20 days worth of content for their blog without having to hire and pay anyone.  Don't give away freebies.  If you're a writer, designer, programmer, you should always have samples of work previously done that is similar to what the buyer is looking for.  If the buyer can't accept this, it's time to move on to the next buyer.

Affiliate Sign-ups: These are often sites that offer premium content for a monthly fee that offer free trials, and affiliates will earn a commission on the people they sign up.  Affiliates will often post "jobs" for internet researcher or data entry and, during the interview stage, will ask you to sign up for X number of sites.  Even if the site is advertised as "free", often you will be hit with a credit card charge, and the "buyer" will have just earned their affiliate commission from your signup…without ever intending to hire or pay you.  If a buyer asks you to sign up for a 3rd party site, report them and walk away.

No freebies

If a buyer wants you to do or create something from scratch for them before they hire you, there's a good chance the buyer has no intention of hiring you to start with.  Don't be a sucker.

Good buyers will always be upfront about what they require, and even better about paying you when you deserve it!