Day 44: Writers Beware

My Project: 365 Creative Writing Prompts

Day 44: Writers Beware

As a freelance writer, I am constantly on the lookout for new gigs. As such, I am a regular visitor on Craigslist. Not the best source of employment for freelance writers, but in the past, I have found some valuable information.

Unfortunately, for every legitimate job, there are a number of dubious posts. It is impossible to recognize these scams as the individuals use a generic Craigslist i.d.

Not only is this a deceitful practice but every ad raises hope in freelance writers to be considered for a job, only to have that hope smashed.

One individual who likes playing tricks on freelance writers is Eric Scott, also known as Scott Eric, Magnus Aanya, John Klevs, Shawn, and probably a few others. 

His ads read as follows:

Creative talented writers $1000 weekly

Hello, my name is Shawn and I am looking for 2 talented writers to help me with my publishing company. I am looking for those who can write short stories, blogs, and articles. Pay will be up to $30 per HR. Please Reply to email as it goes directly to my cell. I cannot have my text going off a million times.

Or

Working from home 

Hi there! We are working on a project and we need additional VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS or CONTENT WRITERS to help us to get the tasks done.

Qualifications: good writing skills

** Option to make up to 200$ a month with only 10 minutes of work every day

When a writer responds to these ads the following message is received:

Goodday,

I am very sorry for replying you late i have been busy for the past three days now that is why i am unable to get back to you fast. My name is SCOTT ERIC, I am 60 Year old,  I write in response to your message concerning the job posted on Craigslist which you're interested in, although the position has been filled but after going through your response, i'm quite impressed, but i have another position available if you will be interested, I am looking for someone who can handle my personal Assistance (PA) and business errands at his/her spare time.

I am in United State Of America ( U.S.A) presently so there will be no interview. I will prepay you in advance to do some business errands for me  and have my mails/packages forwarded to your address. If you will be unable to stay at home to get the mails, I can have them shipped to a post office near you and then you can pick them up at your convenience. All errands will be in your city/town so It is not a must that you have a car for the job, you can go places by bus or taxi. When you get my mails/packages; you are required to mail them to where I want them mailed to. You won't have to put money out of your pocket, all you have to do is have packages shipped to your house. You ARE NOT ALLOWED TO OPEN THE PACKAGES TO REVEAL THE CONTENT. I will pay you $500 per week.

(email unedited)

Not only does this reek of a scam, it would appear that Eric Scott (or whatever his name is) is dabbling in something illegal. Packages that are not to be opened … hm, suspicious to say the least. 

Needless to say, I did not follow up on this job, but the question remains ... when will Eric Scott, Scott Eric, Magnus Aanya, John Klevs, Shawn, or whatever his name is strike again and will he eventually find someone naive enough to fall for his scam? 

www.connymanero.weebly.com