5 Signs a Client Might Scam You (And How to Handle It)

Protect your scripts, your time, and your peace of mind before it’s too late.

Author

Sonu Kumar
April 21, 2025

Let me tell you a quick story.

Back when I was new to freelancing, I got a DM that said:

“Hey bro, I saw your post. Can you write 3 YouTube scripts for me? I’ll pay after delivery.”

I was excited. Finally, a client!
I wrote the 3 scripts—each took 3 hours.
Delivered them with love. Then… silence.

No reply. No money. No feedback.

That day, I learned the golden rule of freelancing:

If you don’t value your work, no one else will.

Today’s newsletter is about how to protect yourself as a freelance scriptwriter, with real-life examples to help you stay safe and get paid.

1. Don’t Start Without a Written Agreement (Even If It’s a DM)

Let’s say a client messages you on Instagram:

“I need 5 shorts scripts every week. How much do you charge?”

You reply:

“I charge ₹200 per script. That’s ₹1000/week.”

Before writing anything, say this:

“Let’s write down our agreement here, just to be clear:
5 scripts/week at ₹1000. Payment every Monday. Delivery every Sunday. 2 revisions included. Do you confirm this?”

If they say yes, take a screenshot.
That becomes your informal contract.

If they don’t want to confirm anything clearly? That’s a red flag.

2. Always Take an Advance (Even a Small One)

Real example:

A client once told me:

“I’ll pay after I test your work for a month.”

I politely replied:

“I work with a 50% advance. You can try me with 2 scripts first. That’s ₹400 total. Pay ₹200 upfront.”

He ghosted.
Guess what? He was trying to get free scripts from 10 writers.

Solution: Ask for advance—₹200, ₹300, whatever.
This filters out the fake ones.

3. Common Scammer Patterns to Watch Out For

Example 1: "Urgent Need" Trick

“Bro I need 10 scripts by tomorrow. Super urgent. I’ll pay after I show my boss.”

This is panic bait.
They want you to rush, so you don’t ask about payment.

What to do:
Say, “I can do urgent delivery, but payment is 100% upfront for rush orders.”

Example 2: "Big Exposure" Trap

“I have 100K followers. Work with me for free now, and you’ll get big reach.”

Trust me—exposure doesn’t pay rent.
If they value you, they’ll pay you.

4. Set Boundaries Before You Start

Let’s say you agree to write 4 scripts a week.
Client sends 10 scripts without asking and expects all to be done.

Solution: Before starting, say this clearly:

“I’ll be doing 4 scripts weekly. Anything above that will be extra. Charges apply.”

Write this in a note or message.
Set expectations once—don’t repeat yourself every week.

5. Use Smart Tools to Protect Your Work

Example: Instead of sending the final script as a DOC file, send a Google Doc with “View Only” access.

Tell the client:

“Once I receive the full payment, I’ll give editing access or send the downloadable version.”

Also, keep an Excel or Notion sheet of:

  • Client name

  • Scripts written

  • Date sent

  • Payment status

  • Feedback

This makes you look professional—and protects you if something goes wrong.

6. Trust Your Gut – Not Every Client Deserves Your Time

If something feels fishy—it probably is.

Example: A guy said:

“I don’t want to waste time on calls. Just trust me, I’ll pay after work.”

No voice call. No real profile. No advance.

I walked away.

Better to skip one bad client than to work 6 hours and get nothing.

Final Thoughts: Respect Your Craft

Here’s what I’ve learned:

People respect professionals who set boundaries.
People take advantage of those who don’t.

So…

  • Write agreements—even if it’s a WhatsApp message

  • Take advance—even ₹100 builds commitment

  • Say no—even if it feels scary

  • Track your work—because chaos creates loss

  • Use “view-only” links—because protection > regret

Your scripts have power. Don’t let them be taken for granted.

Stay smart. Stay firm. Stay paid.

—
Sonu
Scriptwriter | Creator | Freelancer who learned the hard way