Freelancers Face Another Headache

Written by Michele T on January 15, 2008 – 5:19 am -


You might want to search your heart (and your bank account) . Do you trust PayPal? Amy Derby asks this question in her recent post at Write-from-Home.com. You really must skip the cyber highway and read it, but just to pique your interest: you don’t want to go through what she’s going through right now!

Already freelancers face long hours sitting (backaches, headaches, being unhealthy or even overweight), staring at a bright computer screen (working our poor eyes to death), not to mention all the ups and downs, scams, negative tension from people who don’t understand… and now the source used for receiving payment for those valuable thoughts and words can’t be trusted?! Argh.

I urge you to read about Amy’s situation. Be glad you’ve been informed.

Do you use PayPal? Do you feel that it’s safe? Will you keep your account? Do you know of anyone else who has had a terrible experience? Share with us in the comments, please.

Update:
I was going to expand on this in another post, but Katharine from Swan’s Blog has done such a beautiful job explaining how to protect your PayPal account I thought I’d just direct you to her post. She shares some smart tips for staying safe!

Copyright ©  2007 Writingthecyberhighway Freelance Writer, Michele L. Tune

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    • Posted in Uncategorized | 22 Comments »

    22 Comments to “Freelancers Face Another Headache”

    1. Tina Coruth Says:
      January 15th, 2008 at 3:34 pm

      Michele,

      I just read Amy’s article. That sure does make a person think twice about using Paypal. It is so unfair that Amy has been put through all that misery for something that is not her doing in any way. It seems to me that Paypal and the banks need to tighten up the security at their websites and have an alert system in place for unusual activity. This is in their own best interest. If the public loses confidence in their ability to keep user accounts secure, they may as well close up shop.

      Thanks for this alert!

      Smiling right back at you,
      Tina

      [Reply]

    2. Opal Tribble - Addicted To Writing Says:
      January 15th, 2008 at 6:03 pm

      I saw the post and that is unfortunate that it happened but regardless of the institution they can get hacked. You have some hackers that are very smart and can get past most securities that are set in place.

      I use Paypal. Once money hits my paypal account I transfer it to a checking account. As soon as money hits that account I transfer it to another account which isn’t tied to the account I use for Paypal. I also don’t use free email.

      Re: Freelance Writing

      I think it’s important for everyone to take a break even from freelance writing. I include exercise in my daily plan. It’s not negotiable. Realizing the importance of total body wellness I’ve got to take care of myself even if I’m working longer hours at home. :-)

      [Reply]

    3. Amy Derby Says:
      January 15th, 2008 at 6:11 pm

      Thanks for posting about this, Michele.

      Opal, your way of transferring the money is smart. That’s what I’ve decided I’ll do from now on.

      [Reply]

    4. Opal Tribble - Addicted To Writing Says:
      January 15th, 2008 at 6:39 pm

      Amy,
      I thought it was wise. I had heard some say they let their money sit, and I wanted to scream, “No, don’t do that, lol!” I saw your update that’s great that you’re bank is not charing you. :-)

      [Reply]

    5. Jessica Anne Elizabeth Says:
      January 15th, 2008 at 7:40 pm

      I still would like to send you this box of books —- email me your addy to j.mousseau @ hotmail.com

      THANKS!

      [Reply]

    6. Valencia Says:
      January 15th, 2008 at 7:56 pm

      I’m guilty of letting money sit in my Paypal account. I have the debit card, so I treat the account like a secondary savings. After reading the posts and comments, it doesn’t seem like a smart idea anymore.

      [Reply]

    7. michele tune Says:
      January 15th, 2008 at 11:09 pm

      Hi Tina,

      I’m glad you read Amy’s post. Yes, it makes us think twice about using PayPal. It is unfair what Amy is going through.

      Yes, it would be nice if a higher measure of security could have prevented this.

      You’re most welcome for the alert. I just hope this doesn’t happen to anyone else!

      Thanks for stopping by and giving your opinion.

      Smiles,
      Michele

      [Reply]

    8. michele tune Says:
      January 15th, 2008 at 11:15 pm

      Hello Opal,

      Yes, it is most unfortunate – especially for Amy! I do agree, though, that anyone can become a victim of the hackers, no matter the security measures they’ve taken.

      I think the way you handle your money is smart. Thanks for sharing with us how you keep your funds safe. Do you think free email had something to do with it?

      Re: Freelance Writing

      Yes, breaks are nice! :-) I don’t exercise as much as I should, mostly due to physical injury/limitations.

      Absolutely, we must take care of ourselves. Body wellness is most important!

      Thanks so much for your input, Opal. Your wisdom is appreciated!

      Smiles,
      Michele

      [Reply]

    9. michele tune Says:
      January 15th, 2008 at 11:16 pm

      You’re welcome, Amy. I just feel so badly that this happened, especially to someone as nice and hard working as you… :’(

      Smiles,
      Michele

      [Reply]

    10. michele tune Says:
      January 15th, 2008 at 11:18 pm

      Hey Jessica,

      Huh? Did I win a box of books? I’ll stop by your blog soon to see what you’re up to.

      Smiles,
      Michele

      [Reply]

    11. michele tune Says:
      January 15th, 2008 at 11:22 pm

      Hi Valencia,

      Welcome to Writing the Cyber Highway! Thanks for jumping into the conversation. :-)

      I agree, it doesn’t seem wise to let any amount of funds just sit in a PayPal account. We have a lot to consider, don’t we? I’m sure a lot of folks will be more aware of how they do business with PayPal, or anyone online.

      Thanks for visiting! You’re welcome anytime. :-)

      And best wishes to everyone who uses PayPal. *Fingers crossed for safe transactions!*

      Smiles,
      Michele

      [Reply]

    12. Rebecca Laffar-Smith Says:
      January 16th, 2008 at 12:25 am

      I often use Paypal. It’s an easy option and while not 100% secure, nothing is. If you read carefully these same horror stories are told about all banking methods. There really is no safe way to deal with money because there will always be that percentage of people trying to get something for nothing.

      With my Paypal account I’ve had it for years without any problems. I tend to transfer money out within a week of receipt rather than allowing my balance to increase. This is a hand to mouth existance rather than preference. I wish I could afford to leave money there but with the interest rate on my Visa and the lack of interest from Paypal it makes more sense to have those funds doing something in my regular bank.

      Having said that, I am having issues with Paypal at the moment. My exhusband pays his Child Support payments through Paypal but for the past 24 hours they’ve been unable to make the payment. Depending on that money can be dangerous if Paypal creates problems.

      [Reply]

    13. Rebecca Laffar-Smith Says:
      January 16th, 2008 at 12:27 am

      *sighs* And google is being stubborn about allowing my subscription to comments. Hopefully fixed now.

      [Reply]

    14. michele tune Says:
      January 16th, 2008 at 12:34 am

      Talk about weird! I was just over at your blog finding out about your contest! I’ll be back over to comment soon.

      Much like you, Rebecca, I’ve used PayPal for years without any problems. I do have a friend that had a bad experience a few years ago, though.

      True, these horror stories are out there, regardless.

      …there will always be that percentage of people trying to get something for nothing.

      I absolutely agree!

      Aw, it saddens me that you’re having trouble getting your Child Support payments! I hope it’s worked out soon.

      Thanks for sharing your experiences with PayPal, Rebecca! As always, your comments are thought-provoking and very informative. :-)

      Smiles,
      Michele

      [Reply]

    15. Opal Tribble - Addicted To Writing Says:
      January 16th, 2008 at 1:42 am

      @Michele,
      If it were free email the chances are very high. David Airy had his domain taken over, but he used a free email account for a lot of his communication. A very bad move. He finally got his domain back.

      Any organization can face this issue not just paypal. It’s important to take as much caution as possible when doing anything online. I take a lot of steps to make sure my info is secure.

      Free emails can be easily hacked by someone who knows what they are doing. I had to create one for Google Analytics but that is the only thing it’s used for. I also set up extra security in that email even though it’s not tied to anything.

      Everything else is done through my paid emails. There are numerous websites out where people will hack certain emails for a price.

      As with anything else if you are going to do things online it’s wise to do your research and become educated on how to protect yourself.

      Re: Exercise
      Check with your health care provider to see what you can do. Exercise can actually be good for you depending on the injuries you have. I was able to work through mine a few years ago. One of my friends had a back injury he now competes as a pro bodybuilder. There are quite a few people that are in my gym as part of their physical therapy so by all means check it out. :-)

      [Reply]

    16. Michele L. Tune - Writing the Cyber Highway Says:
      January 16th, 2008 at 10:54 pm

      @Rebecca,

      I’m sorry about the troubles with subscribing to comments. I’m not sure what that’s about and I’m not a tech genius. :’( I still plan on trying to move to WordPress. It will just take me a while.

      I hope it’s working now?

      Thanks for sticking around even though I’m behind the times in my tech abilities. :-)

      @Opal,

      I read about David. That was horrible! I’m glad he got his domain back. It’s sad that anyone would have to go through that ordeal.

      Yes, any organization faces hackers. It’s a nasty part of cyber life, I suppose.

      I agree that the free emails probably aren’t the best idea.

      As with anything else if you are going to do things online it’s wise to do your research and become educated on how to protect yourself.

      Amen to that!

      Re: Exercise

      I’m definitely always trying to improve my health, so I plan on increasing my physical activity as well. I know it’s extremely beneficial and required.

      That’s awesome about the friend who had an injury and is now a pro bodybuilder! Neat.

      As always, thanks for sharing your insight. :-)

      Smiles,
      Michele

      [Reply]

    17. Rebecca Laffar-Smith Says:
      January 16th, 2008 at 11:28 pm

      Oh, it wasn’t anything you could have fixed Michele. Google was simply insisting I be logged in before I could subscribe so leaving the first message logged me in and I had to leave a second to subscribe. Google can be a pain sometimes. You’re doing brilliantly with what you’ve got. :-)

      [Reply]

    18. michele tune Says:
      January 16th, 2008 at 11:51 pm

      Thanks for clarifying, Rebecca. I know you’ll be thrilled when I finish my turtle trip down the cyber highway and arrive at WordPress!

      *Giggles*

      Michele

      [Reply]

    19. Renie Burghardt Says:
      January 17th, 2008 at 12:56 pm

      Michele,

      I just read Amy’s article, and wow, what a headache! I have been leary of Pay Pal for years, and use them very little. Never leave money in my account there, and my bank has instructions to never release funds to anyone without first checking with me. I have been extra cautious about Pay Pal for several years now. What a headache for poor Amy.

      Thank you for the alert.

      Have a good day.

      Renie

      [Reply]

    20. michele tune Says:
      January 17th, 2008 at 5:14 pm

      Hi there, Renie,

      Hope your day is going well!

      I’m glad you were able to read Amy’s article. Yes, what a headache for her! It’s just terrible what happened.

      I think the way you do business with PayPal is smart!

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views. :-)

      Smiles,
      Michele

      [Reply]

    21. Grandy Says:
      January 20th, 2008 at 6:17 am

      Thanks for sharing, Michele! I’ll have to go check it out.

      [Reply]

    22. Michele L. Tune Says:
      January 20th, 2008 at 8:00 am

      No problem, Mary. I’m glad to be of help. :-)

      Thanks for stopping by! The cyber highway is lonely without you….

      Smiles,
      Michele

      [Reply]

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