A Warning on Scam Websites Offering “Proofreading Services”

November 3, 2022 | Blog

Many clients come to us after being scammed or disappointed by low-quality proofreading services. Unfortunately, there are multiple websites posing as legitimate proofreading companies, who will either take your money without delivering an edited document or return substandard work. These scams damage the industry and make potential clients hesitant to trust online editing services.

To help you avoid these risks, we’ve created a checklist for identifying trustworthy proofreading providers. Follow these steps to choose a legitimate, secure, and professional editing service.

Watch out for unrealistic prices

Affordable proofreading is important, but extremely low fees are a major red flag. Quality proofreading takes 30 to 60 minutes per 1,000 words. Ask yourself: does the rate cover an hour of a qualified editor’s time—ideally someone with a PhD or subject-matter expertise?

Scam websites often attract customers with low prices and then deliver rushed or poorly edited work. In many cases, these sites allow unqualified editors to handle client documents with no quality control. This is also why reviews are crucially important: look at the experience of past clients to see whether their work was handled by qualified professionals.

Search for independent reviews online

Before placing an order, check for unbiased reviews. Type the company name followed by “reviews” in Google. Focus on feedback from reputable third-party review sites like TrustPilot —not only testimonials posted on the company’s website.

Plenty of verified, positive reviews indicate a reliable proofreading service. Few or no reviews should raise red flags.

Check the company’s registration details

Legitimate proofreading services operate under registered businesses, so check whether the proofreading website is owned by a registered and licensed company. For US-based companies, see this list of State registrars.For UK companies, search the official Companies House website.

A registered business is more likely to uphold professional standards and comply with data protection laws.

Check security and confidentiality policies

Before placing an order, review the company’s policies on document confidentiality and security.

• Who has access to your files?
• Do they delete documents after delivery?
• Are NDAs available for sensitive work?
• Do editors sign confidentiality agreements?

You’re trusting them with private information—make sure their security measures meet your expectations.

Use safe payment gateways

Consider how the website takes payments and choose a service that processes payments through secure payment gateways such as PayPal or Stripe. These platforms offer fraud protection and eliminate the need to give your credit card details directly to the website. Avoid any site that asks for direct bank transfers or lacks secure payment methods.

Final advice: Stay cautious and informed

Always use your judgment when selecting a proofreading service. Scam websites still target unsuspecting clients, but many reputable providers exist. Follow the five steps above to protect yourself and find a trustworthy proofreading and editing company.

Looking for a reliable proofreading service? Get an instant quote from our professional editors today.