Adam Kent, you summed it up perfectly. This is a gross scam. And it’s upsetting it’s still active. Writers are the perfect target for these sorts of scammers because most of us work alone. It makes it very difficult to spread the word and keep each other protected.

I’m glad you found the article and weren’t taken in. There are real writing jobs out there. Writers who persevere and keep their nose to the grindstone eventually make a living. I wish you success with your career!