Is there such thing as a legit freelance online work?

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I've tried several sites over the past months (encoding, freelance writing, product research or marketing etc.)however most of them would charge a lot of money. I've also read testimonials of other people referring to a lot of sites as just scams. I am a freelance writer and researcher. Nonetheless, there are peak months and lean months. I want to explore online work to make up for those lean period. I wish some good sameritans would help me out. Thanks in advance.