Here’s what consumers have asked with answers from Freelancer staff and previous consumers.
Yes! You can do it by yourself, when you're free. I have done some projects and made few bucks. My friend has an income of 400 USD within a month. I have also just started and made about a hundred dollar. You can work from home and with freedom.
The fee is to scam you and guarantee Freelancer will get your money in their pockets in the process. I had to cancel two projects due to unprofessional freelancers submitting articles written in gibberish English. Freelancer.com just doesn't care, what a scam. Do yourself a favor and pay a little extra to get projects made by real professional. You will save money in the ling run.