There's no reason for a client to have an interview with you outside because all can be done within the chat here, or using those other tools Preston mentioned. But scammers don't want to be logged here, because you could report them. And even in a real contract the chat room provides some kind of proof for you when things go south. The use of Google Hangouts has always been a red flag here, and you're the perfect target for scammers: newcomer and in a crowded category.
As for not being able to get your first job... I'd say find something you love to do, if possible something not many people do, something that makes you unique and outstanding in the crowd. If you do exactly the same hundreds of thousands other people do it'll be really hard, depending upon being lucky or cheap. If you like to write about gardening, or sports, or technology is not the same as just saying "I'm a writer and can do blogs." A writer who can do a job in Latvian will catch attention more than others too. These are just examples. Once you decide your area it's good to have some portfolio pieces, even if they are not real clients. Do it consciously, focusing on details, it will represent you. But it's not only about your profile or proposals. I have seen profiles that are a disaster and they still get jobs. The point is actually to be persistent and apply to jobs you are 100% sure you can do well. But again, being in a saturated category doesn't help, there are thousands like you and some other thousands that do the same and already have jobs under their belt, so it's obvious a serious client will most likely choose those.
The "payment unverified" doesn't mean anything bad, just make sure that BEFORE you start a contract they do verify their payment method, that way you will be safe. New prospective clients will publish jobs with "payment unverified" but if they are serious they will become verified before sending you an offer. And be careful, an offer is not the same as a response through the chat. A chat will only be an interview. To start the job they need to send you an offer and you need to accept it, and make sure you accept it only when you have all the necessary material to do it. So applying to "payment unverified" clients' posts is not bad, you are giving the opportunity, just the same way they may give you the opportunity even while you have zero jobs done yet.
