Scammers infiltrate “verified” freelance platform but that doesn’t mean freelancers get a refund
A recent TV news report coming out of the United States has highlighted a worrying trend in the freelance world: the emergence of fake accounts targeting paid freelance platforms. These fraudulent client accounts pose a significant threat to freelancers, potentially leading to scams, exploitation, and unpaid work.
The report, “WARNING TO WORKERS: Fake accounts targeting paid freelance sites,” details how these fake accounts are used to deceive unsuspecting freelancers. The fraudsters often pose as legitimate clients, posting attractive job offers with high pay rates. Once a freelancer accepts the offer, they may be asked to provide personal information, submit work without a contract, or communicate off the platform.
This alarming trend underscores the importance of vigilance for freelancers using online platforms and recruitment agencies. Upwork alone works with freelancers in 180 countries. When you do the numbers, that’s a lot of ground to cover when it comes to verifying legitimate clients looking for freelance talent.
How did the freelancer get caught up
According to the WPTV report, the US freelancer created a profile on Upwork, a popular freelancing platform where freelancers pay to bid on gigs posted by prospective clients. Clients remain anonymous, identified only as “verified” until a contract is completed and signed.
The freelancer found a promising gig from a verified client, bid on it, and was thrilled to hear back. However, the client immediately asked her to move the conversation off Upwork to Microsoft Teams, a violation of Upwork’s terms of service.
“I didn’t find it unusual,” she said. “I’d seen this before with another job posting.”
When she started to get a gut feeling that the client was not legitimate she cut ties with them and contacted Upwork to inform them of the situation and ask for a refund. She was denied the refund because she communicated with the phoney Upwork client on Microsoft Teams and not solely on the Upwork platform. This is against Upwork’s terms and conditions.
According to the report, she was inclined to take delete her Upwork account.
Here are some lessons from this scenario:
Read the terms and conditions of your chosen freelance platform: While the platforms bring opportunities, you still have to bid for those jobs and pay the luxury to do so. That’s why it is so important to read the terms and conditions so if a dodgy client infiltrates the platform even as a verified client, you will not be out of pocket if you follow the terms and conditions.
Thoroughly research potential clients: Before accepting any job offer, freelancers should conduct thorough research on the client. Check their profile, reviews, and online presence. If something seems off, trust your instincts and decline the offer.
Never provide personal information upfront as everything they need should already be on the platform: Be cautious about sharing sensitive personal information, such as your social security number or bank account details, until you have established a trustworthy relationship with the client.
Always insist on a written contract: A written contract protects both the freelancer and the client, clearly outlining the scope of work, payment terms, and deadlines.
Report suspicious activity: If you encounter any suspicious activity on a freelance platform, report it to the platform’s administrators immediately.
While the rise of fake accounts is concerning, freelancers can protect themselves by staying informed, exercising caution, and following best practices for online safety. By being proactive and vigilant, freelancers can continue to thrive in the digital marketplace while minimizing the risks associated with fraudulent activity.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that both freelancers and platforms need to remain vigilant in safeguarding the freelance ecosystem. Platforms need to invest in robust security measures to detect and prevent fraudulent activity. At the same time, freelancers should keep on top of the latest scams and read the terms and conditions of any platform they use before engaging in a bid or contract.
Watch the news video below:
Worker warning: Fake accounts targeting paid freelance sites (youtube.com)