Scammers and freelancing: how to avoid falling into the trap

Freelancing is a path that many choose. This is not surprising, since specialists feel more free here, unshackled by fixed work schedules, offices, a million responsibilities, etc.

However, when a swimmer sets out into the open sea, swimming freely, they run the risk of encountering sharks — scammers. There are plenty of them in freelancing, because it is so much easier to cheat. 

So, in this article, we will talk about how not to fall victim to fraudulent schemes and make your freelance work as safe and peaceful as possible.

Let’s start with the fact that no one is immune to scammers. They are everywhere. So the only thing that matters is whether you can protect yourself from them. And you can, if you know how to spot them 🙌🏻

So, the most common signs of a scammer that are “visible from space” are:

The customer disappeared after receiving your work

First, you are kind and do the task without prepayment, and then there is silence in response. And no, the customer probably didn’t have a power outage, internet outage, blah blah blah. This fox has already tricked you as best he could.

How to protect yourself: Freelance platforms often have built-in “safe transaction” mechanisms that ensure complete transparency of work. However, if this is not the case, always take an advance payment. Do not click on third-party links and messengers, and do not do other stupid things that will put your wallet at risk.

Test task “for free”

Of course, they will play “serious people” who don’t trust anyone, so they will ask you to complete a test to verify your skills. Then, somehow, this test miraculously turns into a full-fledged project. This is just a cunning scheme where you are forced to do someone else’s work.

How to protect yourself: The test task should be small, simple, and paid. It is usually obvious where it is just a skills test and where it is a “full-fledged website layout.” 

Promises “golden mountains”

The customer tries with all his might to show how successful his company is. They promise attractive interest rates, cooperation, etc. This is a complete lie, because truly successful people don’t prove their success 😉.

How to protect yourself: You should only be interested in real money. Payments here and now, not sometime in the future, as soon as the customer’s project is “off the ground.” 

Puts pressure on your pity

Oh, how we love these concerts. Such scammers think they are making a “master stroke” and start telling you about sick relatives, a dead dog, blocked accounts, and so on. They promise to send the money “a little later” because they are in a very difficult situation right now. As a result, no one sends you anything.

How to protect yourself: In fact, the best protection is an advance payment. However, if you remembered too late, and you’ve already been put on hold, it’s better to set clear deadlines right away. If there’s no money for more than a week, that’s a signal to raise a mutiny on the ship. You can threaten legal action, but even that does not provide a 100% guarantee, as the customer may block you. Therefore, it is better to discuss all financial issues on shore. 

Criticizes your work

You submit your work, and they start telling you how terrible it is. They are just looking for a reason not to pay.

How to protect yourself: Work on a prepayment basis, or deliver part of the project before payment and part after. Also, differentiate between types of communication. If the criticism is not just a baseless accusation of unprofessionalism, but a dialogue with a discussion of mistakes, then it is normal criticism. And if they are just showering you with insults, then you understand 🤓

Links/files with viruses 

This happens not only at work, but also in everyday life. You receive a file that supposedly contains a task, but it is infected with a virus. 

How to protect yourself: All attachments should be checked with antivirus software. It’s better not to open suspicious links and to use two-step verification on your profiles. 

Okay, but what if you’ve already been scammed?

The main thing is not to panic and, firstly, learn this life lesson. Everything that doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, right?

Next:

• Contact the platform’s support service and provide evidence of fraudulent activity against you.
• If you have information about the fraudster, their company, etc., share your story on social media.
• You can also contact law enforcement and collect all the documents.

In conclusion

No one is immune to fraud, but you can protect yourself from it if you notice something fishy in time.

Be careful when working with different clients. Freelancing is great, but besides the freedom, there are a lot of suspicious people who just want to scam someone.