Spotting red flags and scams before you send a proposal
Most scams on freelance platforms use the same few tricks. What to look for in a job post, and what to do when something feels wrong.
Most clients on Upwork are genuine, but a small number are not, and they tend to rely on the same few tricks. Upwork's own Help Center has an article on how to recognize red flags and avoid scams, and its Trust and Safety team has written a guide on spotting a scam. Here are the common warning signs.
Signs in the job post
- Unrealistic pay for very little work.
- A vague description that never says what is actually needed.
- Requests for free work disguised as a "test" before you are hired.
- Pressure to move off the platform to chat apps, email or outside payments.
Check the client, not just the post
Look at the "About the client" section: location, jobs posted, money spent and history. A payment-verified badge is a good sign but not proof, because a bad actor can also verify a payment method. And Upwork does not review jobs before they are posted, so the check is partly yours.
Keep communication and payment on the platform
Upwork's guidance is clear that handling payments outside Upwork breaks its terms, and that keeping work on the platform keeps you eligible for its payment protection. Be especially careful with anyone who asks you to spend your own money and promises to repay you.
If something feels wrong
- Do not continue the conversation off the platform.
- Do not send money or share personal or financial details.
- Use the "Flag as inappropriate" option on the job post or profile.
- Contact the Upwork Help Center if you are unsure.
Make safety part of your filters
A few filters remove many risky posts before you spend time on them: verified payment, a minimum client spend and a minimum hire rate. They will not catch everything, so keep reading each post you decide to apply to.