The exciting world of freelancing can unfortunately attract scammers. This module equips you with the knowledge to identify suspicious activity and protect yourself from potential scams.
Warning signals—red flags to watch out for
- Unrealistic offers: Job postings with unusually high pay rates or vague job descriptions might be too good to be true.
- Communication off-platform: Clients pressuring you to communicate outside Upwork before a contract begins is a red flag and a violation of our Terms of Service. Upwork offers secure communication channels, and all project discussions should occur there. If a client pressures you to share contact information or communicate off-platform, report this behavior to our support team.
- Free work requests: Offers requesting free work upfront or as part of the project violate Upwork's policies and could be a scam attempt.
- Off-platform payments: Handling payments outside of Upwork violates our Terms of Service and is a common scam technique. Keep all payments within our secure payment system and remain eligible for our payment protection services.
Real-life example
A freelancer receives an email from a client offering a high hourly rate but requiring a significant amount of free work up front as a "test." This is a classic red flag, and the freelancer should report this to Upwork's support team.
What you can do to stay safe
- Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.
- Never share personal contact information or communicate outside Upwork before initiating a contract.
- Report any requests for free work.
- Only accept payments through Upwork's secure system.
- Trust your gut instinct. If something feels suspicious, it probably is.
In the world of online work, trust and safety are essential. That's why Upwork asks clients and freelancers to verify their identity. Earning the identity-verified badge on Upwork assures clients your who you say you are making you a more attractive choice for projects. Upwork uses various verification methods depending on the situation. These could include government ID, location verification, visual verification, phone number verification. Before verifying your identity, ensure you have a valid government ID. Ensure that your Upwork profile country matches your ID country. Make sure you have an accurate and current profile picture. Make sure your name matches on your withdrawal method tax info, and Id Upwork will notify you when verification is required. Thank you for helping us create a safe environment for all Upwork users.
By familiarizing yourself with these red flags and taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of encountering scams on Upwork.
Payment protection
Earning on Upwork comes with peace of mind, knowing you'll be paid for your work. Upwork offers payment protection for both hourly and fixed-price contracts. Here's how to maximize your chances of qualifying:
Hourly contracts
- Verified billing method: Encourage your client to use a verified payment method on Upwork. This helps ensure sufficient funds are available for your hourly payments.
- Track your time: Use the Upwork desktop app to accurately track your work hours. Detailed time records strengthen your claim for payment.
- Align work and contract: Ensure the work you perform aligns with the agreed-upon contract details.
- Respect weekly limits: Stay within the weekly hour limit set in your contract.
- Learn more: For more information on qualifying for hourly protection, visit Upwork's Help Center.
Fixed-price contracts
- Milestones: Don't start work until all agreed-upon milestones are fully funded in escrow. This protects you in case the client disappears before completion.
- Verified payment method: Upwork cannot process payments to you until the client successfully completes billing method verification. It is up to you to decide if beginning work before we finish that process is worth the risk.
