Freelancer criminal records

[pondsoup]

I have had a couple of freelancers recommended to me by the algorithm with what I would consider disqualifying criminal records. Does UpWork do any type of vetting on these people or is it up to us to find out?

[prestonhunter · Accepted solution]

Criminal background checks?

No, that is not a service that Upwork provides.

But Upwork TOS allows clients to do that on their own if they want to.

[pondsoup]

I didn't need to do a background check, I googled this guys name and the first 12 listings were arrest records. And not misdemeanors. Things you have to register for, and tell people in your neighborhood when you move in.

[prestonhunter]

re: "Does UpWork do any type of vetting on these people or is it up to us to find out?"

I can assure you that Upwork does not vet freelancers.

However, Upwork does have some identity verification and location verification protocols that it requires freelancers to undergo after the freelancers begin earning money on the platform. This IS NOT VETTING. And this does not mean any particular freelancer's information is guaranteed to be correct.