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Haywood's avatar
Haywood H Community Member

Freelancer stole cardano keys from my node

I have a bad situation.  I had a cardano node that had issues and my keys were marooned on it. I hired a freelancer to help me get the private key from the server. His English wasn't very good but he kept saying he would just get them and send them to me I told him no. We did it via screenshare and he displayed my private key on the screen and he said he was doing that to help me complete the shutting down of the node. Anyhow a few days later the funds were transferred. I reached out to him asking him about it and he said he did it and he will send me the funds but he wants me to close the contract on upwork first then he will send me my funds. We are on hourly payment not milestone or project bases work. He put in hours for this past week. I know it's a low chance I'll ever see the funds back but I am wondering if I were to close the contract like he's suggesting what is his angle. He's written to me multiple times post closure of the contract he'll send the money. I demanded a call before I do anything and he said he will message me after the weekend. I'm really just so frustrated after all of this but just seeing why he'd keep stressing me to end the contract on my side and if I have anything to lose just trying to close it and seeing if he'll do the right thing. Any help appreciated. 

ACCEPTED SOLUTION
Bashar's avatar
Bashar A Community Member

The red flags are obvious with this freelancer.

 

First things first, whatever you do, DO NOT close that Upwork contract. This is super important. As long as that contract is open, you've got some power to report this person and hopefully get your ADA back.

 

Next, you need to gather all the evidence you can. Think of it like building a case against the freelancer:

 

Take screenshots of every message you've exchanged with him on Upwork, especially where he showed your private key and said he took the funds. Gather all the information you can about his Upwork profile - his name, picture, profile URL, and anything that identifies him. Taking these steps might increase your chances of recovering your funds. 

 

Good luck.

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4 REPLIES 4
Mykola's avatar
Mykola A Community Member

It isnt a money because hourly. It is feedback. You cannot close contract without feedback.

Bashar's avatar
Bashar A Community Member

The red flags are obvious with this freelancer.

 

First things first, whatever you do, DO NOT close that Upwork contract. This is super important. As long as that contract is open, you've got some power to report this person and hopefully get your ADA back.

 

Next, you need to gather all the evidence you can. Think of it like building a case against the freelancer:

 

Take screenshots of every message you've exchanged with him on Upwork, especially where he showed your private key and said he took the funds. Gather all the information you can about his Upwork profile - his name, picture, profile URL, and anything that identifies him. Taking these steps might increase your chances of recovering your funds. 

 

Good luck.

Haywood's avatar
Haywood H Community Member

He disappeared now. He I tried to identify him I can't find him anywhere. I am gonna just accept this loss and be more careful in the future. Basically he stated he'd send the money after closure of the contract and after upwork paid out his payment. So it is clear he's trying to get as much money as possible post the stolen funds. I'm contacting upwork and thanks much 

Bashar's avatar
Bashar A Community Member

I'm sorry you had such a bad experience, Haywood. But it happens sometimes to both freelancers and clients. Yes, it's definitely worth reaching out to Upwork to see if they can step in and return any funds. 

 

Take care for now 😊