C'mon Upwork. Please start VERIFYING new client's ID documents to stop SCAM floods like this

[#1]

I already know, this link is going to get 'edited for community guidelines', but it's only posted  to help Upwork take down this flood of scams your system's AI is clearly missing.   Completely ridiculous. Why is Upwork allowing this fake 'client' to keep REPOSTING the same thing over and over?

**Edited for Community Guidelines**

Upwork needs to really start doing ID checks on 'new' clients the same way they do with freelancers to stop ENABLING scammers by providing a veil of 'anonymity' that allows them to commit brazen schemes and crimes in plain view. It's almost always these 'newly' created client accounts that end up posting scams. Require full photo  ID checks before a client can 'post' anything, and you'll shutdown 99% of these scams.

At the very least, the UW system should be able to detect when a client has more than one live job ad up on the board with the same CONTENT as another 5, 10, or 20 ads they already posted.

[#2]

I agree . Fake name clients, stealing code . It's worse than I expected . 

[#3]

Hi CJ,

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I assure you that I shared your report with our team and appropriate action will be taken as per our internal processes. Additionally, I shared your post as feedback and our team will look into it further. 

[#4]

They need to have at lease a credit card or paynment method. But I know a lot of causual clients wouldn't like the idea of putting in passports or simular documents. 

[#5]

Having a 'payment method' on file means absolutely NOTHING because scammers can always, and often DO, use stolen credit cards and hacked paypal and bank account numbers.  What they NEED is to do Photo ID check on all new clients before they can 'post' anything, and I think even after that, an Upwork employee should have to 'review' that new client's FIRST post before it can go 'live', the same way they 'review' Upwork project 'portofolios' before they can go live.  I'm sure the large number of scams on the job board plays a very big role in driving away larger, legitimate 'fortune 500' style clients that don't want their job ads showing side by side next to money laundering schemes.

[#6]

Even verified payment means nothing. I wish Upwork would explain this to people, so we don't have to keep doing it.

When a client uses their credit card, Upwork does what many businesses do. They run three small charges on the card that are then reversed. If it comes back OK, then everything is fine. It's only later the card is determined stolen. The problem with a stolen card is that it isn't the thieves' money, your hired with and expect to be paid. There is no money. The banks will have the businesses freeze all financial transaction until the case is resolved. For stolen cards, the result is the freelancer does not get paid. Upwork doesn't either, for that matter. The only protection is the hourly tracker, and that must be used precisely. Also, it only covers certain amounts.

When a client doesn't like the work or feels they have been cheated, some will do a chargeback. In those cases, the rules are different. Different steps can be taken within Upwork, but the freelancer and client need to come to an agreement.

The banks hold the power. No business is going to go against current USA law. You are upset with the wrong people. Until legislation is changed through class action lawsuit or legislative process, those are the only solutions.

"But I know a lot of causual clients wouldn't like the idea of putting in passports or simular documents."

A passport? There goes the last genuine client. Any obstacle for the client reduces the number of clients. They have a difficult time now just setting up a job post.

I understand wanting a safe environment. However, that idea will destroy Upwork.

[#7]

Hey CJ, in my category Marketing and Sales, there are several Clients that continually spam the system with the exact same type of information every hour or so. However, they have spent monies on Upwork so I doubt they will be pulled down. Instead they should be sent some rules on proper posting techniques. Thanks!

[#8]

This person is not interested in 'proper posting' techniques because it a scammer. Sending them a list of 'rules' is going to do absolutely nothing to help.  Criminals are not interested in 'rules': this is why they are called criminals.  Clients do not have to 'pay money' to post anything.  Anybody with a computer and an opposable thumb, of ANY age, can create an account within minutes and begin 'posting' scam jobs. When their account gets shut down, all they have to do is create a new email address, and create a new Upwork account and start all over again.  They only thing 'required' to create a new 'client' account on Upwork is a valid email address that hasn't gotten 'banned' yet.  That's it. A particular offender can't keep generating new Upwork accounts if a Photo ID is required to create an account, because most people can't afford the technology necessary to keep continuously printing new, believable  Driver's licenses with laminate and holograms at home to show to Upwork. Also, criminals usually prefer not to disclose their identity and are not 'fans' of having to show their ID, I've noticed.