How do I know if the offer I got is a scam?

[#1]

I recently got an offer that was not very detailed, so I decided to chat with the person who made it and ask what the project was about. He said he could send the complete information to my email and instructed me that should I download a file so I could see the description of the project. The link is of a platform called **Edited for Community Guidelines**. I am asking because I'm new to Upwork, and I have since learned that I should not have any type of external communication before having a contract. I've asked this person to send the files to me through the chat, but he asked me what device I'm using. 

The profile of this person is new, but the payment method is verified.

Any suggestions on what I should do?

[#2]

Reject scammer's proposal and move forward.

You are correct with declining outside conversation.

[#3]

That's a red flag! He could've sent it through Upwork chat. If it is too complicated to know the basics of the offer, decline and move on.

[#4]

Payment method verified doesn't mean anything until the client has hired a freelancer or two. And by freelancer, I don't mean a friend/accomplice that left raving feedback for a $5, $10 job. Check that too!

[#5]

It's become a common scam to direct-message new freelancers, ask for their email address, and then send them a virus. Payment verified is meaningless and it's 99% certain to be a scam, but for future reference, just stick with the Upwork messaging and ask the client questions there; or, if their needs are so complicated that they require lengthy explanations, you can suggest having a Zoom meeting via Upwork instead (that'll be enough to send a scammer running; they do not like face-to-face meetings, for obvious reasons).

[#6 · Accepted solution]

What you need to do is learn the rules and protect yourself. You need to start at the beginning. Read this post, and learn the Terms of Service and the Red Flags on Scams from Wes.

You have to work on your profile if you don't want to be scammed and want a job. The scammers can tell, just like I can, that you haven't read or aren't following what you need to do.

You have to protect yourself by following the rules, vetting the client and the job, and using your intuition or gut feeling. If something appears to be too good to be true - it is. Be safe.

[#7]

Thank you Jeanne!

[#8]

Hi Jeanne 

I am new to Upwork. I need some help regarding setting milestones in Fixed Price freelance work. Can you let me know whether it will be good to set it weekly?

[#9]

Because you are new, it is critical you know and follow the Terms of Service. Please read this post and follow every link. Pay special attention to the Red Flags in Scams from Wes. You need to know the scams before you apply for a job.

Be very careful when establishing the terms of the contract. Just because you are new, doesn't mean you don't have control over the contract. The safest way to set up milestones is to have them for small amounts. Fixed price is a fixed number for a specific project. However, you can write the Terms in any way you wish that follow the rules. If you want to set up a fixed price that is due on a weekly basis, you are free to do so.

Deciding on fixed price or hourly tracking is an individual choice with a lot of components. Every freelancer has to decide how they want to work.

There are solid reasons for setting up small or even tiny amounts in the beginning. At first, set up a small one to see how it goes. Also, if the worst happens for some reason, and the client is a scammer, you are limiting your potential losses. If you work with a client for some time and have received payments on time with no issues, then you may decide to increase the size of the milestones.