I have been contacted by a potential employer, we are discussing everything on google hangouts. is t

[geniedismukes]

I WANT TO MAKE SURE ITS NOT SOME KIND OF SCAM.

[mwiggenhorn]

It is probably a scam.  Here's some red flags to watch for:

Interview on Google Hangouts

Not paying through Upwork

Requiring you to spend money in some way to work for them; Sending you a check for equipment or whatever

Requesting personal information - Upwork already has it, the client doesn't need it

Offering benefits like insurance, etc.  Freelancers do NOT get benefits ever.

Using the name of a well known company and sometimes an actual employee of that company

Upaid tests, unpaid samples

Looking to hire dozens of freelancers 

Be sure that your profile doesn't say that you are new to Upwork - they pick up on that really quickly.

[atntprod]

Is this a scam? She requested my resume and availability through Upwork. But wanted me to contact her through her email. I am new to Upwork and Freelancing, so am very cautious.

Thank you

**Edited for Community Guidelines**

[g_vasilevski]

Hi Tamra,

Please keep in mind that communicating outside of Upwork before an official contract is formed is a violation of our TOS. Our team will investigate this further and proper actions will be taken.

You can also check out this Post for more tips on how to avoid questionable jobs. Thank you.

[atntprod]

I knew I was right. I was going to send them an email saying they had to contact me through Upwork. I had a feeling it wasn't right.

[petra_r]

---

Tamra S wrote:

I knew I was right. I was going to send them an email saying they had to contact me through Upwork. I had a feeling it wasn't right.

---

Definitely do NOT send them an email (that would be a violation of Upwork's terms of service)

Send it via Upwork messages.

[atntprod]

Got it

[prestonhunter]

Eugenia:

The "client" who wants to talk to you on Google Hangouts is just a scammer. There is no job. They're just trying to steal your money.

[kochubei_valeria]

Hi Eugenia,

The job post you are referring to has already been cancelled because it was in violation of Upwork ToS. You'll see that your proposal has also been archived.

Check out this post for more tips on how to avoid questionable jobs.