If Spammers Aren't Bad Enough...Now This...!

[hglewis]

Unlike some of the spammer nonsense, we see on the platform, a new trick got added to the books.

Recently, I was invited to a writing project.

The client provided all the details in his instructions.

The client funded a milestone and presented their offer.

At no time did I communicate with the client off the platform.

Now, you all know me. I'm a stone-cold skeptic.

Here's what happened next.

The instructions were to go into Google Docs and use the Add-On feature to install an app.

No problem, I've done that before.

After installing the app, I had to log off and log back into my Google Docs per the app instructions.

So far, so good.

Except when I went to use the app, it requested that I sign up for service.

Okay, I've done free and 7-day trials in the past.

But not this time. If I wanted to use the app, it would cost $200.

So I hover over the link, and it turns out it's an affiliate link for the client.

Well, well, well. Isn't that special.

The client makes a commission by pointing me to the app they want me to use in the project.

I declined the offer, started no work, and blocked the client.

So let this be a heads up for the rest of you.

Spammers are trying to find additional ways to profit from unsuspecting freelancers.

Later! 

[mwiggenhorn]

Wow.  Just...wow.

[AveryO]

Hi Woodrow, 

I'm sorry to learn about your experience. I wanted to double-check if you have already reported the client? If not, do you mind sending me a private message to look into this further? 

[pgiambalvo]

Thanks for letting us know, Woodrow.

[hglewis]

Hello Peter!

You're welcome!

[roberty1y]

Woodrow, thanks for the heads up. Does this mean the client got no commission? I hope so. But having your time wasted is bad enough.

[martina_plaschka]

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Robert Y wrote:

Woodrow, thanks for the heads up. Does this mean the client got no commission? I hope so. But having your time wasted is bad enough.

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I doubt there is a real job behind all that. 

[roberty1y]

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Martina P wrote:

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Robert Y wrote:

Woodrow, thanks for the heads up. Does this mean the client got no commission? I hope so. But having your time wasted is bad enough.

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I doubt there is a real job behind all that. 

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I know there's no job. I just hope this scammer isn't getting anything out of his click trap disguised as a job post. 

[hglewis]

Hello Martina!

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Martina P wrote:

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Robert Y wrote:

Woodrow, thanks for the heads up. Does this mean the client got no commission? I hope so. But having your time wasted is bad enough.

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I doubt there is a real job behind all that. 

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Fortunately, I will never know.

[hglewis]

Hello Robert!

No, the client did not get a commission because I did not purchase the service.

[kinector]

Whoa, this is indeed a new trick. The criminal mind is always so innovative. 🙄

Thanks for sharing, Woodrow! 👍

[hglewis]

Hello Mikko!

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Mikko R wrote:

Whoa, this is indeed a new trick. The criminal mind is always so innovative. 🙄

Thanks for sharing, Woodrow! 👍

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Instead of cocoanuts, I delivered sour lemons :lemon::lemon::lemon: 🤣🤣🤣