Interview never showed - Connects refund?

[#1]

Is it ever possible to appeal to Upwork to have Connects refunded? I ask because after sending a proposal I was asked to log onto Skype for an interview. That seemed odd to me, because it's not part of Upwork but I'm pretty desperate for any job right now. I waited in the Skype room for an hour, was specifically told to stay online until the interview was completed, but no one appeared. To me it seems like an hour is more than ample time to I sent a message to the person who requested an interview but no luck there either. 

I feel like I've been scammed. It seems unfair that I wasted 4 Connects on this. It's a different thing if I simply don't get the job, but I don't think this is a legitimate business. Do freelancers have any protection from scams?

[#2]

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Heather L wrote:

Is it ever possible to appeal to Upwork to have Connects refunded? I ask because after sending a proposal I was asked to log onto Skype for an interview. That seemed odd to me, because it's not part of Upwork but I'm pretty desperate for any job right now. I waited in the Skype room for an hour, was specifically told to stay online until the interview was completed, but no one appeared. To me it seems like an hour is more than ample time to I sent a message to the person who requested an interview but no luck there either. 

I feel like I've been scammed. It seems unfair that I wasted 4 Connects on this. It's a different thing if I simply don't get the job, but I don't think this is a legitimate business. Do freelancers have any protection from scams?

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Hi Heather, you should really spend some time on this forum reading about the different scams that are out there. Your protection from scams is really to follow the TOS, which you have not read closely enough because you say you did an interview through Skype and that is expressly prohibited by the TOS. Pre-contract contact must all be done through Upwork. You aren't allowed to give Skype IDs or emails before you have accepted a contract offer. Keeping communication on Upwork is one way to protect you from a scam. 

So now to your question about connects refunds. You have to be more discerning in what you apply to, and think about this critically for a minute: you broke the TOS by engaging with a client in communication outside the platform and you want connects refunded?  

You did well to avoid the probability that this job was a scam. You can report the job if you go to the original job posting and flag it. If Upwork decides the job is in violation of TOS, you will get your connects refunded. In the meantime, review the TOS more closely so you don't make another mistake like this. Also poke around on this forum for the reports of the different scams to look out for. 

[#3]

Do not come to Upwork desperate. Scammers will find you and prey on you. You must be willing to walk away from any potential gig that doesn't feel right. Don't give away your time for free. Don't get on off-platform calls and don't trust invites. Scammers use invites to lure new freelancers into traps. 

The connects cost is supposed to serve as an entry fee to force freelancers to be more cautious about the jobs to which they apply. So far, it doesn't seem to have worked (not directed at you--but we see many gigs that still get tons of proposals when they shouldn't). It is a very rare situation that leads to the return of connects. Consider the money spent the moment you decide to apply to a gig. 

Be careful and be skeptical. 

ETA: I see that you are a reporter and a storyteller. Might I suggest that you write (and pitch) an article about what it is like to be entering the gig economy after a more traditional career. The topic is hot right now and your personal insights would give it some real weight that other articles lack. 

Good luck!

[#4 · Accepted solution]

Hi Heather, 

I'd like to confirm that Amanda and Tonya are correct. Communicating outside of Upwork before a contract is established is not allowed. It is a violation of Upwork TOS. I'd recommend that you please review this announcement for more information. 

As for the refund of Connects, we return Connects when a client closes their job without hiring or we find a job post has violated our Terms of Service. If you see a job or invitation that looks suspicious or inappropriate, you can flag it using the flagging option found on every job post or Upwork profile. You can read more on this help article and also, please check out Tips to avoid questionable jobs. You can also send me a PM with the link to this job post including a screenshot, and I will share it with our team.

[#5]

Thank you very much for the responses. I realized connecting outside wasn't allowed but also thought I could tell them at that time to switch to the Upwork platform. My second contract, I was asked for my phone number for an interview and responded that we needed to speak via Upwork. She was also new and didn't realize that was an option. We worked it out, spoke through the phone app (or whatever it's called - haven't used it since) and I was able to complete a very successful project for her. Yes, my naivete got me this time after it working out the first time. I should have been more suspicious. 

Joanne I'm EXTREMELY grateful that you've let me know how to handle this in the future. I certainly deserve a scolding but I also won't know how to fix it without that guidance. I've noticed the "flag" tag but thought it was for vulgar or questionable content - not for scams. I now wonder how often a legitimate business is flagged because the content seems fishy? When I see major spelling errors I assume it's not legitimate, but that's a rather large percentage.