Malware is Becoming a Big Issue

[Nicole H]

Technology grows every day.  There most definitely is a way for them to scan links in job descriptions if the right software is used.  They currently auto-highlight contact information (phone/email address) when someone is typing it into a message...so I don't think it is too far-fetched that they may be able to automatically detect links and create a way to require them to be scanned prior to finalizing the post.   

[Nicole H]

The files I have seen look like safe google drive files. This isn't a "common sense" issue...they are getting more and more sophisticated.  I remember what it was like when I was new and was so hopeful to get work after I started applying, and these links seem ok if you aren't familiar with what to look for as far as the type of Malware currently being spread on here.

[Stephen L V]

Again Heaven, the complete list of red flags is being ignored. Unverified Payment Method +  0 Jobs posted is not a danger signal in and of itself, but when combined with 60 freelancers needed for a one person job, sloppily written 2 to 3 sentence descriptions, matching criteria appearing in other job posts in the same field, it's an indication of danger. Unverified payment methods automatically mean that Upwork can't trace a fraudulent post to it's originator beyond just removing the job post after review. Of course new clients have 0 job post histories, they're new clients. Stop focusing on the element of unverfied payment method, it's the combination of factors that are a signal that something is amiss.

[Nicole H]

Both topics were part of the big picture of my post.  Not understanding why that one sentence is the focus for some folks posting.

[Nicole H]

Exactly!  I've been on here for years and this is definitely not something I seen before at this volume.  These links are links experienced freelancers would more than likely click on since they look like legit google drive files.

[Norma Jean G]

I just replied to the letter from the CEO about raising our membership rates.  I suggested just the things you wrote above.  I have flagged perhaps a dozen of these malware attempts in just the last couple of months.  They seem to be doing nothing about protecting us, just raising rates.  I call BS

[Donald K]

And to think: we'll be paying 50% more for membership for this "opportunity."