New to Upwork, unsure if this is a scam or not?

[434ccd2d]

Okay I just started upwork, and submitted a proposal. They contacted me quickly and we messaged through telegram. They are asking for a deposit fee? From my knowledge that's a scam right. Attaching screenshots for better understanding 

**Edited for Community Guidelines**

[ashrafkhan81]

Yes, it is a SCAM. 

And no! you should never communicate with a potential client outside of Upwork unless they hire you first and the contract is established on Upwork. Your Upwork account could be suspended for violating the terms of the Upwork. Please be careful! 

And no! you should never send any deposit to anyone regardless of the reason they mention. 

[luqman_mak]

There are many different types of scammers.
Some are obvious while other need exposure. Take some time to read on different scamming techniques as they mostly target new comers. There are alot of dicussions going on in the forums - try searching for posts related to scammers

[martina_plaschka]

You are not ready to use upwork if you are in doubt that this is a scam. 

Telegram = scam. 

You using Telegram before hire = you risk losing your profile. 

[pgiambalvo]

Yes, it is a scam.