Paid sample....But no money ?

[cerisemeladone]

Hi,

I did a sample for a announcer. He declined it, but said he had pay me for the sample done. So far I can't see any money available on my account... Is there a reason ?

I am copying/pasting here what he said :

**Edited for Community Guidelines**

Thanks"

[h3hdv7rlssvtxxzp · Accepted solution]

I think most of the clients who ask for freebies are fake, or just thieves. They take what you get, perhaps sell it on or whatever, but for sure, they usually have no plans to pay anything.

Categorically I refuse any requests for freebies today. When I recall my history here, like over two years, I have slipped off that principle only a couple times when I did really see some potential there – however, I can not recall any of those freebies having had led to any further business.

Only customers who actually purchase something, even a small one, if they like it, and have potential, those might grow and come back. 

Remember, paying is also a honor for customers. Good customers want to pay, because they know that paying is a good thing that will make them to shine from the rest too.

[cerisemeladone]

Yes, This is what I think too. My quetsion is : maybe he really paid, but It should show on my account, right ? (I am newer here)

[maryam-nasrullah]

Hello Cerise, 

Did he send you an offer?  If you haven't received any notification or email from upwork about offer, milestone, payment then he is a fraud and you can report him to Upwork using this link https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us 

[cerisemeladone]

I never get any offer. He just said he paid....

I think he is playing me for a fool...

Would you be so kind as to send me a link where to report a fraud , The one you gave me directs me to Help Center.

Thank you very much

[maryam-nasrullah]

That's what I thought he is scam 

Go to this Link https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/requests 

And create a new request to Report him. Include all screenshots and details. 

Let me know if you need further assistance 

[pallavi_graphics]

hey,

Could you send me the link too, the above mentioned link dosent work.

[ruth_bowles]

He definitely is. According to Upwork's guidelines and such, we are advised to never ever start work without a contract (whether it is hourly or fixed price).

Lets say for a fixed price one, you wanted to get started before they create the milestone, definitely don't send it to them via messages or anything.

You can report him, but don't expect to get any money for it. Upwork offers protection when you use the hourly tracker app or if you have a completed milestone with funds in escrow.

[colettelewis]

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@Cerise M wrote:

I never get any offer. He just said he paid....

I think he is playing me for a fool...

Would you be so kind as to send me a link where to report a fraud , The one you gave me directs me to Help Center.

Thank you very much

---

 ______________________________

Cerise,

Unless you had a formal Upwork contract in place (hourly or fixed-rate), your chances of getting paid are next to zero.

If you had read the help pages before sending proposals, you would have saved yourself a lot of hassle. You should report the client, but you should also read this (every link and Upwork's Terms of Service): https://community.upwork.com/t5/New-to-Upwork/Getting-Started-on-Upwork/m-p/264214#M2460

[boshoffirene]

Was there a contract? If no...your loss, sorry.

If yes...did you hit the submit button when you sent over the work? If no, do so now. If yes, check your overview under reports.

[tlbp]

I recently had a situation where the client and I were discussing a contract in one message "room,"  but when she sent the offer it appeared in a new message room. I had to go looking for the offer.  So, it is possible that you were scammed, but do check your message window for the client's name. 

[2a3c80ca]

The proof is attached for your kind reference. Without accepting the proposal how do you get paid, see the screenshot it has already been funded too when I assigned you the sample. 

**Edited for Community Guidelines**

[colettelewis]

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@Radhakrishnan R wrote:

The proof is attached for your kind reference. Without accepting the proposal how do you get paid, see the screenshot it has already been funded too when I assigned you the sample. 

**Edited for Community Guidelines**

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 _________________________

I think it was a question of the freelancer not knowing (at all) how the system works. I am sure you will find someone who has read the rules and who will know when a contract needs to be accepted, and escrow has been funded for a sample.

[kochubei_valeria]

Cerise and Radhakrishnan,

Unfortunately, private information about contracts and relationships between freelancers and clients can't be discussed here in the Community. Please communicate directly to resolve any issues. 

Cerise, please refer to the notification Upwork team sent to you regarding your account.

Thank you.