Positive public feedback, poor private feedback

[jamespouliot]

For the first time since I've joined Upwork I no longer have a %100 JSS. 

I have only had one client close a contract recently so it has to be them.

Even more annoyingly, they left a 5 star public review. I feel like they did this so that they would look "nice" as people look through their job posting when in reality they were incredibly toxic to work with. 

I always look through work history and comments on job postings before working with a client. Now, I feel like even that has its limitations. 

It's so diheartening. Anyone have other techniques they use to screen clients? I am not "desperate" for work. I really try to work with good people, it's not just about the money. I'm always weary of getting caught in a situation where I feel like I'm being held captive to a potential negative feedback when there are clients that use this attitude to treat you like dirt. 

Sigh