Questionable interaction with client/escrow

[catmanscot]

I accepted a job offer. Since then, they are asking me to do questionable things with upfront money, and they are harassing me because my bank has not released the funds from the deposit yet. I need to know if they are legit. The original post has been closed. And the person contacting me for the interview no longer has access to Upwork. I need to know how to proceed.

[gilbert-phyllis]

It was a scam. Any "upfront money" they gave you to deposit was imaginary. Please read everything you can find in the Help and Support section and this forum about how the platform works, how to get hired, how to get paid, and how to avoid scams.

[catmanscot]

Thank you

[lysis10]

You deposited the check?

It's gonna bounce. 

[catmanscot]

Yeah, I did. My bank said it was approved and processed and would be posted tomorrow. But I think I’m screwed. Great introduction to freelancing! Lol, sort of

[prestonhunter]

Gary: on the upside, this is an experience that you will never forget. And you will never make these same mistakes again.

For one thing, you now understand why Upwork has a strict rule against exchanging money off-platform.

You could be suspended for violating Upwork rules, but I don't think that will happen. Upwork tends to be forgiving toward newbies who make rookie mistakes like this.

[catmanscot]

Yeah. I totally misunderstood what I was doing. Definitely won’t forget it.

[lysis10]

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Gary E wrote:
Yeah. I totally misunderstood what I was doing. Definitely won’t forget it.

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You can google "nigerian check scam"  to understand what happens. You didn't send them money at least.

[catmanscot]

What makes it worse is that they represented themselves as being with Upwork and the original email came from Upwork. Believing the best in people and trusting doesn’t seem to be the way to go. Lol.

[AveryO]

Hi Gary, 

Are you referring to the email you received on 8-April regarding being a candidate for the job? I can confirm that this email was a notification sent to you to let you know that a client has responded to your proposal, and sent you a message. 

I can confirm that the client's account has been actioned on for a violation of the Upwork Terms of Service. As a gentle reminder, please know that users are not allowed to offer, and be paid off the Upwork website as this a violation of the TOS. You may refer to this help article for more information on what actions can cause your account to be temporary or permanently suspended.

Since you are new, I highly recommend that you read up on the "Safety First!" section of the freelancer resources we have compiled, and these tips for avoiding questionable jobs for more information about working safely through Upwork.

[catmanscot]

Thank you. I will read it very carefully