Scam (Skype and Check)- Data entry

[adey_m]

I submitted a proposal for a data entry and i was instructed to interview via skype which I thought was odd. The client didn't have any history and payment wasn't confirmed. Bell started ringing in my head. The signature line said **edited for Community Guidelines** which I assumed would be a little old lady and she kept rushing me. I was told that I got the position but I needed to quickly send information (name, address, number). They said the company would pay for my equipment via a check. That I needed to sign the contract immediately. I was flustered. Bells ringing. Hours later I asked to speak to this little old lady and it turned out to be a man with a European accent. His name did sound like **edited for Community Guidelines**. He said that he'd send me a copy of a check, which is to be mailed, but I could deposit it to my account so I could start working. He said that I would get paid via upwork for the actual work. I looked up the company and it does exist **edited for Community Guidelines** but I'm thinking this is a scam. Right? (Haven't deposited the check because the bells haven't stopped ringing in my head)

[wescowley]

Yes, this is a scam. The check is fake. Block the person on Skype and Upwork. Go back to the original job post and click on the Report link.

You also broke Upwork's rules by communicating with them through Skype before you have an Upwork contract.

Please read up on how the platform works before you go any farther:

- Stickied thread in New to Upwork forum: https://community.Upwork.com/t5/New-to-Upwork/Getting-Started-on-Upwork/m-p/264214#M2460
- Long thread on recognizing scams: https://community.upwork.com/t5/New-to-Upwork/Tips-to-Avoid-Questionable-Jobs/m-p/240833#M25
- New post on recognizing scams: https://community.upwork.com/t5/Community-Blog/From-the-Trust-and-Safety-Team-How-to-Spot-a-Scam/ba-...
- Terms of service: https://www.upwork.com/legal#terms
- Help pages: https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us

[adey_m]

Will do. Thanks.

[34b0ceb0]

Yes, this keeps happening to me as well. I get these skype or zoom links from parties in Asia usually and they say they want to sign me up right away. This is so aggravating since I'm new to the platform and already finding it difficult to trust the integrity of it and its users.  It's quite alarming how pervasive these scams are -- I've already been the victim of four of them in just my first week. It would behoove Upwork to better screen users before they are permitted to post job prospects. There has to be some more verification if the credibility of the site is going to hold up to legitimate users. I'm most unimpressed so far and looking for alternative solutions for freelance work.