Scammers

[anissaforeal]

How likely is a payment-verified, reviewed account a scammer?

The account flagging feature is a nice have, but the response form UW is kind of slow.

I'm not asking about the TOS, just wondering if/how a scammer is able to operate with what seems to be adequate credentials or work history.

Appreciate any feedback in relation to my question, please.

Thanks

[roberty1y]

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Anissa F wrote:

How likely is a payment-verified, reviewed account a scammer?

The account flagging feature is a nice have, but the response form UW is kind of slow.

I'm not asking about the TOS, just wondering if/how a scammer is able to operate with what seems to be adequate credentials or work history.

Appreciate any feedback in relation to my question, please.

Thanks

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It's possible that a scammer could hack someone else's account or log in to it without their knowledge. Also, some people allow other people to use their accounts for the purpose of fraud.

[anissaforeal]

Good point

[a_lipsey]

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Anissa F wrote:

How likely is a payment-verified, reviewed account a scammer?

The account flagging feature is a nice have, but the response form UW is kind of slow.

I'm not asking about the TOS, just wondering if/how a scammer is able to operate with what seems to be adequate credentials or work history.

Appreciate any feedback in relation to my question, please.

Thanks

---

It's probably less likely, but not impossible. Can you give an example of other attributes of the client account? It would depend on how the rest of the account looks and the job description. 

[anissaforeal]

Thanks for your comment. I agree, and the idea of it being "less likely" is
what keeps giving me the shadow of a doubt.
But the last (and first) scammer I ran into had a similar setup.

Video editor, long term position claiming to be from a reputable legit
company.
I checked company websites, socials etc.

Obvs, the TOS are helpful but it's lame to see a profile and Invitation
have all the signs of being legit, put time into a proposal and
communication, then...
here come the red flags.

I'm just trying to gain a better understanding, if possible lol

[prestonhunter]

are: "I checked company websites, socials etc."

I have never done any of that.

I have never Googled a client name or company name.

Not necessary.

I focus on the client behavior and the information about the client that is available on Upwork.

[a_lipsey]

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Anissa F wrote:
Thanks for your comment. I agree, and the idea of it being "less likely" is
what keeps giving me the shadow of a doubt.
But the last (and first) scammer I ran into had a similar setup.

Video editor, long term position claiming to be from a reputable legit
company.
I checked company websites, socials etc.

Obvs, the TOS are helpful but it's lame to see a profile and Invitation
have all the signs of being legit, put time into a proposal and
communication, then...
here come the red flags.

I'm just trying to gain a better understanding, if possible lol

---

I think it's perfectly valid to do some background on the client beforehand. I always do, as it is, in fact, necessary for me to do my work (unlike Preston claiming it's not necessary - some of us actually work in fields where we need to know who we are working with, or some of us are just more comfortable that way). 

I'm not sure how long you've been on the platform. In the beginning you will waste a bit more time vetting clients to find red flags. As you go on, you'll spot them much more faster and hone your instincts. 

My suggestion: if something doesn't feel right then it isn't. Just walk away. Don't give it another thought. If something throws up a red flag, even if you aren't sure why, WALK AWAY. Trust your gut. 

[anissaforeal]

Thank you. It's been about 4 months and I've learned a LOT.
Great advice. Appreciate it.