Afraid I am getting scammed

[36f483f3]

I got selected to send a proposal to apply for a job. It was a for a Skilled Kids Illustration Artist. I submitted a proposal. I got a message that he thought I would be a good fit. And to continue the interview process, to email the HR person directly. (not through upwork). I did reach out and they did a text interview over Flock. They said they were hiring for The **Edited for Community Guidelines**. I didn't give any personal info out. But when they were talking about pay, I said, well you are going through UpWork for payment. And she wrote back that no, this is a full time job and not freelance. So my suspicians went up. Then after a really long interview process and still not telling what I would be illustratiing, just alluding that once hired I would then in process with my supervisor. I wanted to see where this would go. They offered me the position, but looking on **Edited for Community Guidelines** online, there was no job listing for an Illustrator. Also their contact email was **Edited for Community Guidelines** the lady's email I got was **Edited for Community Guidelines** which worries me. Then sent me an offer letter through email which is against the rules. Then they are very adament about me signing it right away. I wrote the **Edited for Community Guidelines** but haven't heard back yet. I have red flags going up all over.

[celgins]

This is a scam.

Any client circumventing the Upwork platform is trying to scam you. Also, contacting a client outside of Upwork violates Upwork's Terms of Service. Your account won't be suspended now, but it could be if you do it consistently.

Flag the job as inappropriate (if it's still available).

[36f483f3]

Thank you, I am new to UpWork (not to freelancing). I kept screen shots as well.

[allpurposewriter]

Strikes a memory chord .... the folks who offer to hire you before telling you the job ... that sounds more than a bit off-kilter. 

[36f483f3]

Yes, I am glad I got on the community board to figure it out and get it resolved. I am not new to being a freelancer. But I am new to Upwork and finding jobs like this. I am old school, word of mouth. And since I am done raising the kiddo and husband retired from the Army, I figured it was time to get rolling again. So I am a bit behind the times. So big learning curve. And this was my FIRST response too! Figures! LOL BUT a day later I put a proposal in and got a project and it's fullfilled and got paid. So I know what to look for now and how it all goes. It's a shame ppl come on here to scam artists. Like we are getting paid handsomely or something. Guess they never heard the term "starving artist" before! LOL What I am definately noticing on this platform though...yes lots of projects available....but HOLY COW they do NOT understand the value of our services. I saw one listing for $8 set fee for a logo. Not per hour, which is bad, but straight up $8 LOL Insane!

[IvygailJ · Accepted solution]

Hello Stacey,

Thank you for reaching out. I am sorry to hear about your experience with this client. I’d like to assure you that action has already been taken. As a friendly reminder, it's essential to wait for an official offer and contract from the client here at Upwork before beginning any work. You can always use the ‘Flag as Inappropriate’ option across the site to report any suspicious activity whenever you notice it, just like Clark mentioned. For more tips on staying safe on Upwork, you can check out this helpful article.

[36f483f3]

Were you able to go to my account and see? Should I still flag it as inappropriate? I had not started any work at all. 

[36f483f3]

And thank you. This is my first experience with UpWork, had no idea things like this could happen. How very sad. I appreciate the help and knowledge.

[36f483f3]

Okay so the job was taken down. But now my account is suspended. When I explained that job was LITERALLY the FIRST one I got on here, And I had no idea how it was working, and was still reading the rules, but didn't want to give up on the opportunity. THAT is why I came here to know how to report and how to proceed. I did not receive an email that my account was supsended. I just logged on and see it. So no communication or no grace given for the first time. Especially since you can literally see I just started on this platform. It's all new. So getting no communication that my account was suspended and for how long is a bit concerning. 

[m_terrazas]

I can see your profile, so it hasn't been suspended.
But, before continuing and so that you don't fall for another scam, read:
- https://community.upwork.com/t5/Freelancers/To-all-freelancers-looking-for-help/m-p/1230482#M734358
- https://community.upwork.com/t5/Community-Blog/Top-Red-Flags-for-Scams-From-Community-Member-Wes-C/b...
All, links included.

[36f483f3]

Thank you very much!