Getting scammed

[418178d9]

Hi everyone,

I'am new on Upwork 

I received an offer from Upwork from a company called p**Edited for Community Guidelines**. in the offer I was referred to **Edited for Community Guidelines** for more details. I contacted her and she asked me to install wire. I did. and after the conversation she sent me a check for $1700 to deposit into my account for me to transfer to someone. since the offer came from Upwork I didn't think it could be a scam. and unfortunately I did what he told me and now my bank returned the check because it's fraud. all my bills have been unpaid because what I transferred was transferred from my own money. I want to die now because I don't know what to do 😭😭😭

[IvygailJ]

Hello Rodeline,

Thank you for reaching out. I’m sorry to hear about your experience with this client. I shared your report with our team to investigate and take action based on our internal processes. I would also like to let you know that you can use the ‘Flag as Inappropriate’ option throughout the site to report any suspicious activity at any time.

Additionally, I highly recommend checking this help article and available learning paths in the  Academy section to help you stay safe on Upwork.

[418178d9]

Thank you very much, I am desperate I can't sleep. Today I received the return from my bank and all my bills were returned to me unpaid. Because the amount that Teresa on behalf of the company had asked me to transfer, thinking the check was true I did it but it was my money that was sent to the fraudster's account. Please help me 🙏🏽🙏🏽🥹

[PradeepH]

I am sorry to hear about your experience, Rodeline and I understand your frustration. I checked the job post you were referring to and it appears that it's already been taken down because it was in violation of Upwork TOS. I suggest you review the help article shared by Ivy to stay safe on Upwork. 

- Pradeep

[418178d9]

Ok I'am guessing just like that I lose my money that the offer asked me to transfert .. over 1000$😭 it's really unfair 

[m_terrazas]

I'm sorry about what happened to you, but it's not unfair.
The problem is that you started using the platform without knowing how it works.
If you had at least read the TOS that you were supposed to confirm you had read when creating your profile, this wouldn't have happened to you.
They make it clear that you can't communicate outside of Upwork BEFORE you have a contract. Also that you shouldn't send money to anyone.
So, before continuing, it's best to 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...
Everything, links included.

[418178d9]

 I will just delete my account for Upwork. no need to read the article it will not help me in any way . I already lose my money anyway . But thank you 

[m_terrazas]

Don't delete it. Better find out how this works. Use the connects carefully and keep trying.
You may be able to get your money back little by little.
And if you have the slightest doubt, come to the forum and ask before making any decision.

[418178d9]

I still don't have no help from Upwork.. it's not a easy situation. Again I accepted the check of the company because I receive the offer from Upwork. I told myself Upwork is safe if the company sent me a check is probably a good one I never thought a scammer can be on the platform it's Upwork job to know the client before sending offer to us. I'm now try to find a way to file a complaint . It's to easy to lose 1000$ just like that . It's **bleep**ing frustrating 

[RonnaP]

Hi Rodeline,

I'm sorry to hear about the frustration this has caused and I understand that this is not an easy situation on your part.

I'd like to clarify that a real client will never ask you to give them money to start working, cash a check for them, work for free, or provide your personal information.

If you encounter inappropriate or suspicious activity, such as inappropriate job posts or clients asking for free work, please feel free to flag it. This will directly notify Upwork and allow us to investigate and execute proper measures. You can learn more here.

Additionally, I would recommend you check this help article and available learning paths in the Academy section to help you stay safe on Upwork.

[418178d9]

Now i know but I already lost money so this even help me in any way. And the articles that you all told me to read is for the next time.. which I don't think there will have a next time , since I will never and never Trust any offer from Upwork because my first experience is so bad. So that articles don't help me to get my money back.  I am the only victim here , I'am the only one dealing now with a négatif account ,  where I can even pay my rent and don't know ho I will find money to pay .. no one is in my situation it's easy for you to send all the articles to read 

Upwork win ✌️

[m_terrazas]

You are blaming Upwork for something that is not their fault.
We agree that they should do something against so many scammers (I must say that both on the clients' and freelancers' side), but it is our job as freelancers to know how the portals we work on work, which is what the TOS are for.
Upwork cannot do anything for you at this time, first because you broke the TOS and second, because they have nothing to do with that money movement.