My client has me work without a contract and does not pay me

[24b340ba]

This client has requested work up to this point without a written contract, and has also requested additional work beyond the request,

and has ignored my several requests for a written contract.
On top of that, he has made various abusive comments to me.
I think he intends to make me work for free.
How can I get paid for work I have already completed?

[sofia2008 · Accepted solution]

If you provided work without being hired (hourly or fixed-price contract), there is not much that can be done.

Never work without being hired.

[NikolaS]

Hi Naoko,

Thank you for reaching out to us. Please know that you shouldn't provide any work until your client sends you an offer and a contract is created under your My Jobs tab. Please note that any request for free work is not allowed on Upwork, and it is a violation of Upwork's Terms of Service.

Please check this post for the freelancer resources and tips for avoiding questionable jobs that we put together to help freelancers make decisions whether to work with a client or not. 

Additionally, one of our team members will reach out to you directly via a support ticket to assist you further. You can access your tickets on this page.

[colettelewis]

Nikola, 

I assume this client has been suspended given that he too has circumvented. 

[NikolaS]

Hi Nichola,

Please note that because of security and privacy concerns, I will not be able to share the results or findings of our investigations with you. We take all reports seriously, and we will take action as provided for in our Terms of Service.

Thank you for understanding,

[prestonhunter]

re: "My client has me work without a contract and does not pay me"

You chose to work without a contract.

And you chose to work without getting paid.

In the future, do not do that

re: "How can I get paid for work I have already completed?"

You probably can't get paid. I would advise you to purge any thoughts about getting paid for that work.

re: "On top of that, he has made various abusive comments to me."

You chose to accept that.

In the future, do not do so.

[24b340ba]

Dear all.

Thank you for your advice.

I asked the client several times to make a proper offer,

but I honestly trusted them to say that "they would make it later".

I will not accept them easily in the future.
Thank you.