Request for direct message to Telegram link

[60709ca0]

Dear Community, I am new to Upwork and could use your advice please.  I recently submitted a few proposals and today received a reply from a prospective client who is asking that I "send a direct massage to our Telegram link for vital approval and requirements about the project details".  Is this normal?  My understanding is that there shouldn't be any communication outside of the Upwork platform, so I am confused by the request.  Can you provide me with any guidance?

[lanedj · Accepted solution]

Hi Beverly, per the Upwork agreement, all communication should be via the Upwork messaging system until a contract is in place in the Upwork system.  Before that was pointed out to me, I followed up on a "Telegram" request and they immediately attempted to work with me outside the Upwork payment system (at a cut rate).  So yeah, you should tell them you need to do all that communication through Upwork and then flag the job to the system administrators.

[60709ca0]

Hi Derek, I appreciate your response.  Will be guided accordingly.  Thank you.

[033ebcd5]

Hi 

I have recently joined Upwork and for nearly every proposal I have submitted I have received strange links or links to telegram. It seems to be a waste of time for applying for jobs. Thank you Leanne 

[45c5786e]

Hi everyone to join the community group is saved to  get  more information about the clients you  can  work with.