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Agustin's avatar
Agustin V Community Member

An Upwork SCAM? EXPERT-VETTED Badge

THE INVITATION: SOMETHING LOOKS WEIRD.

At the beginning of June, I received an invitation to apply for the EXPERT VETTED Badge. Initially, I felt enthusiastic because I thought Upwork was finally doing something in favor of freelancers. However, when I began the process, I was surprised by the economic cost involved in this application. It required 300 CONNECTS ($45) to apply. I had to think it over as it was an investment without any guarantee, especially since Upwork has been losing my trust for some time now. They never appeal in favor of freelancers, whom they burden with absurd commissions, charging them for absolutely everything and being very opaque in all their dealings.

THE ABSENCE OF RESPONSES: WHAT IS GOING ON?

About six weeks went by without any news regarding the selection process for this application. I even had to contact customer support (who had no idea that I had been selected to apply). They gave me empty responses and no satisfaction.

 

After numerous inquiries, I finally received a decision from Upwork stating that my application had been rejected. However, at no point was I told why or given any points to focus on to improve my profile. I simply received this message:

"Thank you for your interest in Upwork’s Expert-Vetted Talent badge and for taking the time to complete the application process. Recognizing the time required to complete your application, we appreciate your enthusiasm in consideration for the top 1% on the platform.

After careful review, we regret to inform you that we will not be moving forward with your application for the Expert-Vetted badge at this time. This determination is not a reflection of your capabilities or achievements, as our review process is highly competitive to select those advancing in the process.

While we are not moving forward with your application, you will be re-eligible for consideration in 6 months. Please note this does not affect your eligibility for other Upwork badges and programs. We appreciate your time and interest and wish you continued success."

 


THE ACTION: NEED A REFUND AND A PROPERLY FEEDBACK.

This generated a lot of indignation, so I contacted Support again to request two things:

 

First: A refund of the 300 connects I had invested in this process, which I felt was really a scam and a waste of time since completing this form took me almost 40 minutes with so many responses and attached files.

 

Second: That they be transparent about the process, that I receive personalized feedback, as I believe I deserve at least this attention from Upwork, considering the time and money I invested.

My message was: 

“I appreciate the explanation provided regarding the review process. However, I would like to request more transparency in the process. Specifically, I would appreciate being informed about the criteria used for selection and the profiles of those who have been selected for the badge. This information would be invaluable for me to understand the standards required and to better prepare for future applications. While I understand that the refund of the 300 connects is not possible at this stage, knowing more about the selection process would greatly help in aligning my profile and application to Upwork's expectations.”

For both requests, the responses were again empty and without apparent solutions. Four agents attended to me, each saying the same thing without the slightest empathy for a worker on their platform who leaves a lot of money to be able to stay.

 

The support's response was:

 

"Thank you for reaching out to Upwork Support. My name is Boaz, and I am taking over from Khaled. I acknowledge that your Expert Vetted application has been declined, and you are requesting a refund for your connects.

 

We appreciate the dedication and time you have invested in your application. Owing to the high volume of applications we receive, we are presently unable to offer personalized feedback to applicants whose submissions did not progress.

We understand your disappointment regarding the application outcome. Regrettably, we do not provide refunds for unsuccessful applications.

 

Please be advised that the application process does not guarantee a pre-screening interview or the acquisition of an Expert-Vetted badge. It ensures that your profile will be evaluated by our team for potential consideration."

 

Can you imagine the indignation that can arise in a worker who leaves so many commissions to Upwork, who goes out of their way to create good portfolios, and who recommends clients to come to this platform, only to receive this kind of indifferent attention?

THE INDIGNATION: UPWORK DOESN'T CARE ABOUT FREELANCERS.

Not to mention, like thousands of fellow Upwork freelancers, the abusive commissions, the expensive Plus Membership fees that do not benefit us with Connects, which are the essence of this platform.

I am not requesting, I am demanding, after having contributed more than $4,000 to this platform for free—because they have never helped me in any way nor benefited me in any way other than giving me badges on my profile that I earned myself—the following:

  1. Lack of Specific Transparency: While I understand my application was reviewed, I need more specific information about the criteria used for selection and the profiles of those who have been selected. This transparency would help me better understand the standards required and how I can align my profile to meet these expectations.

    2. Absence of Personalized Feedback: I understand personalized feedback may not be feasible for all applicants due to the high volume of applications. However, without any specific feedback, it is challenging to identify areas for improvement. This makes it difficult to justify the substantial investment I made in Connects to apply for the badge.

    3. General Suggestions: Your suggestion to submit proposals and collaborate with clients for positive feedback is appreciated. However, I was specifically seeking guidance on the Expert-Vetted Talent badge process. Knowing more about what is expected would help me better prepare for future attempts and ensure my investment in Connects is worthwhile.

    4. Generic Response: While I appreciate your support, the response feels somewhat generic and doesn't fully address my individual concerns. I was hoping for more tailored advice on enhancing my chances of being selected, especially considering the significant resources I dedicated to this application.

    5. Link to More Information: The link provided offers general information about the Expert-Vetted Talent program. However, it does not address my specific questions regarding the selection criteria and the profiles of those who have been selected. Given the considerable investment I made in purchasing Connects for this application, I would like to request some form of compensation or bonus. Additionally, I insist on knowing the criteria for selection and the profiles of those who were chosen, to better understand how I can improve my future applications.

    Conclusion: Is Upwork Scamming Us?

    Considering the significant investment of time and money that freelancers contribute to Upwork, coupled with the lack of transparency, personalized feedback, and economic benefits, one must question if Upwork is truly supporting its freelancers or merely exploiting them. Is Upwork scamming us? It is time for Upwork to address these concerns and provide fair and transparent processes that genuinely support the freelancers who sustain this platform.

     

    Please, share your experience in this process and also share your discontent to raise the voice of the freelancers who sustain this platform without being recognized or economically benefited in any way.
9 REPLIES 9
Rahul's avatar
Rahul B Community Member

I got the invitation for the screening test after applying. 

Agustin's avatar
Agustin V Community Member

Rahul, 

Good to know that you have been selected. The spirit of this complaint is to talk about the indifference that Upwork shows towards freelancers, resulting in the impression that we are being scammed.

Alma's avatar
Alma I Community Member

I got a notification that I've been selected for the next step and will receive an email for the interview in a couple of days. It's been 3 weeks and nothing. I have a TON of experience with lots of Fortune 500 corporations and provided references, including direct emails for contacts I'm working with right now. I wrote to customer support. If they now "reject my application" then it's clearly a scam and I'll have no choice but to file a chargeback. 

Natasa's avatar
Natasa K Community Member

First and foremost - you waren't selected to apply for EV badge. That was a notification every freelancer account on this platform received. 

 

Conclusion: Duh!

Natasha's avatar
Natasha P Community Member

Not exactly, I know at least two who were chosen and going ahead. 

Natasa's avatar
Natasa K Community Member

I think you misunderstood something. I was talking about the "selected to apply for EV badge", not about those who were selected for the first round of EV qualification.

Mykola's avatar
Mykola A Community Member

Upwork got huge money with that trick. It isnt a bad that upwork trying to milk everyone, it is such scammy bussiness. It is bad that freelancers happy to pay that. So another tricks will be added again and again because freelancers like it.

Alexandra's avatar
Alexandra H Community Member

It's a multi-stage screening process where the target group is selected in this first "pre-screening". The process is similar to the selection of survey participants, where in the first round only those respondents that meet the criteria (the client sets), such as age group, number of people living in the household, hobbies, etc., are selected to proceed with the actual survey. 

 

Don't worry about it too much -- concentrate on finding leads instead. 

Thomas J's avatar
Thomas J M Community Member

It was a scam.  But so is the EV Program in general.  In 3.5 years it provided me no tangible benefits.  Enterprise clients only want to hire the cheapest Freelancers these days, so if you are a high quality Freelancer and offer professional services, odds are the Enterprise clients can't afford you anyway.