Is this a scam?

[391b7e1f]

Im new to upwork! Landed my first client but something honestly seems off. 

Long story short they approached me for the job as a ad campaign manager. I showed interest and was shortly picked for the job.  Iaccepted and the contract began. I realized that I never finish my ID Verification and quicly completed it. Shortly after the client asked for my email , red flag one. The email was a link to another website called Plus Transfer that would allow me to download the zip file full of the projects information and details, red flag two. 

I am extremely weary of clicking anything or downloading anything. The company has a IG, FB, and website that look a little legit but again , something is off. There is little to no engagement on any of their pages, red flag three. This is a tourism company based out of the US and I fear that I am being scammed. Or am I being overly  anxious ? 

Insight from other freelancers would be greatly appreciated. 

[55e226d2]

Don't take a fear

Don't be Afraid 👍

[anna_babicheva]

Hi Brianna! 
Don't share your contact information with anyone prior to setting up and starting the contract. All the files necessary for the project can be shared via Upwork messaging system. If you feel like this is a scam, it most probably is. 

For the future, just kindly mention to the client, that all communication prior to the contract has to stay on Upwork and you can adapt the comm channel for mutual convenience when the contract is in place. 

[391b7e1f]

Hi Anna. Thank you so much for responding! 

The contract has started officially. However, I  was still weary. I always though communication was supposed to remain on Upwork. Is it common for clients to send files via email communication once the contract is started?

[iwan-spillebeen]

Yes, it is very common. 

I have several clients that I have been working with for 1.5+ years, after the contract was started we never once communicate through UpWork as it is simply inconvenient for all parties.  We use google drives and office 365.  Once you start a contract you and the client are absolutely allowed to share any contact details and communicate off platform.

If you are uncomfortable with the files being Zip files (very understandable) simply ask the client to put the files on a shared drive (such as google drive) in an unzipped format.  If they refuse then your red flag is justified; but a client asking for your contacts, after a contract was started, is in itself not a red flag.

[anna_babicheva]

Yes, Iwan is right. 

Very common to communicate outside of Upwork after the contract is set in place. For me, it's usually Slack and email. And good advice from Iwan to put the unzipped files on a drive. I know some companies are worried about security, but most of the time you'd be fine asking to do that. 

Hope the project will go great! 

[391b7e1f]

Thank you Anna. I'm going to pass on the client due to another freelancer cosigning the same issues. Too many red flags for my comfort!

[louisebautista]

Received the same offer. I asked for more details and she couldn't specify what she needed help with. Decided to look her up and found this post. It's definitely very sketch. I would not entertain her any further.

[391b7e1f]

Thank you so much! It's very hard deciphering is there is a culture/language barrier. She is located in Hungary but the business operates from the Phillipines. Too much confusion surrounding it.  I never want to write off a potential client due to that but this doesn't feel like a barrier issue. It feels more suss than anything. Happy to know I'm not alone with the particular client/business.  I appreciate your input!

[8e7898ee]

**Edited for Community Guidelines**

 

Have exactly the same offer, also from a lady from Hungary, but for a clothes shop haha. Exactly same details, also felt a bit scatchy and thought checking it. Seems a scam now. 

[chelsea_rodgers]

Same! She also responded with large paragraphs extremely quickly, seemed she had everything written out already and avoided giving any details when asked. Blocked her. 

[valerietolentino]

Hey Brianna. Same with me! Happened today. I already accepted the offer but then she asked me to download winrar and gave me password so that I can access it. I am in doubt - it's my first time sa upwork so i am not really sure. Check their website and the email she used to send me the file, it's not the same.

[8fd2bac5]

I'm new to Upwork as well, I've received two job offers with almost exact same wording but different account names. They asking me to down the zip file. It doesn't feel right. Feels suss. Not sitting right with me.