Is it permissible - given the "no communication outside Upwork" rule -- for a potential client to ask for email addresses and phone numbers of potential references prior to engaging a freelancer? This seems like it falls into a potential grey area. It is not a 'direct' mode of communication but obviously the breadcrumbs could be followed.
Some have suggested that this ought never to be appropriate, your profile speaks for itself, either that's good enough or don't go forward, but I am wondering as to whether there is actually a prohibition of this at the TOS level?
