When we’re not constructing residential or commercial projects for local clients OFFLINE, we enjoy doing 2D and 3D Architectural Designs, Drafting & Visualizations for international clients ONLINE, being low-key, and working as a freelancer on platforms like Upwork.
However, not all clients on these platforms have good intentions. Some are scammers looking to take advantage of freelancers. As a freelancer, it’s important to be aware of the signs of scam clients to protect yourself and your business. Here are some red flags to watch out for (based on our first-hand experience):
#1: Excited to take the conversation outside of Upwork
When a client and freelancer meet through Upwork, and continue elsewhere, most commonly using WhatsApp, it’s called circumvention. It’s basically bypassing Upwork to avoid the 10% service fees. But the catch here is, once you take your transactions outside of Upwork WITHOUT A CONTRACT, Upwork won’t be able to help you if your client turns out to be a scammer. Scam clients will try to communicate outside of the platform to avoid Upwork’s security measures. Always insist on communicating through Upwork’s messaging system, most especially if you’ve never met this person and live in opposite sides of the world.
#2: Says they “never cheated” or “don’t worry”
Let’s say, the client started a contract with you in Upwork, but you communicate outside of Upwork, like WhatsApp. Then there are sudden changes in your original scope through your communication in WhatsApp, Upwork won’t be able to see your conversation outside the platform.
Scammers can be really convincing and may use sophisticated job titles like CEO of a made-up company. Stalk the client on Google, check their online footprint, social media, their company’s website, and their LinkedIn profile. Because even if the company looks legit, it doesn’t automatically mean that there’s no fraudulent activity within the organization, because you could be dealing with an organized syndicate of online scammers.
Even if your client says “Don’t worry, I’ll pay you more after this” or “I’ve never cheated on the people I hired, I always pay more when the project’s finished on-time”, this is not a guarantee. You’ll never know if your client is lying to you unless you try and see for yourself.
#3: Demands deliverables before making payments
Inexperienced individuals may have a hard time detecting who’s legit or a scam client. Be cautious of clients who offer unusually high or low budgets for projects. One tactic is they may ask you to “prove your skills” for them to know about what you can do, in other words, “work for free” . . . DON’T DO IT! This is what your portfolio is for, so don’t fall for this trap! Scammers may use this tactic, only to later demand additional work then refuse to pay.
However, you can offer a Design Intervention or Project Starter Service, or even a Test Job, and it’s in your discretion if you’re willing to do this test job for free to see if you’re a good fit, and to discern if this client is legit or a scam.
#4: Unreasonably always in a rush
Scam clients may try to pressure you into starting work immediately without discussing the details. And if there are additional work, they may refuse to sign a new contract for these add-ons. Always take the time to thoroughly review the project requirements and terms before agreeing to start or add work.
But if you already have ongoing projects with a scam client, one of the dead giveaways are unreasonably very tight deadlines, and they may say things like, “We need this ASAP because we’ll start the construction tomorrow” or add an element of guit-trip like, “You’re putting me in a bad position by not completing the projects on time” or a false sense of urgency, for example, “Lot 4194 is on fire, we need your help!” to push you further into the scam client’s manipulation tactics.
A scam client is like the boy who cried wolf, but that boy is the wolf in sheep’s clothing. As soon as you find out that you’re being lied to, burn that bridge and fire that scam client!
#5: Disrespectful of your time and boundaries
Scam clients will normally demand a lot of your time for whatever reason. One of the reasons is because they will micromanage you and will frequently change the scope of the project, add new requirements without offering additional compensation, and subtly “social engineer” their way into gaining your trust, until they procure private information about you.
#6: Gaslighting you of not producing quality work
Gaslighting is most commonly triggered when you ask for payment from the scam client for the services rendered. If the scam client refuses to pay, expect some common tactics like, unlimited revisions. Even after discussing the project, the client seems to always find mistakes.
This could be a warning sign that the client is trying to exploit you for more work without paying for it. Worse, they will blackmail you with a negative review in Upwork to tarnish your credibility and reputation.
This would require a lot of self-esteem and confidence in oneself to combat this annoying manipulation tactic, and the confidence will most likely come from years of experience. If a scam client devalues you or gaslights you of not being good enough, it’s time to move on to clients who aren’t scammers. Upwork’s support team are very responsive and you can report these type of clients.
Be brave enough to SAY NO if you’re being exploited or extorted. Don’t be afraid of that one negative review. Think about the happy clients you’ve helped and/or you will help in the future, who would happily say good things about you.
#7: Shady in general
Trust your instincts and be wary of clients who exhibit unprofessional behavior, such as being rude or disrespectful, no matter how subtle. A professional client will treat you with respect and communicate clearly and courteously. A legit client will respect your time, your fees, and will professionally negotiate the terms of your contract, and most importantly, THERE IS A CONTRACT. If you’re a judger like me, I always try to profile the clients early on, to detect if they’re really who and what they say they are.
In conclusion, it’s important to be vigilant and aware of the signs of scam clients.
By watching out for these red flags and trusting your instincts, you can protect yourself and your business from potential scammers.