What Are the Signs of a Freelance Scam? (And How to Avoid Them)

As a freelancer, you’re in charge of your working hours, the projects you work on, and your rate of pay. But unfortunately, finding your own clients means you also have to watch out for scammers! In this post, we’ll cover some of the common signs of a freelance scam and advice on how you can avoid them.

What Are the Signs of a Freelance Scam?

If you want to know how to avoid scams as a freelancer, you’re in the right place. While scammers use a variety of methods to catch freelancers out, there are some common warning signs you should look out for:

1. You can’t find any details about their company online.
2. They won’t sign a written contract.
3. They offer higher-than-average rates.
4. They ask you to pay a fee before you start work.
5. They expect you to use an unfamiliar payment method.
6. They request free samples. 
7. They make off-platform communication requests.
8. They request access to your freelance marketplace accounts.

Keep reading to find out more about each of these freelance scam warning signs.

1. You Can’t Find Any Details About Their Company Online

Even if you’re working with a start-up or smaller business, you should still be able to find some information about the company or its staff online. A quick Google search should at least reveal a LinkedIn page, a business website, or some form of digital presence.

If all your searches come up empty – or if the information you do find doesn’t match what they’ve told you (such as different company emails, inconsistent staff names, or nonexistent office locations) – that’s a major red flag. Fraudulent clients often fabricate company names or pose as representatives of real organizations, hoping you won’t bother to verify their claims.

If you find gaps or discrepancies, proceed with caution or walk away entirely.

2. They Won’t Sign a Written Contract

A client’s refusal to sign a written contract is a red flag for any freelancer. Even though you may have to compromise on your terms sometimes, having a written work agreement (with the project’s deliverables, expected timeline, and payment information) can protect you from most freelance scams. 

You can use freelance contract templates to make your life easier (and stay on the safe side). And if someone is completely unwilling to agree to your work terms in writing, you might want to reconsider working for them.

3. They Offer Higher-Than-Average Rates

It is important for freelancers to know the value of their work and avoid taking on projects that offer a lower pay rate. But what should you do when the rate offered is way higher than average? Could a job be too good to be true? Unfortunately, yes: It could mean that you won’t get paid at all. 

Do your research to know what the average rates are for the services you offer (and make sure to take into account your level of experience). If you come across an above-average rate, ask the client why the pay is so high. Suspicious answers? Call their bluff and ask to be paid 50% in advance – if they agree, the offer might be real after all. But proceed carefully either way.

4. They Ask You to Pay a Fee

No legitimate client should ever ask you to pay a fee to start working. This can include upfront deposits for software, platform access, or even “security measures.” In nearly all cases, these are just pay-to-work scams designed to take your money with nothing in return.

Avoid any client that requests upfront payments – it’s almost always a trap.

5. They Use an Unfamiliar Payment Method

Another red flag is a client’s insistence on using a payment method that you’ve never heard of. To avoid falling for this, do your research! Although people often pay freelancers via digital platforms (e.g., Stripe or PayPal), checks, bank transfers, and credit cards are also commonly accepted payment methods.

To prevent an unpleasant surprise after you’ve completed work, set out accepted payment methods before a job starts (e.g., with a freelance contract as above). And if the client disagrees with all your proposed methods, consider politely turning them down.

6. They Request Free Samples

Offering free samples can sometimes be a great way to showcase your skills, especially if you’re just starting out. However, scammers exploit this by asking for complex, long, or multiple samples under the guise of “testing your skills.” Be wary of:

• Overly complex tasks disguised as samples
• More than one sample request for the same project
• Requests for work you’ve already demonstrated expertise in

A genuine client will understand if you have boundaries around sample work.

7. They Make Off-Platform Communication Requests

Most freelance platforms, such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer, have terms and conditions to protect both clients and freelancers. If someone requests to move off-platform to WhatsApp, Telegram, or personal email, be cautious. This makes it easier for them to disappear without paying and leaves you with no platform support.

If you do decide to communicate off-platform, make sure it’s on your terms and through a professional email address – and always keep a record of every interaction.

8. They Request Access to Your Freelance Marketplace Accounts

If someone pops up in your messages claiming they can help grow your freelance business, pay attention to how they say they will do it. If they request access to one of your freelance marketplace accounts (e.g., Fiverr or Upwork), they can then access:

• Your current earnings that are waiting to be transferred
• Your bank details
• Other personal information, such as your date of birth and scans of your identification documents (e.g., passport or driver’s license)

In general, having to share any account information is a huge risk to your privacy and almost always a scam. Just say no!

Scams on Freelancer, Upwork, and Fiverr

While all freelance platforms have terms of service and security measures, scams still exist. Here are some of the most common scams on popular platforms and how to avoid them:

• Payment fraud (Freelancer): Clients may ask you to accept off-platform payments or use unfamiliar methods, violating platform terms and leaving you unprotected. Always insist on on-platform payments – it’s the only way to guarantee you’ll get paid.
  
• Fake profiles (Freelancer): Some clients create fake profiles and use stolen images and inflated reviews. These profiles are designed to look legitimate and trustworthy, but they often disappear after the scammer receives free samples or partial project completions. Always check the client’s history before accepting work.
• Phishing links (Upwork): Clients may send links mimicking Upwork’s log in page so they can steal your credentials. Always verify URLs before clicking, and report any suspicious links to Upwork’s support team.
  
• Fake job posts (Upwork): Scammers often post fake job listings with unusually high pay rates to catch freelancers’ attention. These jobs usually require you to pay for software, certifications, or training materials before you can start. Upwork never asks freelancers to pay to apply for jobs, so this is a clear sign of a scam.
  
• Order manipulation (Fiverr): Some clients manipulate the order process to cancel projects after delivery, reversing the payment. This can happen even if you’ve met all the deliverables. Always keep clear communication records and require confirmation of delivery. If a client attempts to cancel after delivery, dispute it immediately with Fiverr’s support.
  
• Identity theft (Fiverr): Be cautious of requests for personal information that isn’t necessary for the job. Fiverr never requires you to share personal identification with clients – only with the platform itself for verification. If a client asks for sensitive information, decline and report the request.

How to Avoid Scams as a Freelancer

As a rule, you should consider new projects carefully and always do a quick search of your clients before accepting a job. If something seems too good to be true, it might just be! Remember to do these things:

• Research the client.
• Get a contract signed.
• Check that the rates are reasonable.
• Never pay deposits or upfront fees.
• Accept only standard payment methods.
• Communicate through official platforms or a work email.
• Don’t share your freelance marketplace accounts.
• Keep your personal information private.
• Document all communications.

Launching Your Freelance Career with Confidence

If you’re interested in becoming a successful freelancer but are concerned about the possibility of getting scammed, the right guidance and training can make all the difference. Our flexible online courses are designed to help you build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the freelance world – whether you’re pursuing writing, proofreading, editing, or any other service.

Sign up for some free lessons today and get a head start on turning your skills into a reliable source of income.

Related posts:

Freelance Proofreading Tips: The Client’s Brief What to Do When a Client Won’t Pay Freelance Tips: Should You Offer a Free Sample Edit? Freelance Tips: How to Get Paid as a Freelance Proofreader