How to Detect Freelance Job Offer Scams Before the Interview?
Recently, I have begun using freelancer websites to search for extra contracts to fill my downtime from my primary contract. I have found that there are quite a few scams, primarily the classic check scam. I haven't been affected by these scams outside of wasted time, it's been easy to tell during the interview process that a contract is a scam.
I am trying to make my contract search more efficient and not having to spend time on jobs that are well-hidden scams on the surface would help a lot. Are there any red flags that tip you off to a scam job offer prior to the interview?
Answers ( 1 )
I found this out the hard way. When I started using freelancing sites, I was contacted by a "school district" to write about mental health in children. As I had only been using the site for a few months, I didn't understand that scams were happening on writing projects. I accepted a check and tried to cash it.
Needless to say, the check was bogus, and I ended up with a $3000 negative balance. My stomach dropped out when I saw my bank account. I couldn't believe that scammers were doing this to people.
When I tried to contact the guy who hired me, he was gone. I then contacted the school district to ask them about the job. Turns out, this scammer had been writing checks from the school and trying to pass them off as legit. I was then contacted by the local police in that area as this scam had been around a while. What a mess!
I've learned to look for two main things when reaching out on a project. First, if the person isn't verified, this can be a red flag. The second is when the person asks you to talk outside the site or pay you outside the site, this is a HUGE red flag.
I now have good contracts and legit prospects. Keep trying, it is worth it.