VickyFreelancing has become more accessible than ever, with platforms like Twine connecting skilled professional freelancers with clients worldwide. The benefits of freelancing – flexibility, independence, and unlimited earning potential – are incredibly appealing. However, alongside legitimate opportunities, unfortunately the online freelancing world also attracts scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting freelancers.
Scams can result in lost money, wasted time, and serious frustration. But the good news? Knowing the red flags can help you avoid these pitfalls. In this post, we’ll break down common freelance scams, how to spot them early, and best practices to protect yourself.
The Most Common Freelance Scams
1. The “Too-Good-To-Be-True” Job Offer
You stumble upon a job that offers a massive payout for minimal effort. The client is eager to hire you immediately, sometimes without even reviewing your portfolio. While it may be tempting, these jobs often lead to scams. Scammers lure freelancers in with promises of high pay, only to disappear often after getting free work or personal information from you.
🚩 Red Flag: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
2. Upfront Payment Scams
A client claims they’ll send a check upfront but “accidentally” overpays and asks you to wire the excess amount back. Later, the check bounces, and you’re left out of pocket. This is a common scam designed to trick freelancers into sending real money before realizing the initial payment was fraudulent.
🚩 Red Flag: Clients who ask you to refund excess payments.
3. Fake Clients Asking for Free Work
Some scammers ask for “test projects” before committing to hiring. While small samples from your portfolio are normal, no legitimate client should ask for a full project as a test. Often, these scammers disappear after collecting free work from multiple freelancers.
🚩 Red Flag: Requests for unpaid “trial” projects beyond reasonable samples.
4. Phishing Scams & Fake Job Listings
Scammers impersonate real companies, sending fake job offers and requesting sensitive information like passwords, bank details, or copies of personal ID. They may even create fake job listings with links that steal your credentials when clicked.
🚩 Red Flag: Clients who send suspicious links or request personal data.
5. Payment Delays & Ghosting After Work is Delivered
A client keeps making excuses about delayed payment or disappears altogether after receiving completed work. If they refuse contracts or structured payments, they might have no intention of paying.
🚩 Red Flag: Clients who avoid contracts, deposits, or clear payment agreements.
How to Spot a Scam Before You Get Trapped
1. Check Client Profiles & Reviews
Before accepting a job, check the client’s history on Twine or other platforms. Look for:
- Verified profiles & payment history
- Reviews from other freelancers
- Clear project details & communication
🚩 Red Flag: New accounts with no reviews, vague job descriptions, or no payment verification.
2. Use Platform-Based Payments
Using secure platforms like Twine, PayPal, or Stripe ensures you have some protection if a client fails to pay. Scammers often insist on direct bank transfers or untraceable payment methods.
🚩 Red Flag: Clients pushing for Western Union, MoneyGram, or cryptocurrency payments.
3. Get Everything in Writing
Every project should have a written contract covering:
- Payment terms & deadlines
- Scope of work & deliverables
- Revisions & refund policies
🚩 Red Flag: Clients who refuse contracts or written agreements.
4. Be Cautious of Unprofessional Communication
True clients will often be more professional or formal in their communications with you. If a client’s communication seems sloppy it may be a sign of a scam.
🚩 Red Flags:
- Urgency without details (“I need this ASAP, no time for a contract”)
- Poor grammar, vague responses, or missing company info
- Requests for personal or financial details upfront
Tips For Protecting Yourself on Twine
We want to help you stay safe on Twine, so here are our best tips for staying safe on our platform.
1. Keep All Communications on Twine
Scammers often ask to move conversations to WhatsApp, Telegram, or direct email. Twine can only assist in disputes if the project remains on the platform.
2. Use Milestone Payments for Larger Projects
For long-term projects, secure payments in phases instead of all at once. This prevents clients from disappearing after receiving work.
3. Report Suspicious Clients Immediately
If a client pressures you for off-platform payments, free work, or personal details, report them to Twine’s support team.
What to Do If You Get Scammed
Getting scammed as a freelancer can be frustrating and disheartening, but it’s important to take action rather than dwell on the loss. Whether you haven’t been paid for your work, had your personal information stolen, or simply want to warn others, there are steps you can take to minimize the damage and protect yourself moving forward.
1. If You Haven’t Been Paid
- Send a formal payment reminder.
- Use Twine’s dispute resolution if the project was handled on the platform.
- If external, consider legal action through a small claims court.
2. If Your Personal Information Was Stolen
- Change your passwords immediately.
- Report the scam and alert the relevant authorities.
- Monitor your accounts for suspicious transactions.
3. Share Your Experience to Warn Others
- Leave honest reviews on freelancer forums.
- Help build a safer freelance community by sharing scam experiences.
Final Thoughts
Scams are an unfortunate reality of the freelance world, but being informed is your best defense. By staying cautious, using secure payment methods, and keeping communications on trusted platforms like Twine, you can protect yourself from fraud.
