The internet is the freelancer’s playground; unfortunately, the same can be said of the scammer.
Gigs can disappear overnight, and clients sometimes vanish just before payday. Online scams are an unfortunate reality for freelancers everywhere. With more people working independently across borders, the tricks are getting smarter, faster, and harder to spot.
If you’re a freelancer navigating multiple platforms, currencies, and clients, I’ll help you identify red flags, protect your payments, and keep your workflow secure.
Freelancers often work independently, without the legal or administrative buffers that traditional jobs offer. Many don’t have contracts or secure payment systems, making them easy targets.
You may also be working across countries and time zones, which can complicate communication and make it easier for scammers to disappear.
The threats come in many forms. And once you lose money, recovering it is difficult.
Also read: Top five money transfer scams and how to avoid them
Here are some of the most common online cams that freelancers should be looking to avoid:
The client reaches out, gives a brief, agrees to your rate (almost too quickly), and asks for a quick turnaround. You submit the work and suddenly, they disappear.
Scams like this hit freelancers who need consistent cash flow to support themselves.
Here are some things to watch out for:
In this one, the scammer says they’ve overpaid you by mistake, usually via cheque or a fake bank transfer and asks you to refund the difference. Then, their original payment bounces, and you’re left footing the loss. Usually, the client claims to be “in a rush” or dealing with a bank error. A common method that they use to make tracing even more difficult is that they ask you to send the difference to a third party. They may also insist on using odd payment methods or wire transfers.
Some scammers flip the script and tell you they need something before starting, like a processing fee or a subscription to a third-party platform. These payments can range from asking you to pay to unlock job details to requiring a security or verification fee before onboarding. Sometimes they may offer to reimburse you for an expense. Of course, that’s never going to happen.
Freelancers, especially those new to the field, are more likely to fall victim to these kinds of scams. They may feel desperate to land a gig, and this scam preys on that urgency.
The simple way to avoid this kind of scam is to never pay a client. Ever. You’re providing the service, not the other way around. Any job that requires payment up front is likely a scam.
This usually begins with a scammer lifting the branding or profile of a real company or agency to lure you in. You think you’re talking to someone legit, but it’s a bait-and-switch. You usually will apply through what looks like a legit job board and are then contacted via Telegram, WhatsApp, or email by someone posing as an “HR rep”. They conduct a fake interview and ask for your personal info or bank details. You later discover the job never existed.
Another sneaky one. The client wants to test your skills with a small task, often framed as part of the hiring process. If the work is too detailed or suspiciously resembles actual deliverables, chances are they’re just collecting free work from multiple freelancers.
Some easy giveaways are the lack of a clear commitment to hire, the duration of the task and sometimes, multiple rounds of work.
To protect yourself, if you must accept an unpaid task, only take a short one, like a 100-word writing sample. Full-on work should be paid. Treat unpaid trials as speculative, and don’t invest serious time without something formal in place.
Here are some practical ways to stay safe while freelancing online:
Stick to reputable freelance marketplaces like Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal, and PeoplePerHour. These platforms have built-in safety features that help protect freelancers, including verified client identities, escrow payment systems, and dedicated dispute resolution support. Working within a trusted platform also gives you access to public client reviews and ratings, helping you vet job offers more effectively. Avoid platforms or websites that seem too new or lack a track record of protecting freelancers.
Even when working off-platform, a written and signed contract is a non-negotiable layer of protection. It should clearly outline the scope of work, payment terms, timelines, revision limits, and who owns the final deliverables. A good contract protects both parties from misunderstandings or shady behaviour and helps enforce accountability. If a client resists signing an agreement, consider it a red flag.
Legitimate clients don’t charge freelancers upfront to be considered for a job. If you’re ever asked to pay for application processing, software licenses, onboarding fees, or training before any work begins, it’s almost always a scam. These requests are often disguised to look professional, but they’re designed to exploit your eagerness to land a gig. Walk away immediately if money is requested before work starts.
Unpaid test tasks may seem harmless, especially if they promise future paid work, but scammers often use them to get free labour. If a potential client insists on seeing your skills, offer to complete a small portion of the job as a paid sample or direct them to your portfolio. Remember, if you’re expected to deliver value, you should be compensated for it, no matter how small the task.
Before accepting any work, do a quick background check on your client. Look them up on LinkedIn to verify their professional presence and check if they’re affiliated with a legitimate company. Explore the company website, read reviews, and request communication through a professional email address. Avoid engaging with anyone using vague identities, personal email accounts, or who refuses to provide contact details. If you feel uneasy after your research, walking away is okay.
Avoid using untraceable payment methods like direct crypto transfers, especially with first-time clients. Instead, use secure platforms that allow you to track payments and lodge disputes if necessary. Trusted tools like PayPal, Wise, and Grey offer freelancer-friendly features and international transaction support. Grey, in particular, lets you receive payments from clients abroad in USD, EUR, or GBP, and convert them to your local currency at competitive rates.
Freelancers often overlook their gut feelings, but instincts are an important first line of defence. If a job description feels vague, the communication is pushy, or something doesn’t sit right, pause. Many scammers prey on desperation or urgency. Don’t let pressure push you into a risky deal. It’s better to miss out on a job than to chase a payment that’ll never come.
Scammers constantly adapt their strategies, so staying informed is crucial. Join freelancer communities on Reddit, Discord, or LinkedIn where people share scam warnings, client blacklists, and new fraud trends. Follow accounts and blogs that publish regular updates on remote work and online safety. Our blog is a great place to start.The more you know, the quicker you’ll spot a scam when it appears.
Breaking large projects into milestones protects both you and the client. Ask for partial payments at key project stages after the initial draft, after revisions, and so on. This ensures you’re compensated for your work as you go and avoids the nightmare of chasing down a full payment after you’ve delivered everything.
Also read: How to budget as a freelancer and manage irregular income
Staying alert and cautious as a freelancer will protect your income, time, and peace of mind. Using a verified financial platform adds a layer of legitimacy that shady clients find more difficult to bypass. Create your Grey account today or download the app to enjoy inclusive global banking designed to carry your dreams across borders.
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