How To Identify & Avoid Scams as a Freelancer

Sandra Liu: Hi, I'm Sandra, and having worked in cybersecurity for five years, I've seen all the common mistakes people make when protecting themselves and their data online. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned professional, these tips can help keep you secure. 

The first thing is to make sure that your account and data are secure. This means getting a password manager to generate and store strong passwords for you, as well as turning on two-factor authentication whenever you can. Many password managers will also give you security alerts if your accounts were leaked in a data breach and help you change your passwords ASAP. 

Another way to secure your data is to use a VPN, which encrypts your data when using the internet so no one else can have access to your online browsing history. For the best security, try to avoid using public Wi-Fi when you can, and always make sure that your VPN is turned on when accessing unknown networks. And, of course, never leave your computer unattended if you're working in a café or any other public space, especially when logged into your accounts or working on sensitive projects.

I'd also make sure to have reliable antivirus software with regular updates and scans to avoid any viruses or other malware. Last but not least, you should regularly back up your work to an external drive or the cloud, and keep your computer and other software up to date with the latest security patches. Implementing all these security measures will help protect your work and personal information as a freelancer. Outside of general security hygiene, one of the most important things you should always keep in mind as a freelancer is being able to identify and avoid scams online. 

Upwork is one of the most popular freelancing platforms today, and because of that, I'll also give you some tips for staying safe and secure if you use it. Trust and safety is a top priority for Upwork. You should never share your Upwork account with others, and be aware of known scams and how to report them on Upwork. The biggest rule of thumb is to keep all communication, payment transactions, and work deliverables on the Upwork platform. Upwork payment protection uses milestones, escrow accounts, and a desktop time tracker while providing an added layer of security to ensure that freelancers get paid for their work, and clients are only paid for hours completed or projects delivered.

Freelancers are strongly advised against accepting payments off the Upwork platform, as this can expose you to potential scams or risks. As mentioned, communication should always be conducted through Upwork, which is required before a contract is officially started. This also maintains a record of all of your conversations and messages. If someone is asking to move conversations to another messaging app to discuss a contract, this may be a scam, and it's important to remain vigilant. By adhering to these guidelines, you create a safer and more secure working environment for yourself and other freelancers.

As a freelancer, you should also be watching out for common online scams, as well as how to identify them. One big one is phishing, where scammers can send you an email or link and pose as legit companies or clients to steal your login details or personal information. Always double check who's emailing or messaging you before clicking any links or sharing information.

Then there are shipping scams, where they ask you to receive and resend packages that may be suspicious, or check cashing fraud, where they may send you a check and ask you to cash it, only for it to be marked as fraud by the bank. Similarly, gift card fraud is another financial scam to be wary of, whether you've been asked to accept it as payment or to purchase gift cards for someone else.

Keep an eye out for common red flags from clients, like rushing to start work without a contract, requesting you to do free work, or asking for upfront payments. If a client asks for your personal mailing address or sensitive info, be cautious. Be wary of clients without verified payment methods or profiles using celebrity photos. Upwork offers a wealth of resources to help independent professionals securely and successfully complete their work so you spend more time on what's important. 

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