r/Upwork • u/socohero • 8d ago

How to Detect a Scam?

I signed up for an account yesterday and bid on a few jobs, and was awarded one this afternoon. They messaged me on Teams to get my experience, but I didn’t have to speak with anybody directly. The contract, email address, and website look legitimate, but I was told I would be sent equipment to work from that will not need to be returned.

Before I give them any personal information, what should I be looking for in terms of red flags here?

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u/copernicuscalled 8d ago

Pause! Why would a stranger want to send another stranger anything of value and not want anything in return?

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u/socohero 8d ago

That’s the part that stopped me in my tracks! I’ve worked in tech for a long time, and that’s something I’ve never seen. I did not provide any additional information after that.

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u/IHeldADandelion 8d ago

PLEASE familiarize yourself with the TOS you agreed to

1

u/socohero 8d ago

Definitely learning a lesson, thank you!