Potential client links to external most likely shady website in inbox. Is this a scam?

[jiniyas_awode]

Client whose account was made this month, reaches out to me via inbox. Sounds very professional(probably chatgpt generated), refers to one of my webcomic gigs and sends me an external link to some website, saying the project details are in the said link and i should check it out and let her know if i can handle it or not and provide me with any other options if possible.
I go on the said link which has another link labled "project details" and looks like a google doc. I click on it, and it links to a website that has a youtube video on it in full screen mode and with a message displaying "click allow" or something like that. I dont click on anything there, because all this has been very suspicous to me from the start.

This is a scam. But it made me wonder, what kind of links are allowed to send in the inbox and what aren't. I know that we aren't allowed to use fiverr to take business elsewhere.
I told the client to send me the project requirements inside fiverr not outside.

I'm new on fiverr, with no customers yet - so probably a ripe target for scammers. I'm still not all that sure how everything on fiverr works specially in the inbox and what to do and not to do.

What do you think? And tips if any?

Edited August 13, 2023 by jiniyas_awode

[rawque_gulia]

Whenever you open a link, just search "Windows Sandbox" in the search bar of your PC and it will open a separate machine/RDP for you. Now, it doesn't matter if it is a file with malware, it will not affect your main system.

Without checking the file it is absolutely uncertain whether this is indeed a scam or not. So, you can test yourself inside the "Sandbox" without any problem, and it will clear all your doubts. If you find out that it is a malware file, make sure to block and report the buyer.

P.S.- Sending link in inbox is not always a violation. For example, you can attach links to document files or YouTube videos as references (but only if no personal information is attached to the following link).

Edited August 13, 2023 by rawque_gulia

[khalifacyrusuk]

Hey mate - to be on the safe side, never click links in Fiverr messages.

There's no real reason that you should need to receive links from a client. I suppose, when the client places an order they might attach some links - but this is already less risky as you know they're a legit client.

Fiverr lists some information about links that are allowed in Gigs/messages, check them out here: https://help.fiverr.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011421218-Gig-policies

They are: 

• ammyy.com
• blogspot.com
• flickr.com
• mixcloud.com
• reverbnation.com
• soundcloud.com
• spotify.com
• teamviewer.com
• tumblr.com
• vimeo.com
• wetransfer.com
• wikipedia.org
• youtube.com

[jiniyas_awode]

On 8/13/2023 at 11:32 AM, rawque_gulia said:

Whenever you open a link, just search "Windows Sandbox" in the search bar of your PC and it will open a separate machine/RDP for you. Now, it doesn't matter if it is a file with malware, it will not affect your main system.

Without checking the file it is absolutely uncertain whether this is indeed a scam or not. So, you can test yourself inside the "Sandbox" without any problem, and it will clear all your doubts. If you find out that it is a malware file, make sure to block and report the buyer.

P.S.- Sending link in inbox is not always a violation. For example, you can attach links to document files or YouTube videos as references (but only if no personal information is attached to the following link).

interesting. I did not know that.

 

[jiniyas_awode]

On 8/13/2023 at 3:48 PM, khalifacyrusuk said:

Hey mate - to be on the safe side, never click links in Fiverr messages.

There's no real reason that you should need to receive links from a client. I suppose, when the client places an order they might attach some links - but this is already less risky as you know they're a legit client.

Fiverr lists some information about links that are allowed in Gigs/messages, check them out here: https://help.fiverr.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011421218-Gig-policies

They are: 

• ammyy.com
• blogspot.com
• flickr.com
• mixcloud.com
• reverbnation.com
• soundcloud.com
• spotify.com
• teamviewer.com
• tumblr.com
• vimeo.com
• wetransfer.com
• wikipedia.org
• youtube.com

Thanks. I will check it out. 

[alessio90]

Report any suspicious customers. Why do they need to send you material before opening an order?

Edited September 6, 2023 by alessio90