I feel like an idiot. I did free work!

[Guest janedoe05]

I was so focused on getting an order as a new freelance. One person asked me to translate a sample as a test and I believed he was a real buyer and translated part of the document but added a water mark. After receiving the document I was told that he reviewed it and it's all good, I fit the requirements and he will reach back but he didn't.

Another buyer seemed legit when talking about her project, we had a discussion and even sent me a sample of it and it looked like the real deal, my first order! Only to tell me she couldn't register her card as a payment method and ask If I use a certain app so that she can pay me through it. I asked her to contact the help center and foolishly wanted to show my ability and seriousness and translated half a page for her. She said she loved it but still asked about the other app and when I asked did she contact the help center she didn't reply.

Does scammers go through formulating an entire project and discussing it with you? I didn't think so and that why I thought they were serious buyer and got ripped off.

[thejamuhh]

Your gig gallery is meant for examples only. Never share work in the inbox that can be easily obtained. While it's your choice, I personally wouldn't risk it.

There are some scam formats where a conversation takes place first. While this may not seem like a scam, it could be a buyer trying to get free work. Next time, just mention that your gig gallery and portfolio already have enough examples to give an impression, and if that's not sufficient for the buyer, politely let them go. 😉

Sorry this happened, but consider it a tough lesson learned! 😅

[kamrul2120]

12 minutes ago, janedoe05 said:

I was so focused on getting an order as a new freelance. One person asked me to translate a sample as a test and I believed he was a real buyer and translated part of the document but added a water mark. After receiving the document I was told that he reviewed it and it's all good, I fit the requirements and he will reach back but he didn't.

Another buyer seemed legit when talking about her project, we had a discussion and even sent me a sample of it and it looked like the real deal, my first order! Only to tell me she couldn't register her card as a payment method and ask If I use a certain app so that she can pay me through it. I asked her to contact the help center and foolishly wanted to show my ability and seriousness and translated half a page for her. She said she loved it but still asked about the other app and when I asked did she contact the help center she didn't reply.

Does scammers go through formulating an entire project and discussing it with you? I didn't think so and that why I thought they were serious buyer and got ripped off.

really very bad , be  patient 

[katakatica]

5 minutes ago, thejamuhh said:

Your gig gallery is meant for examples only. Never share work in the inbox that can be easily obtained. While it's your choice, I personally wouldn't risk it.

There are some scam formats where a conversation takes place first. While this may not seem like a scam, it could be a buyer trying to get free work. Next time, just mention that your gig gallery and portfolio already have enough examples to give an impression, and if that's not sufficient for the buyer, politely let them go. 😉

Sorry this happened, but consider it a tough lesson learned! 😅

I have a small file with about 100 words for all of the formats I write in (and some puzzles etc.) that I send through as a sample. It's happened a few times recently that I'd send it through and the buyers would ask for a full project to read through. (Not a custom sample, though some have tried.)

Interestingly enough, those buyers were writers who happened to offer the same thing they asked me to show...

13 minutes ago, janedoe05 said:

I was so focused on getting an order as a new freelance. One person asked me to translate a sample as a test and I believed he was a real buyer and translated part of the document but added a water mark. After receiving the document I was told that he reviewed it and it's all good, I fit the requirements and he will reach back but he didn't.

Another buyer seemed legit when talking about her project, we had a discussion and even sent me a sample of it and it looked like the real deal, my first order! Only to tell me she couldn't register her card as a payment method and ask If I use a certain app so that she can pay me through it. I asked her to contact the help center and foolishly wanted to show my ability and seriousness and translated half a page for her. She said she loved it but still asked about the other app and when I asked did she contact the help center she didn't reply.

Does scammers go through formulating an entire project and discussing it with you? I didn't think so and that why I thought they were serious buyer and got ripped off.

I think most scammers will just request you to talk to them somewhere else, but there are definitely people who go the extra mile. It's good to be vigilant. 

[kamrul2120]

10 minutes ago, thejamuhh said:

Your gig gallery is meant for examples only. Never share work in the inbox that can be easily obtained. While it's your choice, I personally wouldn't risk it.

There are some scam formats where a conversation takes place first. While this may not seem like a scam, it could be a buyer trying to get free work. Next time, just mention that your gig gallery and portfolio already have enough examples to give an impression, and if that's not sufficient for the buyer, politely let them go. 😉

Sorry this happened, but consider it a tough lesson learned! 😅

you are good man 

[Guest janedoe05]

13 minutes ago, thejamuhh said:

Your gig gallery is meant for examples only. Never share work in the inbox that can be easily obtained. While it's your choice, I personally wouldn't risk it.

There are some scam formats where a conversation takes place first. While this may not seem like a scam, it could be a buyer trying to get free work. Next time, just mention that your gig gallery and portfolio already have enough examples to give an impression, and if that's not sufficient for the buyer, politely let them go. 😉

Sorry this happened, but consider it a tough lesson learned! 😅

Thanks for the advice. A tough lesson indeed 🥲

[Guest janedoe05]

6 minutes ago, katakatica said:

Interestingly enough, those buyers were writers who happened to offer the same thing they asked me to show...

Could that be?! More experienced sellers using new unexperienced ones like me? This makes me feel even worst 🥲

[katakatica]

5 minutes ago, janedoe05 said:

Could that be?! More experienced sellers using new unexperienced ones like me? This makes me feel even worst 🥲

I'd say in your case it was just simple scammers. (Though it could be anything!)

In my case they were newcomers to the site with no sales or only a few while I'm top-rated. 

Don't feel too bad though! It's a learning curve! Just don't fall for it again. 

Edited August 16 by katakatica

[Guest janedoe05]

6 minutes ago, katakatica said:

In my case they were newcomers to the site with no sales or only a few while I'm top-rated

Oh! Well that makes more sense. 

[Guest janedoe05]

I won't fall for it again (Hopefully cause I'm a bit naive LOL)