Watch out for ‘too good to be true’ freelancer scams, Better Business Bureau warns

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Scammers have taken to impersonating freelancers, enticing victims with low rates for professional work, the Better Business Bureau of Salt Lake City warned on Tuesday.

The Bureau said scammers are creating fake accounts on various freelancer platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork, using photos and resumes from real professionals. The scams offer low costs, often far below what other, similarly qualified, freelancers may charge.

“You decide to hire them and pay a deposit upfront. Your new contractor seems to get to work. But weeks pass, and the project still isn’t finished,” the Bureau said in a press release. “In fact, your freelancer stops responding to messages.”

The Better Business Bureau said this “qualified freelancer” is likely an impostor.

Tips to avoid freelancer fraud

If you’re looking for a freelancer, such as a graphic designer or software developer, to help with your business, there are some actions you can take to help protect yourself from fraud or scams.

First, be wary of freelancer rates that seem “too good to be true.” The Better Business Bureau recommends doing some research on the market and learn the standard hourly rate for the position you would like to hire. If an experienced freelancer is offering a price well below that, it’s likely a scam.

Before agreeing to hire a freelancer, do a video interview first. Make sure they match their photo and have the knowledge and experience they claim to have in their profile.

The Better Business Bureau also recommends searching for the freelancer on other social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook. This could help confirm their validity, identity and experience.

If you find a phony freelancer account, report the suspicious account to the platform they are advertising on.

Freelancers should routinely check to be sure they are not being impersonated and hurting their reputation.