Is Upwork Now Full of Scammers? (CS: 2024)
I tried to start with a new account for the purpose of seeing and analyzing the current state of the freelancer market (SEO & Copywriter) (2024).
I was previously a Fiverr user, but for 2 months (April-May), I spent more than 700 connects, probably close to 900 connects on Upwork. This includes the plus feature of Upwork, buying additional connects regularly.
Objective: Assess Freelancer Recruitment Patterns
In my point of view, judging from the navigation and recruitment pattern, Fiverr’s system would be much better than Upwork. I consider the design of the recruitment pattern in the form of Gigs to be safer to use for freelancers, even though it takes a long time to get the first order.
Unlike Upwork, which provides a connect feature and allows you to get more opportunities to get work without having to wait. This is very exciting for freelancers, where they can find suitable jobs. Unfortunately, there is an additional fee to buy connects when you exhaust your monthly connect allotment from Upwork.
The stark difference here is in Upwork’s connect feature, as freelancers will be more actively looking for work. So I tried to get first-hand experience and try it out.
Test Scheme on Upwork Platform
I tried to make some schemes on how to convince potential clients there (Upwork). In two months I did some of these procedures, the goal is of course to see the point of view of “new freelancers” and “experienced freelancers” in a new account.
First Month:
- Designing a profile
- Filling up the portfolio
- Proposal approach without promotion, introduction and CTA
- Always do “Boost” on every proposal (+/- 20 per proposal, some even 60 connect)
Month Two:
- Buying more connects
- Sending proposals with additional promotional programs
- Uploading certifications (more than 5 semrush certifications)
- Always “Boost” every proposal
In short, in the first month I will only upload a portfolio. Then in the second month, I would upload some of my certifications. And look what happened! What a bad experience!
Findings: First Month on Upwork (As a New Freelancer)
I spent 300 connects this month, and as a result, I didn’t get any chats at all. Surprisingly only a few proposals were seen, I made sure they were all “boosted” and offered them special rates.
Sorry. I remember, there was 1 chat appeared, where I gave them a free audit on their SEO project. The employer account had already spent a lot of money on Upwork when I looked at it. But the funny thing is, when I got the free service, they didn’t place a return order at least as a goodwill gesture. How cruel is that?
In addition, only a few proposals were seen by potential employers. This is very strange in my opinion, because some proposals are still in “boost” condition. Where I added connect to win the bidding.
Although indeed, this account has not received any reviews at all because it is new. But the funny thing is, these employers are not recruiting. In my point of view, this is very strange, how can more than 20 proposals not recruit?
For those of you who are just starting out on Upwork, this experience will be very valuable. Those potential employers will be very selective in choosing. Especially for those of you who are new to the freelancer world, spending connect with a portfolio that is not optimal will waste your money. Don’t be too happy when you get a chat, they may not necessarily give you money (always be careful and patient).
Findings: Second Month on Upwork
I spent over 300 connects this time, as well as improving my profile and uploading some of my SEO certifications.
I had two chats come in, which is very normal as they were asking me about pricing and services I can provide. 1 is still in the interview process and 1 didn’t hear back even though I gave a lower price (but this is very normal, some employers have their own considerations).
I would say that maybe only 10–20% of them are hiring. I have also tried to select employers who have more than 60% hiring percentage. Others are just posting jobs without recruiting? Is it possible that Upwork is using Ai to create fake jobs to drain the connect of freelancers? I hope this is not done (don’t worry, this is just my assumption).
Scammers started appearing in the second month
And my assumption was proven, there are more scammers here. Some of them have very common scam patterns. For those of you who want to start freelancing with this platform, please pay close attention.
- They will claim to be from big companies
In my findings, they even claim to be from a big Chinese company, Tencent. Offering great opportunities, delaying recruitment and inviting us to leave the platform.
They even dare to call back when they are blocked by the platform. I continued it out of curiosity. lol
And this is what happened next.
At first he said he was from Tencent, then introduced himself with another company called Xunlei. Very suspicious
2. They ask you to leave the Upwork platform for all sorts of reasons
The next scammer is more likely to use the old and familiar triangle pattern.
First, they ask us to leave the platform, and then they ask us to do the tasks assigned. Funnily enough, they use the big name of the company again. During the payment request process, they tell us to send a specific email (this is the triangle pattern).
They say that the payment request process is delayed and we are told to do some things like personal data and ask us to send 200$ (they say it will be returned), who will believe it? Lol.
For those of you who are new to Upwork and have proven skills, please be more careful. You are an easy target for scammers. Don’t want to leave the platform, always follow the rules on Upwork. Buying a lot of connects doesn’t guarantee you a job, and the incoming chat doesn’t guarantee anything either. Giving free samples is also not a good choice, because employers may take advantage of you. It is better to ask for a contract first before you do your work.
Conclusion — This platform is bad enough I give it 3 stars out of 5
Upwork is not very friendly for freelancers or aspiring freelancers. There are too many loopholes to get potentially scammed by employers. Those of you who are here should be more careful, never make contact outside of the platform.
Spending connect does give you more opportunities, but in my case it didn’t work well. You should rethink about this.
You should have a good portfolio and some certifications. This will help you get a job.
Fiverr Is Still a Favorite Choice!
Although I only buy there, stories from freelancers feel more comfortable on this platform. For SEO purposes, I will usually look for writers, link outreach, social media specialists and a design illustrator.
Fiverr makes more sense for those of you who want to start a “freelancer” job
1. Uploading a portfolio — is more than enough to convince
2. Pricing — you can set the price according to the market (it’s very dynamic)
3. Fiverr emblem is very reasonable — more repeat orders and satisfaction as an indicator
4. Straightforward chat feature — when a prospective buyer asks a question just explain, when they are happy they will buy (no loss here, unlike Upwork)
Comparison of Fiverr and Upwork
1. Fiverr buying pattern is easier, this marketplace-like freelancer site is much better. Very safe for both parties.
2. Buying connects on Upwork does give you a chance to get work. But see what I mentioned earlier, is it worth it?
3. Following up for repeat orders is very common for freelancers. Whether you’re on Upwork or Fiverr, I highly recommend both if you want to earn money and get better ratings.
4. Fiverr’s hiring pattern is safer for freelancers, you don’t lose anything. It’s much safer from scammers if you use Fiverr.
Credit: Let Me Recommend The Fiverr Freelancers Who Have Performed Well Here
Content Writer
Some of these writers have different prices, you can take your pick. They are very professional in their work.
SEO Content Writer Recommendations
Social Media Specialist
For me, social media is very important to reach out to consumers or readers, it has a big impact on traffic sources and brand popularity.
Social Media Specialist Recommendation
Link Outreach
If you want to get maximum results, each page must have relevant backlinks. Using black hat techniques may not work now after the EEAT update.
Illustration Design
For those of you who have entered the google discover, we together understand that Title and Image affect the impact of high CTR. I often choose to use illustration design services to optimize these conditions.
Illustration Design Recommendations
The end
From what happened, Fiverr is much better for you freelancers. No need to rush to earn money, think of it as an add-on. Fiverr is safer to use and you are free not to accept requests when they are suspicious.
