VickyFreelancing offers incredible freedom, you choose your clients, set your rates, and work on projects you’re passionate about. But with that freedom comes a downside: scammers looking to take advantage of hardworking freelancers.
We’re proud to say that scams on Twine are thankfully rare, but it pays to be vigilant. Even on legitimate platforms like Twine, scammers occasionally slip through, preying on freelancers who are eager to land new projects. Whether it’s fake job postings, payment fraud, or identity theft, these scams can waste your time and even cost you money.
Staying informed and cautious is the most effective way to avoid the threat of online scams. Here at Twine, we’re committed to ensuring a secure and positive online experience for our freelancers, and this guide is designed to support that.
We’ll walk you through some common scam tactics seen in the past on Twine, red flags to watch out for, and most importantly, how to protect yourself while freelancing online.
Common Scam Tactics on Twine (And How to Avoid Them)
Scammers are sneaky, but they tend to use the same tricks over and over. Here are the most common ones we’ve seen on Twine and how you can spot them before it’s too late.
High-Value Jobs That Seem Too Good to Be True
To maintain a premium experience for our freelancers, Twine actively vets job listings. While we strive for perfection, occasional exceptions may occur.
Imagine this: You see a job listing on Twine offering $5,000 for a simple logo design or basic voiceover at $1,000 per hour. Sounds amazing, right? It might be tempting, but it’s probably a scam.
Red Flags:
The pay is way above industry standard for the work required. The job description is vague or extremely short.
How to Stay Safe:
Research the client before accepting work.If a job offer feels too good to be true, trust your gut, it probably is. Always ensure payment is secured through Twine before starting any project.
The Check & Overpayment Scam
This classic scam works like this: The client wants to send you a check, claiming it’s for your work + additional fees. Then, they ask you to send back the extra money.
A few days later? The check bounces, and you’re left out of pocket.
Red Flags:
The client insists on paying via cashier’s check instead of Twine’s secure payment system, or another legitimate payment method like a bank transfer, PayPal or Venmo. They say they accidentally overpaid and need a refund. They pressure you to return the money quickly.
How to Stay Safe:
Never accept cashier’s checks. Legit clients pay through Twine or another reputable payment processor. If a client overpays, don’t send money back. Report them instead.
Fake Clients Asking for Upfront Money
A so-called “client” might claim you need to pay a fee for software, licenses, or materials before they can hire you.
Guess what? You’ll never see that money again and the “client” will disappear.
Red Flags:
The client asks you to send money before starting work. They promise you’ll be reimbursed later. They use vague excuses like “company policy” or “security reasons.”
How to Stay Safe:
Legitimate clients never ask freelancers to pay them first. If someone asks for money, block them and report the scam.
Fake Twine Emails & Impersonation
Scammers can pretend to be Twine staff by using fake email addresses, such as twine@outlook.com. They’ll try to get you to provide personal information or payments.
Red Flags:
The email is from a free service like Gmail or Outlook, not @twine.net. They ask for your login details or payment information. Misuse of our logo or other branding. Contacting you directly, externally to Twine to offer work.
How to Stay Safe:
Twine will never email you from an unofficial address. If you’re unsure, contact Twine support directly.
Scammers Impersonating Twine Staff on Social Media
Scammers can pose as Twine employees on platforms like Facebook or Fiverr, offering fake job opportunities.
Red Flags:
Their profiles look new or unverified. They promise jobs in exchange for an upfront fee. They refuse to communicate through the Twine platform.
How to Stay Safe:
Genuine Twine staff will never try to hire freelancers through third party platforms. If you’re unsure, contact Twine support first, before acting. Report fake accounts to the platform they’re using.
Clients Asking to Move Conversations to Telegram
On Twine we have a messaging system for clients to communicate with freelancers on projects. Pro members get the option to contact clients directly, allowing both parties to choose the method of communication that works best for them.
However, bear in mind that moving off-platform for communication can sometimes be a sign of a scam, too.
Scammers will often ask freelancers to switch to Telegram, WhatsApp, or private email. Why? So they can scam you off-platform, where Twine can’t help you.
Red Flags:
The client immediately asks to chat off Twine. They claim it’s “easier” to communicate elsewhere. They disappear from Twine after messaging you.
How to Stay Safe:
Keep all communication on Twine. Twine cannot protect you if you take conversations off-platform.
Instant Hiring Without Discussion
A real client will discuss project details before hiring. Scammers, on the other hand, “hire” you immediately without even reviewing your work or asking a single question.
Red Flags:
No interview, no questions about experience, just instant approval. Generic messages that look copy-pasted. They pressure you to start immediately.
How to Stay Safe:
Ask questions about the project before accepting work. Be wary of clients who rush you without a proper discussion.
Cold-Contacting Freelancers Outside of Twine
If someone messages you on Instagram, Facebook, or email, claiming they found you on Twine, but won’t hire you through Twine, be suspicious.
Red Flags:
They reference Twine but refuse to communicate there. They send vague job offers without any details. They dodge questions about their company.
How to Stay Safe:
Always handle job offers through Twine. If contacted elsewhere, ask them to message you on Twine.
How Twine Protects Freelancers & What to Do If You Spot a Scam
Twine’s Security Features
At Twine, we take freelancer safety seriously and have several security measures in place to minimize the risk of scams.
Twine’s in-platform messaging system is designed to protect freelancers from fraud. Keeping all job-related communications within the platform helps prevent common scams that occur when discussions move to unmonitored channels. This also allows our support team to step in if any suspicious activity is reported.
Should you ever come across something concerning, Twine’s support team is always available to help. If you suspect a job posting or client may not be legitimate, you can reach out to our team to report it. We actively investigate reports and take swift action to protect our freelancers from potential threats.
What to Do If You Spot a Scam
If you suspect a scam on Twine, the first and most important step is to report the user directly through the platform. This helps us take immediate action to investigate and remove fraudulent accounts before they can target other freelancers. Reporting a scam not only protects you but also helps safeguard the wider Twine community.
It’s equally important not to engage with the scammer. Many scammers rely on manipulation tactics, such as creating a sense of urgency or offering deals that seem too good to be true. Engaging with them can put you at further risk, so it’s best to cut off communication as soon as you recognize the red flags.
Finally, spreading awareness in freelance communities can help others avoid falling for similar scams. Whether it’s through online forums, social media groups, or discussions with fellow freelancers, sharing your experience can prevent others from becoming victims. Scammers thrive on freelancers being unaware of their tactics, so the more informed the community is, the harder it becomes for them to succeed.
Scams can happen anywhere, but you can protect yourself by staying alert, trusting your instincts, and using Twine’s security features.
If you feel you have been affected by a scam on Twine, please reach out to us here.
Twine
Semrush
Alan Barne