Freelancers are a favourite target for scammers. You are looking for work, you are often contacting strangers, and you may be new to online payments. Scammers know this. Learning the warning signs early can save your money, your accounts and your peace of mind.
Why freelancers are targeted
- You want work. Scammers pretend to be clients or recruiters offering easy, well paid tasks.
- You share contact details publicly. Your phone number and email are on your profile, so anyone can message you.
- You handle payments. Fake payment screenshots, overpayments and requests to "refund the difference" all target people who receive money.
- Your accounts are valuable. A marketplace, email or payment account with good reviews can be stolen and used by criminals.
What this section covers
- Spotting freelance and job scams. The common patterns, including those Ghana's Cyber Security Authority has warned about, and how to report them.
- Protecting your accounts and identity. Strong passwords, 2 Step Verification, and why you should never rent out, buy or share an account or send your ID documents carelessly.
One rule to remember
Real clients pay you to work. They never ask you to pay them to get work. If anyone asks for a registration fee, a deposit to unlock tasks, money for "training materials" before a job, or a payment to release your earnings, stop. That one rule protects you from many common scams.