4 ms·

Can you say more about what these scammers want? Do they want you to work for them for free?

7800 6y ago
That’s what I’ve heard. They may lead you on to keep you on the hook in case they need you without even getting work from you. This isn’t really a scam; it’s just about them wasting your time. And there are so many suckers that they can be picky about who they do this to. If you really want to freelance or have a startup, you have to be able to differentiate these people from legit opportunities. That can be extremely difficult; someone that seems like a scammer could be ready to pay a great rate or invest in your company; someone else that sounds legit could be wasting your time.
ChrisMarshallNY 6y ago
Yes, for some, but I never followed up enough to find out more. I think the scary one may have been legit (in their own world), but they were clearly unhinged, and I didn't want to have anything to do with that. Since the approach is often pretty much equal to a 419 approach, I suspect that there would be a point where you give them some sensitive financial information, or pay "licensing fees," or something. Maybe they would send you one of those wonderful "more than the agreed-upon amount" third-party checks.
- cutemonster 6y ago
  Silly question, but if they: > Maybe they would send you one of those wonderful "more than the agreed-upon amount" third-party checks Then, won't they lose money? Or the checks would be invalid, worthless?
  - ChrisMarshallNY 6y ago
    > Or the checks would be invalid, worthless? That's the scam. https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-fake-check-scams#Types https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-rep...
    - cutemonster 6y ago
      Thanks thanks
f6v 6y ago
Some want a freelancer account that is registered in US or Western Europe. I guess it’s easier to get a high-paying client if you have a local face behind your proposal.
- servercobra 6y ago
  I get hit with these constantly because I'm a US based Toptal freelancer. "Hey, if you take the meetings and let us use your account, we'll do all the work and give you 20%!".
  - sitkack 6y ago
    So basically some folks just told you how you can be the CEO of InfoClone? How big are these deals, how skilled are the folks and how many people do they have?
    - f6v 6y ago
      If they have to resort to this tactic it’s usually not a good sign. Skilled workers will get the contracts without the shenanigans.
    - servercobra 6y ago
      I have no idea. I usually tell them I'll consider it if I get to keep 80% instead of 20% and then they disappear heh

7800 6y ago

That’s what I’ve heard. They may lead you on to keep you on the hook in case they need you without even getting work from you. This isn’t really a scam; it’s just about them wasting your time. And there are so many suckers that they can be picky about who they do this to. If you really want to freelance or have a startup, you have to be able to differentiate these people from legit opportunities. That can be extremely difficult; someone that seems like a scammer could be ready to pay a great rate or invest in your company; someone else that sounds legit could be wasting your time.

ChrisMarshallNY 6y ago

Yes, for some, but I never followed up enough to find out more. I think the scary one may have been legit (in their own world), but they were clearly unhinged, and I didn't want to have anything to do with that. Since the approach is often pretty much equal to a 419 approach, I suspect that there would be a point where you give them some sensitive financial information, or pay "licensing fees," or something. Maybe they would send you one of those wonderful "more than the agreed-upon amount" third-party checks.

cutemonster 6y ago
Silly question, but if they: > Maybe they would send you one of those wonderful "more than the agreed-upon amount" third-party checks Then, won't they lose money? Or the checks would be invalid, worthless?
- ChrisMarshallNY 6y ago
  > Or the checks would be invalid, worthless? That's the scam. https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-fake-check-scams#Types https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-rep...
  - cutemonster 6y ago
    Thanks thanks

f6v 6y ago

Some want a freelancer account that is registered in US or Western Europe. I guess it’s easier to get a high-paying client if you have a local face behind your proposal.

servercobra 6y ago
I get hit with these constantly because I'm a US based Toptal freelancer. "Hey, if you take the meetings and let us use your account, we'll do all the work and give you 20%!".
- sitkack 6y ago
  So basically some folks just told you how you can be the CEO of InfoClone? How big are these deals, how skilled are the folks and how many people do they have?
  - f6v 6y ago
    If they have to resort to this tactic it’s usually not a good sign. Skilled workers will get the contracts without the shenanigans.
  - servercobra 6y ago
    I have no idea. I usually tell them I'll consider it if I get to keep 80% instead of 20% and then they disappear heh