Freelancing & Remote Work Skills · Beginner level

Beginner level · Module 1: Introduction to Freelancing · Lesson 3 of 3

Realities and Risks

Prepare for irregular income and avoid scams.

In this lesson you will

  • Plan for irregular income
  • Recognise freelance scams

Key concepts

irregular incomecompetitionscamsplatform rules

The lesson

Income is irregular, especially at first; keep another income or savings while you build.

Common scams: 'clients' who ask you to pay for training or equipment, send fake cheques or ask to move off the platform before paying.

Follow platform rules — taking payments outside the platform can get accounts closed and removes payment protection.

Step by step

  1. Plan how you will cover costs while starting.
  2. Review three scam examples.
  3. Read platform rules.
  4. Write your safety rules.
Troubleshooting tree

Is this freelance job offer safe?

Checking a job offer for the signs of common freelance scams.

Does the 'client' ask you to pay anything first — for training, software, equipment or a 'registration fee'?
  • Yes
    Scam. Do not pay; report the account to the platform.
  • No
    Do they ask to move to another app or to be paid outside the platform before any work is agreed?
    • Yes
      High risk. Stay on the platform, where payment protection applies; decline if they insist.
    • No
      Is the pay far above normal for very little work, or do they offer to 'overpay' and ask for a refund of the difference?
      • Yes
        Likely fraud. Decline and report.
      • No
        Probably genuine. Check the client's history and reviews, agree scope in writing and use milestones.

Notes

Genuine clients pay you, not the other way round. When unsure, ask the platform's support before acting.

Practice activity

Write your freelancing safety rules.

Expected result: Clear rules that would stop common scams.

Check your understanding

  1. Should you pay a client for training before starting work?

    Show answer

    No, that is a common scam.

  2. Why keep payments on the platform?

    Show answer

    For payment protection and to follow platform rules.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.