Freelancing is sweet—until you spend weeks working on a job and the client disappears like a PHCN light outage.
Yes, scams happen in freelancing, and many Nigerian freelancers have fallen victim at least once. But don’t worry, my friend! I’m here to teach you how to identify and avoid fraud so you don’t end up doing free work for “ghost clients.”
1. How Do Scammers Operate in Freelancing?
These fraudsters have different methods, but here are some common tricks:
- The Vanishing Client – They hire you, you complete the work, but when it’s time to pay, they disappear faster than a Lagos Danfo driver after collecting your change.
- Fake Payment Alerts – They claim they’ve sent payment but all you get is an SMS alert (which they edited themselves). Always confirm with your bank!
- “Pay to Get Work” Scam – Any client or platform that tells you to “pay registration fees” or “buy a premium account” before you get jobs is most likely a scam.
- Unrealistic Offers – If a client says, “I’ll pay you $500 for writing just 300 words,” be suspicious! Scammers use this trick to lure freelancers into working for free.
2. How to Know a Legit Client from a Fraudster
Before you accept a job, do small investigation like an EFCC agent. Here’s what to check:
Look for Red Flags in Their Request
- If a client is too eager to hire you without asking for samples, they might be fake.
- If they refuse to communicate via a verified email or platform, be careful!
- If they promise “instant payment before you even start,” don’t fall for it.
Check Their Online Presence
- Search for their name, website, or company on Google and LinkedIn.
- If you find nothing, proceed with caution.
Use Secure Payment Methods
- Never accept “send me your bank details” from random people.
- Use Escrow payment services (like Upwork, Payoneer, or Fiverr).
- If you’re working outside these platforms, request at least 50% upfront.
Check for Reviews & Recommendations
- If they’re hiring from a freelance site, check their profile rating and reviews.
- If they reached out on social media, ask other freelancers if they’ve worked with them.
3. Safe Ways to Receive Your Freelance Payments in Nigeria
Scammers know how to play with payments, so be smart! Here’s how to receive your money safely:
- Use Platforms with Built-in Security – Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, or Toptal hold your payment in escrow, meaning clients can’t run away after getting your work.
- Request Partial or Full Payment Upfront – If a client is serious, they won’t have issues paying 50% before you start.
- Use Reliable Payment Systems – Since PayPal is limited in Nigeria, use:
✔️ Payoneer (for international clients)
✔️ Chipper Cash or Grey (for USD transactions)
✔️ Flutterwave or Selar (if you’re selling a service or product) - Never Accept “I’ll Pay You After I See the Work” – That’s freelancer slavery. No deposit, no work!
4. What If I Get Scammed?
If you’ve been scammed before, don’t feel bad. Many freelancers (even the pros) have fallen victim at least once. Here’s what to do next:
- Warn Other Freelancers – Post on Twitter, LinkedIn, or freelancing groups to expose the scammer so others don’t fall for it.
- Report to the Platform – If it happened on Upwork or Fiverr, report them. Some sites ban fraudulent clients.
- Learn From the Mistake – Use the experience as a lesson. Next time, always request an upfront payment.
Final Thoughts: Stay Smart, Stay Safe!
Freelancing is a great way to make money, but you have to be sharp like a Lagos trader. Avoid jobs that sound too good to be true, always confirm payments, and don’t work for free without guarantees.
If you stay alert and follow these tips, you’ll avoid scammers and keep cashing out.
Now tell me, have you ever almost fallen for a freelance scam? Let’s gist in our Facebook Community.
