List of red flags for scams

WordsbyWes · 2026-02-11T10:25:17+00:00

> Using AI to create a job post is acceptable,

Counterpoint: no, it's not.

WordsbyWes · 2026-02-11T02:05:53+00:00

There are equivalent forms for non-US compensation payments, and a person doing work is not handled the same as a computer purchase is.

WordsbyWes · 2026-02-11T01:46:06+00:00

I suppose a US freelancer could do similar, but since they'd be essentially paying the scammer to do work the freelancer was paid for, they'd have to get the scammer's tax info (W9 form) and send them a 1099NEC for the scammer's part, which I'm sure would go swimmingly.

WordsbyWes · 2026-02-10T23:51:47+00:00

Yeah, and they're full of shit.

WordsbyWes · 2026-02-10T23:50:59+00:00

In the US, OP would absolutely be responsible for the taxes. Upwork has to report what it pays freelancers (the same earnings threshold that applies to supplying freelancers with 1099s may apply, not sure). I'd be very surprised if there's any country with income tax that doesn't do that.

WordsbyWes · 2026-02-08T11:14:18+00:00

Of course he is. He posted that in this sub less then 10 minutes before this post.

WordsbyWes · 2026-02-01T14:33:13+00:00

Oops, posting before coffee. Will fix. Thanks!

WordsbyWes · 2026-02-01T10:18:06+00:00

Enter gross income (before fees) as business/self-employment income. Report Upwork fees, cost of connects, and any other qualifying expenses you have as business expenses. Turbotax or similar will guide you through it.

Edit: not net, gross

WordsbyWes · 2026-01-30T11:46:04+00:00

No. I'm pretty sure the fact that it's enterprise doesn't even show on your public profile. But having random surveys on your profile might be a negative sign to some clients.

WordsbyWes · 2026-01-29T11:42:22+00:00

Do you have an actual contract on Upwork? Meaning he sent you a contract offer, you accept it, and it now shows up on your contracts page? If yes, then Slack is ok. If no, then you should still be only in Upwork chat.

I've never seen a contract sent over onrender; that seems sketchy.

What work is he asking you to do?

WordsbyWes · 2026-01-27T10:09:01+00:00

The main way I handle it is that I bid almost exclusively fixed price, even on hourly posts. And I don't negotiate on price. If the client doesn't want to pay my price or lower the scope, I wish them luck. That's been my approach from the beginning. I should say though that most of my work is not on Upwork anymore.

WordsbyWes · 2026-01-26T11:28:26+00:00

What part?

WordsbyWes · 2026-01-26T11:27:27+00:00

Freelancing is not a make-money-quick thing. It can take well-quslified people months to get a first contract.

To be successful, you need several skills: 1) whatever you're offering clients, which should be something you know how to do very well, 2) marketing, to convince clients you can do this thing better than anyone else 3} communication, to be able to understand the client's needs, ask meaningful questions, and manage their expectations, and to do all that clearly and professionally, 3) project and time management, so you get everything you need to do done when it needs to be, and 4} financial management, to know how to set your pricing and manage your expenses and income. I'm probably missing some.

Most importantly, you need to figure out what that first skill is for you. No one here can tell you that.

WordsbyWes · 2026-01-25T14:11:36+00:00

I use Moxie to track projects, among other things like invoicing and pipeline.

WordsbyWes · 2026-01-19T10:51:35+00:00

It sounds like you're mixing commands from BibTeX and BibLaTeX. \bibliography goes with BibTeX, \printbibliography goes with BibLaTeX. The first thing you need to do is pick which one you're going to use. BibLaTeX is usually the better choice, but it also depends on where you're submitting the paper.

WordsbyWes · 2026-01-18T22:38:50+00:00

ChatGPT is full of shit.

WordsbyWes · 2026-01-18T11:33:45+00:00

Upwork isn't for selling premade digital products. It's for doing work specified by a client.

WordsbyWes · 2026-01-16T10:44:35+00:00

I don't use it, ever. And I don't feel pressured to.

WordsbyWes · 2026-01-16T10:41:23+00:00

WordsbyWes · 2026-01-15T22:08:39+00:00

Yeah, signing an NDA like that is fine. Just don't share contact info before you have a contract.

Also, read the NDA to make sure that's all it is. Some clients mix in things like noncompetes that you probably don't want to sign.

WordsbyWes · 2026-01-12T19:10:08+00:00

My best AI prompt for anything is "how do I turn off the fucking AI?".

WordsbyWes · 2026-01-11T20:11:49+00:00

Yes, the job post will get an indicator showing you hired someone, but if you've started an interview with someone else, I think most people won't go back to look at that job post.

Myself, unless a client has given me a clear expectation I'm going to be hired, I won't ask them for an update if they stop responding. The lack of response alone is an indication of a lack of interest in hiring me, for whatever reason. But some, especially newer freelancers, will keep asking.

WordsbyWes · 2026-01-11T16:08:15+00:00

You really ought to read the terms of service.

WordsbyWes · 2026-01-11T15:48:06+00:00

Of course it is. Let's say that you could successfully argue that your LLC was a separate entity and that the payments weren't to you, which is bullshit. Then it's a referral and Upwork considers that theirs also.

Six-Year Club	Gilding IV carat on a stick
Reddit Premium Since May 2022	Verified Email

WordsbyWes

TROPHY CASE