TL;DR: Freelancers juggle multiple clients and payment apps with irregular income. Never refund an overpayment before a check fully clears, log into payment platforms directly rather than through emailed links, and get new-client agreements in writing.
👉 Check my digital footprint — free 30-second check →
Freelancers juggle multiple clients and payment apps with irregular income.
Common Tactics Used
Fake clients overpay by check and ask for the difference refunded before the check bounces, and phishing messages impersonate payment platforms warning that an account will be suspended.
How to Protect Against It
Never refund an overpayment before a check fully clears, log into payment platforms directly rather than through emailed links, and get new-client agreements in writing.
What Family and Friends Can Do
Sudden secrecy about money, unusual withdrawals, or a new online relationship that stays undisclosed are all worth a calm, judgment-free conversation. The earlier a scam is caught, the more can usually be recovered.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading Scams Targeting People Searching for Long-Lost Family.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see Scams Targeting Graduate School Applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are they specifically targeted?
Freelancers juggle multiple clients and payment apps with irregular income.
What tactics do scammers use?
Fake clients overpay by check and ask for the difference refunded before the check bounces, and phishing messages impersonate payment platforms warning that an account will be suspended.
How can they protect themselves?
Never refund an overpayment before a check fully clears, log into payment platforms directly rather than through emailed links, and get new-client agreements in writing.
What should family or friends watch for?
Sudden secrecy about money or new online relationships, unusual withdrawals or wire transfers, and reluctance to discuss a new "opportunity" or contact in detail are all worth a gentle, non-judgmental conversation.
What should I do if I think this has already happened?
Stop all contact and payments immediately, report it to the appropriate authority, and contact the bank or payment provider involved to see what can be recovered.