Is Freelancer A Scam? (2022) The Shocking Truth Here Now.

Hello! Welcome to my "Is Freelancer A Scam?" review! (Updated 2022)

Chances are, you probably bumped into Freelancer.com when you were searching up for ways to earn money online.

Well, in this review, that is our topic. Before you start creating an account and working at Freelancer, it is important to find out any information about it.

What is it? How does it work? Is Freelancer a scam?

These are some of the questions that you need to be answered. Furthermore, this is to avoid wasting your time on something that is a scam or does not pay well.

With that being said, let's get started.

Is Freelancer A Scam: Quick Summary

What is Freelancer.com?

Freelancer.com is an online and global crowdsourcing marketplace website.

Furthermore, it is where employers and freelancers can build relationships to be able to finish certain jobs and projects.

In addition, Freelancer is similar to People Per Hour and Guru.

It was founded in the year, 2009, by the current CEO, Matt Barrie. Its headquarters is located in Sydney, Australia.

However, Freelancer also has offices in London, Vancouver, Jakarta, Manila and Buenos Aires.

It has a lot of various fields that freelancers and employers can work on. Some of these include:

How does it work? 

The basic process behind Freelancer.com is this. First, clients and employers post jobs on Freelancer. Afterwards, freelancers can then bid on these jobs.

So, clients will review these bids and will choose among the freelancers who they think is the one perfect for the job.

However, there are other factors that are in play when determining the right freelancer. One of these are the skills and experiences of the freelancer.

Whenever the job is complete, the freelancer will then be paid.

Employers

Here is the process that employers undergo. First things first, they must create a Freeelancer.com profile or account.

Afterwards, you can post jobs through the "Post Project" button. Then, you will be required to input details about the job. This includes the name, the description or instructions and of course, your budget.

Employers will then wait for freelancers to bid for the job. Sometimes, it can be difficult to have bidders.

However, Freelancer has this feature which you have to pay for. With it, you can do the following:

However, before you make your job posting live, you will have to make sure that your account has credits. 

Furthermore, the amount must be equal or more than the cost of the project.

Employers can do this via Paypal, bank account or credit card. 3% of the project cost goes to Freelancer.com. While the rest goes to the freelancer you hired.

Freelancers

Same thing as the employer. First, to be a freelancer, one must create an account.

Afterwards, you must fill up your profile. Provide the information needed. Plus, don't forget your payment details too.

Furthermore, it is important to indicate your skills and experiences. These will be the basis for employers to know whether you are fit for their jobs.

However, we will talk more about this in the next section.

So when you are done decorating your profile, you can begin searching for jobs. Once you find one, place a bid and wait for the employer's response.

You will be paid the moment you finish the job. Moreover, payment will depend on the contract you agreed with. We will talk about this later on.

Signing up as a freelancer

In this part, we will discuss the process you must undergo to create a profile as a freelancer.

Step 1

Visit the sign-up page in Freelancer.com. However, you can choose to use your Facebook account to sign up for a faster process.

If not, you must provide your email address and of course, your password.

Afterwards, you must verify your email address and you are good to go.

Step 2

The next step is where you will choose what type of freelance profile you are registering for.

So, you can choose from a basic profile or a Professional profile. The difference is that the basic profile is free to create and use.

While the Professional profile will cost you $29.95 monthly via Paypal or credit/debit card. However, the first month is free.

However, there are exclusive benefits.

Step 3

In the third step, you must specify your skills. There are various options you can choose from.

So, the main categories are:

Step 4

The last step in setting up your freelancer profile is to provide information about yourself.

Furthermore, these will be shown to the public. Meaning, employers can view these information.

You have to describe yourself, state your experiences, services you can offer, your hourly rate, languages you can speak and of course, your address.

Additionally, your public profile will make other details about you visible. Here are some of them.

Is Freelancer A Scam: Membership Plans and Pricing

Free Trial Plan

Allows you to access their basic features. Plus, gives you the ability to make up to 8 bids per month.

Basic Plan

Access to basic features; plus, the following:

• 50 Bids Monthly
• 50 Skills
• Unlock Rewards
• Unlimited Project Bookmarks
• Preferred Freelancer Eligible
• Custom Cover Photo
• 3 Free Highlighted Contest Entries Per Month
• 12 Free Sealed Contest Entries Per Month
• 5 Employer Followings

Plus Plan

Access to basic features; plus, the following:

• 100 Bids Per Month
• 80 Skills
• Client Engagement
• Daily Withdrawal Requests
• Unlock Rewards
• Unlimited Project Bookmarks
• Preferred Freelancer Eligible*
• Custom Cover Photo
• 5 Free Highlighted Contest Entries Per Month
• 25 Free Sealed Contest Entries Per Month
• 10 Employer Followings
• 5 External Invoicings
• Free Project Extensions
• High Value Project Bidding*

Professional Plan

Access to basic features; plus, the following:

• 300 Bids Per Month
• 100 Skills
• Client Engagement
• Bid Insights
• Daily Withdrawal Requests
• Unlock Rewards
• Unlimited Project Bookmarks
• Preferred Freelancer Eligible*
• Custom Cover Photo
• 15 Free Highlighted Contest Entries Per Month
• 75 Free Sealed Contest Entries Per Month
• 20 Employer Followings
• 15 External Invoicings
• Free Project Extensions
• Free Sealed Projects
• Premium Freelancer Insights
• High Value Project Bidding*

Premier Plan

Access to basic features; plus, the following:

• 1500 Bids Per Month
• 400 Skills
• Client Engagement
• Bid Insights
• Daily Withdrawal Requests
• Unlock Rewards
• Unlimited Project Bookmarks
• Preferred Freelancer Eligible*
• Custom Cover Photo
• 30 Free Highlighted Contest Entries Per Month
• 150 Free Sealed Contest Entries Per Month
• Unlimited Employer Followings
• Unlimited External Invoicings
• Free Project Extensions
• Free Sealed Projects
• Premium Freelancer Insights
• Free NDA Projects
• High Value Project Bidding*

Is Freelancer A Scam: Fee Structure

Similar to other freelancing websites, Freelancer.com has fees for freelancers too.

Whenever a job is completed, a portion of the payment goes to the website as a compensation for using the services.

So, here are the fees.

How do you get paid?

When working in Freelancer.com, currently, there are 2 ways you can get paid.

Through Invoicing or Milestone Payment System.

Invoicing

If you prefer to work at an hourly rate, then the best one for you is the invoice method.

Basically, after completing a job, you will be paid and the money will be reflected in your account.

Afterwards, you can withdraw the money by sending a withdrawal request in the website.

However, if you just received your very first payment at Freelancer.com, it will take you around 2 weeks to process the money. According to them, this is for security reasons.

However, on the next withdrawals, you can place a request every second week.

So, here are the options you can choose from.

Milestone Payment System

This one is what Freelancer.com highly recommends. It is because you are more secured with this type. Here is how it works.

So, when you are accepted in a job and you start working on it, the funds will be held by Freelancer.com.

However, you will have the choice to receive partial payments during the project. If you do, then there is what we call, "milestones". Once you accomplish one of them, the employer will release partial amounts of the funds.

Furthermore, the employer does not have the ability to cancel any pending milestone payment.

If ever the client fails to do so, this will be resolved with the website's Dispute Resolution Service.

Is Freelancer A Scam: Freelancer App

Freelancer has its own app which both clients and freelancers can use.

Plus, it has a desktop version and a mobile version.

This app is used by both parties for communication. Furthermore, with this, it is easier to manage the tasks and projects.

Plus, another great feature it has it its time-tracking software. However, it is only used for hourly-rate projects.

So, freelancers will have to start the time-tracking software when they start working. This software will track how many hours one has been working. Then the client will know how much will the freelancer be paid for.

Furthermore, this software will take screenshots periodically as a proof that the freelancer is doing the work. However, freelancers can also take screenshots manually.

Is Freelancer A Scam: Tips and Tricks

#1 Bidding

The first tip I want to share is when to time your bidding. Remember, other people will be bidding to.

Furthermore, you must must make sure that when you bid, the employer is active. In that way, you will be noticed more.

So, I suggest that you bid in the morning and at night.

#2 Profile

Do not neglect your profile. However, other people just add a few bits and then that's it.

Your profile is very important. Plus, it serves as a basis to get to know you.

So, be sure to decorate it properly. Put all of your skills and experiences. However, you must be honest about these.

#3 Right charge

You should know how to charge properly. On the contrary, you might be charging too low or too high.

However, this entirely depends on the job and of course, your credentials. Furthermore, this can affect how employers will perceive you.

Too cheap will make employers who want quality to disregard your bid. On the other hand, too expensive charge can make employers walk away too.

So, be sure that your charge matches the type of project and your skills. Plus, you can actually see how much other freelancers bid on certain types of projects.

In conclusion, you can use this as your basis.

#4 Invoice for newbies

So, if you are starting out, I suggest to choose the invoice type. Although Milestones are more recommended, clients want freelancers who have a great record.

However, since you are still starting out, it is better to choose the invoice.

#5 Do not give up

Last but not the least, never give up.

Sometimes, landing on a job might be challenging and difficult. However, never give up. So, always work hard and improve.

The right job will come to you.

Is Freelancer A Scam: Pros and Cons

Is Freelancer a scam?

After thorough research, it is time for the final verdict.

Is Freelancer a scam? No. Freelancer is not a scam. 

Plus, it has been operating for years since it was founded. Furthermore, it is an award-winning company.

So, how can a company like that, be a scam?

However, it doesn't mean that it is safe from scammers. Furthermore, there are times that you might land on a job created by fraudulent clients or scammers. In the end, you will not be compensated for the hard work you have done.

So, be wary and do your research first. Other than that, you already saw the pros and cons of Freelancer.

In conclusion, It is up to you now whether you give it a shot or not. But if not, there is another way, a better one to earn money online.

What I am talking about is affiliate marketing and it is very profitable. Plus, it is different from freelancing.

In this way, you don't have to deal with any clients. So, your boss is yourself. That means you can work at your own pace!

Basically, what I do is to promote products on my website. Plus, every time my website visitors purchase these products, I earn an affiliate commission. So, one reason why it is better is the fact that I can earn a passive income with it.

However, if you don't know how to start, which I experienced too, you can try out Wealthy Affiliates.

It is the best affiliate marketing training program. Wealthy Affiliates will help you with everything! Even provide you with the tools, including 2 free websites of your own.

And of course, its 24/7 support is excellent and is welcome to help you out.

Ever since I entered this gig, I have been earning on a daily basis. Here is my proof.

Thank you so much for reading my "Is Freelancer A Scam?" review!

If you have questions or comments, please feel free to leave them on the comment section below!