How to avoid scams

Hiring the right specialist is key to completing your project successfully. However, it’s just as important to stay vigilant and protect yourself from potential scams. Here are some essential tips to help you ensure a secure and smooth experience when hiring specialists on SkillScoop.

1. Use the Hassle-Free Payment Option

The Hassle-Free Payment Option offers peace of mind. When you choose this option, your payment is held securely in a secure account until the job is completed to your satisfaction. You don’t need to pay until you’re happy with the results, reducing the risk of losing money for incomplete or poor-quality work.

2. Review the Specialist’s Profile

Before hiring, always review the specialist’s profile. Look at their experience, ratings, and previous reviews. Positive feedback from other clients shows the specialist has a history of completing jobs successfully and professionally.

3. Check Reviews and Ratings

Reviews are incredibly valuable. Take the time to read past client reviews to gauge the specialist’s work ethic, quality, and reliability. If the reviews are consistent and positive, it’s a good sign that you’re dealing with a reputable professional.

4. Formalise Agreements with Written Documents

Where possible, always formalise the terms of your agreement in writing. This includes the project scope, pricing, timelines, and any other important details. Having clear written documentation reduces misunderstandings and helps both you and the specialist stay on the same page. It also protects your interests if any issues arise.

To make this easier, we’ve provided templates that you can use for most projects:

5. Verify the Specialist’s Identity

Even if you’re not entering into a formal contract, it’s always a good idea to verify the specialist’s identity. Request a copy of their ID (e.g., passport or driver’s license) to ensure they are who they say they are. This simple step can help protect you from impersonation scams and ensure you’re dealing with a legitimate professional.

6. Don’t Proceed If Someone Else Shows Up

If someone other than the specialist you hired arrives to complete the job and you weren’t informed beforehand, do not proceed. You agreed to work with a specific person, and any unapproved substitution should be treated as a red flag. Politely decline the service and avoid handing over any money, goods, or information.

As a specialist on SkillScoop, you have control over the services you offer and the clients you work with. However, it’s important to stay vigilant and take proactive steps to protect yourself from potential scams. Here’s how you, as a specialist, can safeguard yourself while offering your services on SkillScoop.

1. Choose jobs with Hassle-Free Payment Option

The Hassle-Free Payment Option ensures that your payment is securely held in a secure account until the client is satisfied with the job. This protects you from the risk of non-payment, giving you peace of mind that the client has the funds ready to pay you once the work is completed to their satisfaction. It’s a secure way to ensure you are paid for your hard work.

2. Review the Client’s Profile

Before accepting a job, always take the time to review the client’s profile. Look at their reviews, ratings, and any other relevant information. A client with positive feedback and a good reputation is more likely to be reliable and professional, making your experience smoother and ensuring you get paid as agreed.

3. Get Written Agreements in Place

It’s always best to get the terms of your agreement in writing. This includes the project scope, pricing, timelines, and any other important details. Having clear written documentation helps ensure both you and your client are on the same page from the start. It also protects your interests and gives you something to refer back to if any issues arise.

To make this easier, we’ve provided templates you can use for most jobs:

Download a Sample Receipt

Download a Standard Agreement Template

4. Verify Client Identity (If Necessary)

If you’re unsure about a client or if they are requesting unusual or risky tasks, consider verifying their identity. You can ask for their identification (e.g., a copy of their passport or driver’s license) to confirm that they are legitimate. This extra step helps prevent impersonation scams and ensures you’re dealing with a real person.

5. Don’t Agree to Handle Someone Else’s Money or Goods

If a client asks you to handle money, products, or property that belongs to someone else, it’s best to walk away. These situations often carry a high risk of scams or misunderstandings. You should only accept jobs where you’re dealing directly with the person who posted the job and where the task is clearly defined. If something feels off, don’t get involved.