How to avoid being scammed on Fiverr

Why use Fiverr?

Whenever I need some fast help on one of my projects, I turn to Fiverr. I find this platform the best for fast delivery and fast turn-around. The reason for this is that Fiverr works on the principle of so called Gigs. These can be best understood as standard small jobs, many starting with a very affordable price of USD 5 (hence, Fiverr).

Another great feature of Fiverr, is that all sellers have a rating (New Seller, Level 1, Level 2, Top Rated, Fiverr Choice). In addition, there is a score based on the feedback received - a score of 5 is the best.

Buyers also have rating. Recently Fiverr introduced VID (very important doer) rating for its top buyers (I am a VID).

All in all, this makes it easy to find and select a good seller, and swiftly proceed with your Gig.

Have I been scammed?

The answer is YES. I was scammed once. This happened with a Level 2 Seller, with a rating of close to 5. I needed a series of articles delivered quickly. The Seller sent me samples of their work, and we commenced with the project.

Ahead of the deadline, the Seller delivered the work. All work on Fiverr was delivered within the platform. The Seller asked me to promptly proceed with the approval of the delivery. I checked a few articles on a random basis, and confirmed the delivery.

After a few days, I started uploading articles. As part of the uploading process, I checked each article for any duplications. Everything seemed fine, but then I noticed a number of strange abbreviations that were not in English, but in another language. I quickly translated one of the articles into the corresponding foreign language using Google Translate. I checked the article again, and it turn out to be a plagiarised translation of an article from a well-known online magazine in Europe! I checked a few more articles, and the fraud became obvious. I almost fell off my chair!

Did I solve the problem?

The answer is YES. Upon noticing fraud, I raised a ticket with the Fiverr. I described the issue and pointed them out to the plagiarised articles. The Fiverr responded promptly. They promised to investigate.

After a day or two, I received a reply from Fiverr stating that my order had been cancelled and I received a full refund. I am not sure what happened with the Seller, but I believe the Seller continues trading on the Platform.

How to avoid being scammed?

The lesson is that even the higest Seller rating is not a replacement for a careful review of each and every delivery. From time to time, a Seller might feel tempted to cut corners, especially if they feel that their work is not checked carefully (i.e. in a fast order).

In order to minimize your risk, whenever you work with Sellers on Fiverr, make it clear to them upfront that:

1. You expect original work only,

2. You will check the work upon and AFTER delivery,

3. If you notice any serious irregularities, you will flag this to Fiverr directly.

4. Avoid working with unrated and new Sellers.

I hope this helps in your search of a perfect Seller on Fiverr! Please write below if you had any issues with Sellers on Fiverr or other platforms, and how you solved them!

Have a great day!

Nellya