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
Recent Comments
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Great advice, Nellya. I once had a problem with someone making a book cover for me. I asked her to prepare it for Ingram, and she said she knew the difference between Amazon and Ingram. It came back unacceptable for Ingram. However, she was a working mother, and because of this error, I ended up finding the best cover maker there is. So, I allowed her to keep the money. I did tell her I was disappointed, and hoped she would not misrepresent herself again. Not always easy to find the help we need.
Hello Joss,
Sometimes it is the kind gestures, like the one that you made, are the most appropriate ones. I respect you for your decision to allow the Seller to keep the money given the circumstances.
I had a similar case - poor delivery (not fraud). I gave an extra week or two to complete the project. Both parties were happy at the end :)
Thanks for your valuable comment!
Nellya
Hi!
Nice, informative post - thanks. :-)
Sadly - as with all walks of life, the Internet is rife with scams and scammers!
I fully intend to use platforms like Fiver etc in the near - and distant - future, to create/produce things that I don't have the 'creative' ability or time to do. No doubt, somewhere down the line, I too will get scammed! ;-)
As someone who has offered their work up for sale in the past as a 'newbie' - with a couple of successes - I noted particularly, your comment about not using unrated or new sellers.
While I have to agree with you in principal - and can see why you make the comment - it saddens me that so many new talents may be forever lost if they aren't given some trust and a chance at the start of their careers...
But then, thats the kind of world we're living these days; sadly!
Once again, thanks for a great post.
ATB
George. xxx
Thanks, George, for your thoughtful comments.
I agree that sometimes it does make sense to also work with unrated or new sellers. I actually had a very positive experience of working with such sellers, but not on Fiverr. I might write about it in my another blog.
Once again, your comments are much appreciated!
Nellya
Sorry you had the problem with Fiverr, Nellya, but glad you got it resolved to your satisfaction. I have used them twice and was satisfied with both gigs.
Thanks, Earl, for sharing your positive experience with Fiverr. I used them many times, but then got a bad surprise. My opinion about Fiverr remains very good, and I remain an active Buyer with a rating of 5.
Nellya
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Thanks Nellya!
That's great information. I love it that you shared what you did and that Fiverr responded favourably.
Yes... it's all about expectations, whether customers or people you're teaming up with or hiring for a "gig". The only way to be clear on these expectations is to communicate well, and lay it all out.
It's all experience and I look forward to giving it a try again (after all my Fiverr account is in credit!)
Best wishes,
Jacquie
Awesome, Jacquie!
Good luck, and please share your feedback / experiences of Fiverr in due course.
Warmest,
Nellya