Red Flags When Hiring Freelancers

Introduction: Online Hiring Has Risks

Hiring freelancers through platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can be incredibly valuable, and I’ve had many positive experiences.

But these platforms are not foolproof.

When disputes arise, support may not always resolve issues the way cyou expect, particularly when platform rules or contract mechanics work against you. People who have been using the platform for years will know how to navigate through the cracks of the system and it leaves you at risk of losing your money. 

I’ve personally lost money more than once through failed freelance engagements. This post shares one difficult experience, what I believe I missed during the hiring process, and practical steps others can take to protect themselves.

I've had this happen two times so far. The case in point for this blog article is when I hired the freelancer: Imrane D. 

I will be sharing my honest experience in using Upwork to hire this particular freelancer. Any information show here is publicly available on these platforms. Out of common courtesy, I've covered up his image and location. 

Excerpt from publicly available profile information.

My #1 mistake: I didn't Verify Public Profiles Before Hiring

One mistake I made was not independently reviewing publicly available information before entering into the engagement. 

After problems arose on the project and our business relationship ended in me losing money and future business from clients. I later reviewed public profile information associated with the freelancer and noticed what appeared to be inconsistencies between information presented across professional profiles, including differences in job titles, employers, and stated experience.

The screenshots below are excerpts from publicly available profiles shown for commentary and comparison so readers may evaluate those apparent discrepancies for themselves.

Excerpt from publicly available profile information.

Excerpt from publicly available profile information.

As you can see, these look like two completely different people in terms or job title and work experience. Reviewing this information beforehand may have prompted additional questions before hiring or even just passing on the freelancer altogether and going with a different one. 

My bad Experience With the freelancer on Upwork:

A client website with paid ads sending customers to the website had a very messed up version of the store stay live for at least 14 hours. When I questioned the freelancer about it he tried to tell me that version of the store was only live for a few seconds or a few minutes, which was false. 

It ended with the client asking for a full refund. It made us look like complete amateurs. Not only did I lose out on the money from the current project, but I also had to pay the freelancer on Upwork because he manipulated the appeals tools and TOS policies! 

When I asked the freelancer to take responsiblity for his mistakes, well, he wouldn't admit to anything. 

We were ultimately unable to reach a satisfactory resolution and I was left at a loss. 

Lessons I Took From This

1. Compare Public Profiles

Review a freelancer’s marketplace profile alongside other public sources and ask questions about any material inconsistencies before hiring.

2. Start With a Smaller Test Engagement

A limited-scope paid project can reveal communication style, technical approach, and reliability before larger work is assigned.

3. Evaluate Accountability, Not Just Skill

How someone responds when concerns arise can be as important as the technical work itself.

4. Protect Yourself Contractually

Use clear scopes, milestone approvals, documentation, and written records throughout the project.

4. Don't approve milestones!

Never approve milestones until you're 100% sure that the work is finished and it has been thoroughly tested. Once you approve that milestone you cannot count on the freelancing platforms to protect you. Of course, there are honest freelancers who will make things rihgt. But there are also plenty of freelancers who will just run away with your money. 

Advice for Hiring Freelancers Online

Before paying anyone for a large project online, I recommend:

• Independently researching the person or business
• Comparing public professional profiles for consistency
• Reviewing feedback patterns closely
• Starting with a small paid test project
• Documenting deliverables and communication
  

Final Thoughts

I've had positive experiences hiring freelancers online and continue to use these platforms.

This post is simply a reflection on one difficult experience and the precautions I wish I had taken beforehand.

Don't count on the customer support on these platforms to take your side! Once you release a paid milestone to a freelancer you will not get it back, even if you find issues with the work soon after! 

If this information helps another business owner avoid similar problems, sharing it serves a purpose. 

-Zach