To some who has been working on freelance sites, here is a project which I believe was posted by a scammer on Freelancer.com.
“Hi,
I want someone to convert a pack of PDF files to word document. I want serious bidder. First you have to buy the pack. It is very confidential so I cannot give it to any one who is not serious.
The package cost is $10 (refundable).
You will get exactly 100 PDF files. The word count for each file is around 400. You have to manually type the contents of the PDF files in to word document and save the file name with exactly the same name used for the PDF files.
All the files are password protected. So you cannot use any software to complete the job (sorry for that). You have to manually do this.
You know well the maximum amount that I can pay. The time limit is 25 days.
After you buy the pack you have complete the job in 25 days. Don’t worry I will pay back $10 that you have used to buy the pack.
Happy bidding.”
By just reading the description of the work, it sounds as if the scammer is trying to trick the bidders to pay him $10, which I doubt is refundable and I don’t even think the bidders would get the package of 100 PDF files after paying the $10.
Of course there is a way to remove password protection from PDF files, even if the password has been lost. And even if anyone who really needs something typed out, then he should deliver the material free to the successful bidder. Asking bidders to buy the package, even with the promise of refunding it definitely sounds like a scam to me.
Please be advised not to bid for any job that requires payment. The project creator should be paying the freelancers and not taking money from them. You can get jobs online without spending any money.
So, the next time you look for work on freelance sites, please be more alert as I’m sure you do not want to be a victim of scams.
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