Discussing or arranging payments outside Upwork before a contract begins violates Upwork’s Terms of Service and may lead to account suspension. All pre-contract communication should stay on-platform using Upwork Messages and tools. Exceptions apply only to Enterprise clients. Violations should be reported to protect the community.
Did someone ask to talk outside Upwork before starting a contract?
Getting paid outside Upwork violates our Terms of Service and can result in permanent loss of your account if you participate. You can keep your account safe by reporting this behavior.
Getting to know a client or freelancer before a project starts is the first step to a great working relationship. So you'll find all the tools you need to do just that right here on Upwork.
Communicate only through Upwork
Before a contract starts, keep all discussions on Upwork. This includes conversations about:
- Project goals, deliverables, costs, and deadlines
- Freelancer's skills and availability
- Client's expectations
- Negotiating the contract and payments
Sharing contact information or soliciting payment off-platform is a violation of our Terms of Service and can result in loss of talent badges and, in some circumstances, permanent loss of your account.
Use Upwork tools
Use Upwork Messages and video calls to communicate safely without sharing personal contact information.
Report violations
If anyone asks you to communicate or handle payments outside Upwork, report it immediately. This helps us enforce our policies and maintain a professional platform.
Exceptions
Enterprise clients have specific allowances due to their close working relationship with Upwork, reducing the risk of fraud. More about Enterprise clients.
Additional resources
- Using Upwork Messages
- Interview tips for freelancers
- Interview tips for clients
- Sharing Your Information
By following these guidelines, you help keep Upwork a secure and professional environment for all users.
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