✓ Get to know each other before a contract

Upwork prohibits communication outside its platform before a contract begins to protect users from fraud and ensure compliance with its Terms of Service. All pre-contract discussions must occur via Upwork Messages or video calls. Exceptions apply only to Enterprise clients. Suspicious contact should be reported immediately.

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Did someone ask to talk outside Upwork before starting a contract?

Communicating with users outside Upwork before starting a contract is dangerous and against our Terms of Service. Help us keep Upwork safe by reporting it.

Report Circumvention

Getting to know your 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.

Let's talk about talking

You have agreed to keep all your discussions on Upwork before a contract starts. That includes any conversations about things like:

• The project's goals, deliverables, costs, and deadlines
• The freelancer's skills and availability
• The client's expectations
• Negotiating the contract and payments

Staying safe

Upwork Messages and video calls exist to keep you safe. They let you chat with one another without having to give away your contact details.

It's against our Terms of Service to contact each other outside Upwork, so if anyone suggests it to you then please let us know.

The only exceptions are Enterprise clients, who get a little more leeway. They work closely with us, so the risk of scam, fraud, and circumvention is much lower. More about Enterprise clients.

Find out more

Here's some extra information about:

• Using Upwork Messages
• Our interview tips
• Sharing your information