Alright, while this is mostly common sense, I just saw like 5 Shitlist threads pop up, and just reminded me that some are too careless in their dealings, as most can really be prevented.
Ok, so lets assume you are looking to buy a service/hire a freelancer etc. , what should you look at to decrease chances of losing your money? Do NOT just read one bullet and think that is it, you really need to look at this as a whole. You would not buy a car because the engine is running but the transmission is broken...
The most important of all PAYMENT
No, in the event you still get scammed, file a shitlist on BHW, but you can also follow this:
Again, I know there are more steps, etc. but the best I can say, use common fucking sense.
Ok, so lets assume you are looking to buy a service/hire a freelancer etc. , what should you look at to decrease chances of losing your money? Do NOT just read one bullet and think that is it, you really need to look at this as a whole. You would not buy a car because the engine is running but the transmission is broken...
- The most obvious one to begin with: Are they a new member or Jv VIP/ Marketplace seller.
- Of course a new member has $0 to lose, and all the scam money to win. New IP etc --> New account, rinse&repeat
- Marketplace seller without Jr VIP = $500 at risk. While scammers will be scammers if you buy something for $50, less likely to scam you
- JR Vip, well given you need 100 posts + $97 the chances are lower than a totally new account, but as usual, this is just one thing to look at
- If they offer a BST
- How long has it been running? Avoid brand new ones with no reviews, especially for high $ values
- Have they been active in their BST?
- How do the reviews look?
- Are reviews from aged accounts or mostly from brand new accounts?
- HAF
- If they respond to your request, ask about their knowledge etc. I see it so many times that many here respond to tons of HAF and just say "I can do this", or "I have a team" but never post much about their experience etc. Check their previous work, get samples etc
- Obviously do NOT use non-jr vips as they are not even supposed to respond
- Clear up everything in detail beforehand, ask very specific questions about issues you feel they may have.
- If all they say, yes no problem I can do it...I suggest move on. Nobody, did I say nobody, is perfect and there will always be some issues. You are best off with someone who points these out or provides a better answer than no problem I can do it...
- Make sure you set a specific timeline/milestones, do NOT pay 100% upfront.
- Delays
- If you set a deadline of May 20, 2021 and you do not hear anything on that day, you are more than likely already in some trouble. As a courtesy, you should receive a heads up BEFORE the deadline passes. Now, this is not always the worst-case scenario but make sure you get an answer and insights on WHY:
- do NOT fall for "emergency", as that is the most common BS used by scammers to make you feel bad for them and buy more time.
- Ask for some work completed until then, if they have 0 to show or give more excuses --> Proceed to the bottom of this
- Make sure to not set a deadline on your end but ask the freelancer, WHEN will he be done? They should know as they are doing the work, look if that is reasonable or not before you consider the next steps.
- If you set a deadline of May 20, 2021 and you do not hear anything on that day, you are more than likely already in some trouble. As a courtesy, you should receive a heads up BEFORE the deadline passes. Now, this is not always the worst-case scenario but make sure you get an answer and insights on WHY:
The most important of all PAYMENT
- NEVER!!!!!, pay with crypto unless you do not mind throwing away your money
- NEVER!!, pay with Paypal
- DO pay with CC/Paypal
- Use Upwork if freelancer is on there
- If not use your own Upwork account to hire them on there and pay the fee
No, in the event you still get scammed, file a shitlist on BHW, but you can also follow this:
- Were you smart and did NOT pay with crypto
- No
- Well, I told you don't come complaining here.
- Yes
- Did you pay Paypal FF
- Yes
- Why are you here?
- No
- Well, see if the SL works out for you, if not
- Dispute with Paypal
- If Paypal is being a bitch, did you use a credit card to pay?
- If yes then go to your bank and 99% of the time you will get your money back.
- Well, see if the SL works out for you, if not
- Yes
- Did you pay Paypal FF
- No
Again, I know there are more steps, etc. but the best I can say, use common fucking sense.
