I've got a potential client who seemed okay at first—had a good conversation and they approved my project quote. But now I just get this weird vibe. They want to pay 50% upfront via credit card, which feels risky because it could be stolen or they might charge it back later. Plus, their company doesn't even have a website yet (which I need to build for them), and they want me to communicate through a Discord server, which seems vulnerable to hacking. To top it off, they're involved in the web3 space and don't even use a real profile photo. Should I trust my gut here?
6 Answers
I've learned that if you're feeling uneasy about a client, it's often best to just say no. There have been times I’ve doubted myself, but more often than not, my instincts were right.
Honestly, who can say for sure? Trust your instincts, though.
I'd start by checking everyone's LinkedIn profiles. It's odd they don't have a website; legitimate people usually have some kind of online history. If it’s just a small job, I'd say cut your losses and move on. For bigger projects, do your homework: verify their business registration, investigate their profiles, and only use trustworthy payment methods like Stripe or Xero. Make sure you have a solid agreement in place, too. If it still feels off, walk away.
I’d definitely push to only accept bank transfers instead of credit cards. Seriously, what kind of company doesn’t have a website? Plus, check their social media presence; if they're MIA online, it’s a huge red flag. That could really mean it’s a scam.
Always go with your gut! If they’re not willing to switch to a safer payment method, it might be time to walk away.
You might want to rethink this one—sounds fishy for sure. Even if you get paid, you don't want to end up involved in any dubious dealings. It's just not worth it.
But isn't a bank transfer still risky? I mean, that can also be stolen or charged back.