I wanted to order some services through the Freelancer. I deposited more than $1500, and after that freelancer has suspended my account.
They required a scanned copy of my passport. I have contacted them in Live chat and asked to explain why they have stolen my money. They said that this information is confidential. Then I asked them to provide me their certificate of registration to make sure they are serious company and my documents will not be used in fraudulent purposes. They have refused to do it and started to blackmail me that will not return my money. Finally I have sent them my passport.
The next day I have received a message that my passport is accepted, but they also need a photo of myself holding a piece of paper with the verification word and my username on it!!!
I have contacted their supervisor and asked him why they require my personal information and who gave them the right to make verifications. He has answered me using a template that they can't share the reason of suspension, and the right to require personal information is GIVEN TO THEM BY THEIR TERMS OF SERVICES!!! How is it, huh? I have asked him whether their Terms of Services have the constitutional power, after that he has started to blackmail me again they they will never unblock my account.
I asked him how many verifications are they going to make, and he has promised that this is the last one. I have done the necessary photo and uploaded it.
The next day I have opened My Account and have seen... That they even haven't responded me!!! I have contacted them again and asked what's the matter. They have said that they also need my photo with the verification word on paper and my passport in the hand! I have said that yesterday I was promised that previous photo will be the last proof they require from me, they told this is not true. Then I asked them why have they lied me, and they have told me that they simply don't take responsibility for the words of other support agents!!! Then I required to invite the supervisor I talked to the previous day, but the support agent has refused to do it and left the chat.
I have contacted their support again and asked them whether they have the document that allows them to collect personal information of their customers. They have said "Yes, we have it!". Then I asked them to provide me a scanned copy of it. The support agent has answered using a template that this document is confidential in nature and not for public disclosure. I have said that THE SCANNED PASSPORT is a confident document, same as the photoes of its owner that is holding it in the hand. Also I have said that this kind of documents is not confidential, and if they refuse to provide it, it means they DON'T HAVE IT AT ALL! After that support agent has stopped responding at all and some minutes later left the chat conversation without any explanations.
I have sent them the photo they required again, but have decided that this will be the last document I send to them. Also I have mentioned in the description that in case my account is not reactivated within 24 hours, i will have to report a problem to PayPal.
How do you think, what have I seen the next morning? They have refunded money!!!
Now it is obvious for me that they simply TRIED TO STEAL MY FUNDS AND WHERE WAITING UNTIL 45 DAYS WILL PASS AND I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN DISPUTES. THAT IS WHY THEY MADE SO MANY VERIFICATIONS! But after I have mentioned that I will open disputes they have decided that it is better to return me money.
As a result of my report I want to point out that Freelancer.com is a fraudulent company. Why? They collect your personal info, but at the same time they have no rights for this: they don't have a document that allows them do it. How do they use it? Well, there are lots of ways on the internet how to use personal information in fraudulent purposes.
Please think twice before you send them anything - FREELANCER.com EVEN DOESN'T HAVE THE CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION! Also they use any chance to steal your funds, SO IN CASE YOU HAVE YOUR ACCOUNT SUSPENDED, OPEN DISPUTES IMMEDIATELLY!!! IF YOU FAIL TO DO IT, THEY WILL STEAL YOUR MONEY.
And if you haven't use freelancer yet, but you are going to do it in the near future, then read my article and think twice whether you need so much headaches at once.
Please remember - freelancer.com is a scam!
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