One of the most frustrating scams on freelancing platforms is the chargeback scam, where a buyer places an order, receives the work, and then disputes the payment to get their money back. This is an abusive tactic that hurts freelancers who have already completed the job as agreed.
Some buyers also use a fake order scam, where they claim their payment “did not go through” and ask the freelancer to deliver the work first. After receiving it, they disappear without ever actually paying.
Gig.tn has strict anti-fraud measures in place to detect and prevent these scams, but freelancers must also stay alert and protect themselves.
🚨 How the Chargeback Scam Happens
This scam follows a typical pattern:
1️⃣ The buyer places an order and pays through Gig.tn.
2️⃣ The freelancer delivers the work as agreed.
3️⃣ After receiving the work, the buyer disputes the transaction with their bank or payment provider (Konnect, credit card, etc.), falsely claiming they “didn’t receive the service” or that it was “unauthorized.”
4️⃣ The payment provider refunds the buyer, and the freelancer loses their earnings.
This is called a chargeback, and scammers exploit it to get free work while getting their money back.
⚠️ The Fake Order Scam Variant
A similar scam involves buyers claiming their payment didn’t go through and pressuring freelancers to start work without an actual order in place.
🚩 Red Flag Example:
"I already sent the payment, but it's taking time to process. Can you start working now? I’ll confirm the payment later."
🚩 Another Example:
"Gig.tn is holding my money. Just send the work, and I’ll pay you directly."
🚫 DO NOT fall for this. If an order is not marked as paid and active on Gig.tn, it does not exist. Never start working without confirmation.
🛡️ Why Gig.tn’s Escrow System Protects You
To prevent these scams, Gig.tn uses an escrow system:
✔ Buyers must pre-pay before work begins.
✔ Funds are held securely until the order is marked as complete.
✔ Once the order is completed, the money is added to the freelancer’s balance and cannot be disputed through Gig.tn.
✔ If a buyer tries to dispute, Gig.tn investigates before taking any action.
However, if a buyer files a chargeback through their bank, the money is pulled back without Gig.tn’s approval—which is why it’s important to recognize suspicious buyers early.
🚩 Red Flags – How to Spot a Chargeback Scammer
Some buyers show clear warning signs before they file a chargeback:
❌ They rush the freelancer to deliver quickly.
❌ They refuse to communicate properly or clarify details.
❌ They place a large order from a new account with no history.
❌ They ask for off-platform payments (a major red flag!).
❌ They suddenly stop responding after delivery.
❌ They claim they never received the work, even when proof exists.
If you notice these behaviors, be extra cautious.
📢 What to Do If a Buyer Files a Chargeback
If a buyer files a chargeback or disputes a payment, Gig.tn investigates every case individually to ensure fairness.
🚀 Steps to Take:
1️⃣ Gather all proof – Screenshots, messages, work files, and proof of delivery.
2️⃣ Contact Gig.tn Support – Explain the situation and provide evidence.
3️⃣ Gig.tn will dispute the chargeback with the payment provider if fraud is detected. 4️⃣ If the buyer is found guilty of fraud, their account will be permanently banned.
🚨 IMPORTANT:
If a buyer genuinely did not receive what they paid for, Gig.tn will refund them and take appropriate action.
If a freelancer has proof of completed work, Gig.tn will fight the chargeback on their behalf.
Repeated chargeback abuse leads to account bans for buyers.
✅ How to Protect Yourself from Chargeback Scams
The best defense against chargebacks is clear documentation and careful buyer selection. Here’s how to stay safe:
✔ Only work with verified buyers – Check their history and reviews.
✔ Keep ALL communication inside Gig.tn – Never discuss deals off-platform.
✔ Deliver work through the Gig.tn system – This ensures there’s proof of delivery.
✔ Use watermarks for design work – Only remove them after full confirmation.
✔ For large orders, use milestones – Deliver in smaller chunks to reduce risk.
✔ Save all files, timestamps, and messages – This helps in case of disputes.
If a buyer tries to pressure you into early delivery or free samples, report them immediately.
📌 Real Freelancer Case Study – How This Scam Happens
Case: A freelancer named Yassine completed a 3,000 DNT website design project for a buyer. The buyer accepted the work and left a positive review. However, a week later, the buyer filed a chargeback, claiming the purchase was “unauthorized.”
💀 What Happened?
The buyer’s bank reversed the payment, and Yassine lost 3,000 DNT.
The buyer deleted their Gig.tn account and disappeared.
Since the payment was through an external bank, Gig.tn could not recover the funds.
🚀 Lesson: Always deliver through Gig.tn, keep all proof of work, and watch out for suspicious buyer behavior.
🛡️ Gig.tn’s Policy on Chargebacks & Buyer Fraud
Gig.tn takes chargeback fraud seriously. If a buyer repeatedly abuses chargebacks, their account will be banned permanently. To keep the platform fair:
✔ Buyers must provide valid reasons for disputes.
✔ Gig.tn reviews all chargebacks manually to prevent abuse.
✔ If a buyer has a history of chargebacks, they may be restricted from placing future orders.
✔ Buyers caught intentionally scamming freelancers will face account termination and legal action.
📢 – Stay Safe & Use Gig.tn’s Protections
🔹 NEVER start work before an official Gig.tn order is placed.
🔹 ALWAYS keep records of all work and messages.
🔹 If a buyer tries to rush, demand free work, or act suspiciously—REPORT THEM.
🔹 If you face a chargeback, contact Gig.tn Support immediately.
By following these precautions, freelancers can protect their earnings and avoid scams.