Every freelancer dreams of landing that one big client — the one who offers a high-paying project, long-term work, or a huge opportunity. But on platforms like Gig.tn, this dream is sometimes used as bait by scammers.
The "Too Good to Be True" scam happens when a buyer approaches a freelancer with an unusually large or generous offer, often in vague terms. It may sound exciting, but it’s designed to rush you into delivering work or handing over resources before you’re protected.
This article breaks down how the scam works, what to look out for, and how to protect yourself.
🚨 How This Scam Works
Here’s how this tactic usually plays out:
A buyer sends you a message saying they have a huge opportunity — sometimes involving a long-term contract, a high-paying project, or large-scale work.
They might say things like:
"We need 20 designs per month, and we’ll pay 5,000 DNT/month." "I’m building a team of writers and want to offer you steady work." "This is a one-time project, but I’ll pay double your usual rate."
They’ll ask you to start work before an order is officially placed, or offer to pay you "after the test phase."
Once you’ve delivered the first part of the work — they vanish, refuse payment, or start demanding more work without paying.
💡 Why It Works (and Who Falls for It)
This scam targets ambition. It plays on the idea that you’ll accept risk for a big reward.
New freelancers — or those who’ve gone a while without sales — are especially vulnerable. They’re hoping to prove themselves and are less likely to question suspicious offers.
Even experienced sellers sometimes fall for this when the deal seems just "a little too good to pass up."
🎯 Real-Life Messages Scammers Use
Here are real examples of bait messages used by scammers:
"I need someone reliable for a 10,000 DNT project. Are you free right now?"
"My company has weekly work. But first, show me what you can do."
"This is a big client I’m outsourcing for — if this goes well, you’ll get all their work."
"We’re in a hurry — just send the first draft, and we’ll sort out payment later."
They want to skip Gig.tn’s process and get work without risk.
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself from This Scam
Big projects are real — but on Gig.tn, they should always follow platform rules.
✔ Never start work before an official order is placed and paid.
✔ If they offer a test, it should be a paid gig — even if it’s small.
✔ Don’t be rushed. A legit client will respect your process.
✔ If the offer is too vague or fast, ask for specifics:
Project scope
Timeline
Payment amount
Payment method (must be Gig.tn)
🚫 If they dodge these questions, it's a red flag.
📌 Real Case Study: The Disappearing Big Client
Case: Amine, a freelance logo designer, was contacted by a buyer offering 4,000 DNT for a "brand identity package." The buyer said they needed a quick sample first to show their team.
Amine created two logo concepts and a color guide and delivered them via message — before the buyer placed an official order.
💀 What happened?
The buyer stopped responding after receiving the designs.
No order was placed. No payment was made.
The logos were later found on another company’s Instagram.
🚀 Lesson: Big orders mean big protection. Use Gig.tn to keep it safe.
🚨 Red Flags – How to Spot the "Too Good to Be True" Offer
Unusually large budget for a very small task.
Buyer insists on rushing or skipping Gig.tn’s system.
Vague details: “We’ll figure it out later.”
Empty promises: “I’ll bring more work if this goes well.”
Refusal to place a proper order before work starts.
If you hear any version of:
“I’ll pay after you show something.”
“This is urgent — I don’t have time to go through the system.”
🚫 Don’t proceed.
📢 Don’t Let Greed Open the Door to Scams
It’s exciting to think you’ve landed a huge project. But if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
🔹 Ask for specifics — never accept vague proposals.
🔹 Demand a real order through Gig.tn before doing anything.
🔹 If they disappear after a request for payment, they were never legit.
🔹 Report suspicious users who make fake offers or disappear after getting work.
You can land big clients — but the way to do it is by following Gig.tn’s secure process. If a buyer can’t respect that, they’re not worth your time.