Freelancers on Gig.tn get paid before work begins — that's how escrow works. But some buyers try to twist this by asking freelancers to start working now, promising they'll pay later. This is one of the most common and straightforward scams, and it continues to work on freelancers who are too trusting, new, or desperate for orders.
If someone ever says, "Just start now, I’ll pay you after," your answer should be clear: No payment, no work.
🚨 How the Scam Works
The buyer contacts you and seems friendly and professional.
They ask for something small or quick — a test logo, a short article, a sample edit, etc.
Instead of placing an order, they say:
"I’ll pay you after I see the results." "I’m in a hurry — I’ll sort out payment after delivery." "I can’t pay through Gig.tn for now, but I’ll send it later."
You deliver the work.
They vanish. You never hear from them again.
In some cases, they string you along with more fake promises. But you never get paid.
🎭 What These Scammers Say
Here are real examples of how scammers justify skipping payment:
"My client hasn’t paid me yet — I’ll pay you once I get the funds."
"Can you trust me just this once? I always pay my freelancers."
"It’s just a small task — I promise it won’t go unpaid."
"I’m waiting for my Konnect to verify, but I need the work done today."
They’re stalling. They know what they’re doing.
🛡️ How Gig.tn Escrow Prevents This
Gig.tn’s escrow system is built to protect freelancers from exactly this type of scam:
✔ The buyer must pay upfront.
✔ Funds are held securely until the freelancer delivers the work.
✔ Once delivery is confirmed, payment is released.
There’s no need for trust or "promises" — the system ensures fairness automatically. If there’s no official order on Gig.tn, you should not begin work.
✅ What to Say Instead
When a buyer tries to bypass payment, respond professionally and firmly:
"Thanks for your interest. I only begin work after an official Gig.tn order is placed. This ensures protection for both of us."
"If you'd like to move forward, please place the order now. I'm happy to begin once it's confirmed."
If they refuse or disappear — you just avoided a scam.
📌 Real Case Study: Work First, Never Paid
Case: Wassim, a new video editor on Gig.tn, received a message from a buyer who said they were "in a rush" and promised payment after he delivered a short promo clip.
Wassim agreed, hoping to build trust and maybe get a long-term client.
💀 What happened?
He spent 6 hours editing a video.
Sent it via message.
The buyer read the message, downloaded the video — and never replied again.
🚀 Lesson: Even if it’s your first client — no payment, no delivery.
🚨 Red Flags – How to Spot the "Pay You Later" Lie
The buyer refuses to place an official Gig.tn order.
They say they’ll pay after you “prove yourself.”
They’re in a “rush” but don’t want to pay upfront.
They ask for urgent delivery but make vague promises.
They want to pay off-platform "later." (Double red flag!)
If a buyer can’t place an order — they’re not a buyer.
📢 Final Advice – No Order, No Work
🔹 Gig.tn protects freelancers through upfront payment — use it.
🔹 If a buyer won’t place an order, don’t even open your editing tool, design software, or Google Docs.
🔹 Never trust verbal promises, only official orders.
🔹 Report users who repeatedly try to get free work.
You deserve to get paid for your time and skill. Don’t give it away on a handshake. Use the platform that was built to protect you.