Refunds are a part of any platform — but only when truly justified. Gig.tn is committed to protecting buyers when things go wrong, but also to protecting freelancers from refund abuse. Some buyers exploit the system by approving work, downloading it, even using it publicly — and then claiming they’re not satisfied to get their money back.
This is a form of scam that wastes freelancers' time, steals their work, and violates the spirit of the platform. Here's how to recognize it, how Gig.tn handles it, and how to avoid falling victim to it.
🚨 How the Scam Works
Here's what fake refund scammers do:
Place a real order and pay normally.
Receive the work — often fully completed, as described.
Approve the delivery or even leave a positive review.
Days or weeks later, they claim:
"This wasn’t what I expected. I want a refund." "It’s not good enough. I’ve changed my mind." "I need the money for something else."
Sometimes, they file a dispute or try to go through their payment provider.
In the worst cases, the freelancer’s work is already published or used — and the buyer is still asking for a refund.
🎯 Real Intentions vs. Fake Claims
Some refund requests are legitimate — maybe the freelancer delivered something that doesn’t match the gig description or made no effort.
But in this scam, the buyer clearly:
✔ Received what they ordered
✔ Knew what they were buying
✔ Used the work
✔ And is now trying to get their money back anyway
This is manipulative and dishonest.
📌 Real Case Example: Work Accepted, Still Refunded
Case: Aya, a UI/UX designer, completed a 1,800 DNT design project for a dashboard interface. The buyer marked the order as complete and said it was “perfect.” A few days later, the buyer opened a support ticket demanding a refund, claiming “the work was off-brand.”
When Gig.tn investigated:
The buyer had already implemented the designs on their live website.
Messages showed the buyer approved the delivery with clear confirmation.
🚫 Gig.tn denied the refund.
🚨 The buyer was flagged for potential fraud.
🛡️ Gig.tn’s Refund Policy – Case by Case, Not Automatic
Gig.tn does not issue automatic refunds. All refund requests are handled manually and reviewed case by case by our support team.
✅ If the freelancer fails to deliver, the buyer is protected.
✅ If the work is not what was promised, refunds may apply.
🚫 If the buyer has received, approved, or used the work, refunds are not guaranteed — especially when abuse is suspected.
Buyers who repeatedly abuse refund requests may be restricted or banned.
🔍 How to Protect Yourself as a Freelancer
✔ Keep everything inside Gig.tn — messages, briefs, clarifications.
✔ Stick to the gig description — don’t promise more than what’s listed.
✔ Use delivery messages to confirm expectations were met.
✔ Save proof of delivery, especially if work is used or published.
✔ If revisions are part of your gig, offer them professionally — but don’t let clients take advantage.
If a buyer starts demanding refunds after approving the order, contact support immediately and provide all the evidence.
🚨 Red Flags – Spotting a Fake Refund Buyer
They are overly friendly upfront, then suddenly shift tone after delivery.
They approve the work, then return days later with vague complaints.
They demand a refund but refuse to return or delete the work.
They’ve left positive reviews, then attempt a refund.
They threaten bad reviews or platform reports unless you refund them.
📢 Be Fair, Be Smart, Be Firm
🔹 Gig.tn exists to protect honest freelancers and buyers alike.
🔹 Not all refunds are scams — but some are weaponized against you.
🔹 If a buyer used your work, they do not have the right to claim it was worthless.
🔹 Keep everything documented, deliver professionally, and don’t be afraid to push back.
🔹 If a refund request feels wrong, let Gig.tn review the case — that’s what we’re here for.