Some freelancers try to convince buyers to send money directly — through bank transfer, D17, Paymee, or even cash. They’ll say it’s to “avoid the platform fees” or “start work faster.” But let’s be clear: this is not just a scam risk — it’s a breach of Gig.tn’s rules and a serious red flag.
Once you leave the platform’s secure payment system, you lose all protections. If the freelancer disappears, delivers nothing, or runs with the money, Gig.tn can’t help you — because it happened off the record.
Let’s break down how this scam works and why you should never agree to it.
🚨 How This Scam Works
The freelancer posts a normal-looking gig.
You contact them and ask for a custom quote or place an order.
Instead of accepting, they say something like:
“Let’s skip the fees. You can just transfer the money directly to me.”
You pay them outside Gig.tn — via bank, card, or cash.
They never deliver the work. Or worse, disappear completely.
Even if they deliver something, you have no legal leverage, no refund system, and no record of the deal.
📌 Real Case Study: The Private Payment Trap
Case: Anis wanted to order an e-commerce site for 2,000 DNT. The freelancer told him:
“Don’t use Gig.tn — I get charged fees. Send it to my Paymee instead, and I’ll start today.”
Anis agreed. The freelancer delivered a half-working template from ThemeForest and refused to make changes. When Anis asked for support or a refund, the freelancer blocked him.
Because the payment happened outside the platform, Gig.tn had no record of the order, no proof of delivery, and no way to enforce anything.
🛡️ Why Gig.tn’s Escrow System Exists
Gig.tn’s escrow system protects both buyers and freelancers.
When you pay through Gig.tn:
The money is held safely until the job is done.
The freelancer can’t run off — and neither can you.
Disputes can be handled fairly with all the records in place.
If something goes wrong, Gig.tn can step in and issue refunds or reassign the work.
By paying off-platform, you give up all of that.
🎭 Common Excuses Scammers Use
“Gig.tn charges me too much. Let’s save the fees.”
“I work faster when I’m paid directly.”
“You’ll get a better deal outside the site.”
“We don’t need Gig.tn — let’s keep it simple.”
“This is how I work with all my clients.”
🛑 No matter how nice or friendly they seem — if they ask for direct payment, it’s a serious red flag.
📢 What to Do If a Freelancer Asks for Direct Payment
Do not accept. Politely decline and say:
“Sorry, I only pay through Gig.tn to stay protected.”
Report the message immediately using the report tool.
If you've already sent money outside the platform:
Contact your bank or payment service.
Let us know so we can flag and investigate the freelancer’s account.
Freelancers who ask for off-platform payments can and will be banned.
🚩 Red Flags to Watch For
Asking to continue the conversation on WhatsApp or email
Offering a “discount” if you avoid the platform
Refusing to accept your order officially through Gig.tn
Asking for advance payment before an order is created
📢 No Escrow = No Protection
It’s simple: if there’s no official Gig.tn order, there’s no security.
Legit freelancers:
✅ Work through the platform
✅ Accept official orders
✅ Respect the system that protects everyone
If a freelancer asks for outside payment, they’re either inexperienced or trying to scam you.