Is Freelancer Legit? Truth About the Freelance Platform

Freelancer.com is one of the world’s largest online freelancing marketplaces, connecting millions of freelancers with clients across the globe. Whether you’re a writer, graphic designer, developer, or marketer, the platform offers a wide range of opportunities to showcase your skills and earn money remotely. 

Clients can post projects and hire professionals from a global talent pool, making it a convenient and flexible solution for various business needs.

However, despite its popularity, many people still wonder: Is Freelancer.com legit? Concerns about scams, fake job postings, and poor-quality clients or freelancers often raise red flags, especially for newcomers unfamiliar with online marketplaces. Like any large platform, Freelancer.com has its pros and cons, and understanding both sides is essential before investing time or money.

This blog is for freelancers considering starting their journey on Freelancer.com, clients thinking about outsourcing their work, and remote job seekers looking for trustworthy platforms. We’ll explore the platform’s legitimacy, how it works, potential risks, and smart ways to stay safe and successful.

What is Freelancer.com?

Freelancer is an Australian-based online freelancing marketplace that connects businesses with independent freelancers worldwide. Launched in the year 2009, that platform has grown into a massive network of 50 million users from 200+ different countries, regions, and territories. 

It offers a platform for freelancers where they can find work and employers can hire skilled workers across the globe from various categories. There are more than 50 categories of jobs posted on Freelancer every day, ranging from content writing, app development, digital marketing services, finance, data entry, virtual assistance, customer support, and a lot more.

Here’s how the platform works: Clients post a job or project, and freelancers place bids by submitting proposals. Employers then review freelancer profiles, portfolios, and reviews before selecting the best fit. Payments are secured through a milestone-based escrow system, ensuring protection for both parties. 

Freelancer.com also offers features like chat, file sharing, dispute resolution, and performance ratings, making it a structured and transparent environment for remote work collaborations.

Why the Question “Is Freelancer Legit?” Comes Up

Freelancer is one of the biggest online portals for finding jobs and hiring talent globally. But is Freelancer legit and safe to use? In this section, we have converted some points and headings that will help you to decide on the question of whether Freelancer is legit or not.  

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1. Scams in the freelancing world

The freelancing industry is growing and booming with each passing day. But with it comes an increase in scams and unethical practices, which makes many people think of questioning if Freelancer is a legitimate platform to use or not. Many people fear using Freelancer because they don’t want to fall victim to fraud. 

Common scams on Freelancer include fake job positions, clients refusing to pay after the project completion, or freelancers delivering poor work and asking for upfront payment outside of the Freelancer platform. 

While Freelancer has put in some security measures and systems in place to avoid such issues. These systems include verified payment methods, resolution centers, and customer support services. Even after such security measures, some bad actors still find ways to scam clients and businesses. This naturally raises the question: Is Freelancer legit? 

It’s important to understand that no freelancing platform is completely immune to such issues, and the responsibility also lies with users to recognize red flags and follow platform guidelines for secure transactions. Overall, these scams are a key reason why potential users often hesitate to trust Freelancer.com fully.

2. Bad experiences and mixed reviews online

We did some research on Reddit and Trustpilot regarding the usage of the Freelancer portal and found that it has many positive reviews, but some of the reviews are negative as well, which are mostly shared by clients who have been either scammed by freelancers or the company itself. 

Disputes over payment, poor customer support services, and order cancellations are some of the most negative said reviews. We agree that the majority of the reviews are positive, but the mix of reviews leads to confusion and makes other users skeptical. 

The correct answer to the question of whether Freelancer is legit or not depends on the user experience and how effectively users use the platform for their projects. People often tend to share negative experiences more than positive ones, which can skew perception. 

Still, these mixed reviews contribute to the ongoing debate over Freelancer.com’s legitimacy and trustworthiness, prompting new users to be cautious when considering the platform.

Related Content: Is Fiverr Worth It?

3. High competition and unrealistic job posts

Another challenge faced by freelancers on Freelancer.com is the tough competition and unrealistic job posts by clients. With freelancers all across the globe, the bidding for the same projects and many jobs goes up and gets higher. One single job gets hundreds of proposals, and at the end only one freelancer is hired for the job. 

This leads to intense competition. This creates frustration among freelancers who are serious about their craft but find it hard to compete in such a saturated environment. 

Is Freelancer.com Safe and Legitimate?

1. Company background and years in business

When asking, “Is Freelancer legit?” one of the first things to consider is the company’s background. Freelancer.com was founded in the year 2009 and is based in Australia. It is a publicly listed company in Australia, which also adds a layer of credibility and transparency that most scam websites lack. 

Freelancer.com has acquired many other websites and companies to expand its global reach and increase the user base. The majority of the user base of Freelancer.com is from India, Pakistan, and Asian countries, while it boasts millions of users and projects posted every day. 

This indicates that it is not just a fly-by-night operation. So, if you’re wondering, Freelancer is legit; the company’s years in business and global footprint certainly lean in favor of legitimacy. However, being a legitimate company doesn’t guarantee a flawless experience, it still depends on how you use the platform and interact with other users.

2. Public reputation and Trustpilot rating

Another major factor when evaluating whether Freelancer is legitimate or not is its public reputation. Freelancer.com has received mixed reviews online, particularly on platforms like Trustpilot. Most of the reviews on Trustpilot are positive. However, some of the reviews are negative as well. 

Many users praise the platform for its global reach, ease of use, and quick customer support, while others complain about the payment delays, spammy job posts, and poor services offered by freelancers. On Trustpilot, Freelancer.com has a rating that fluctuates around average—neither terrible nor outstanding.

These mixed reviews often confuse new users and make them question whether Freelancer is legit or not. It is important to note that most of the platforms with a large user base will have both satisfied and dissatisfied users. Much of the negative feedback stems from not understanding how to use the platform properly or from experiences with dishonest users. 

3. Verified payment systems and identity checks

If you are still wondering whether Freelancer is legit or not, it is worth checking how the platform handles the payment and user verification. When using any freelancing platform online, checking up on the payment should be the top priority of users. 

Payments on Freelancer.com are held safely and released when both parties are satisfied with the work. The platform also requires identity verification for users at various stages, which makes Freelancer 100% legit.  

Clients can also verify their payment methods, which makes it easier for freelancers to decide which jobs to pursue. These measures show that Freelancer.com takes user safety very seriously. While there is no 100% scam-proof freelancing platform, Freelancer’s built-in financial safeguard strongly supports the argument that Freelancer is legit and strives to provide a secure working environment. 

4. Role of dispute resolution and arbitration

Another important factor in answering whether Freelancer is legit is the platform’s approach to conflict resolution. Freelancer.com offers a structured Dispute Resolution System, which allows both freelancers and clients to raise concerns if a project doesn’t go as planned. In case of disagreements, either party can initiate a dispute. 

If they fail to reach an agreement, they can opt for arbitration, where a neutral third party reviews the case and makes a final decision. While some users feel the process can be slow or biased, having a formal mechanism in place still offers a degree of protection. It’s a feature many scam-prone platforms completely lack. 

If you’re skeptical and still asking if Freelancer is legit, this level of conflict resolution support is a strong indicator that the platform aims to be fair and accountable. It reinforces trust and helps maintain a professional environment, even in tough situations.

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Real User Experiences (Optional Section with Quotes/Examples)

1. Positive testimonials from successful freelancers

Here are some of the positive reviews about Freelancer.com from G2.com. 

This was only one of the few positive reviews that we found on G2.com about Freelancer. The rest of the review is negative and loaded with customers who are sharing their bad experiences with Freelancer.com. 

2. Negative experiences and what went wrong

Here are the negative reviews of Freelancer from G2.com. 

3. How to interpret mixed reviews

We have gone through almost all the major review sites and thoroughly read all the reviews on the Freelancer site. Most of the reviews were negative, where users mostly complained about the payment and poor quality of services delivered by freelancers. 

In our opinion, if you want better quality of services, try either Upwork or Fiverr. 

Related content: Is Fiverr legit and safe?

Pros of Using Freelancer.com

1. Access to global clients and projects

One of the biggest advantages that answers the question “Is Freelancer legit?” is the platform’s access to the truly global marketplace. Freelancer.com has more than 5 million registered users from 200 countries. There is an equal number of clients and freelancers who are looking for jobs and expanding their business across the globe. Whether you are a graphic designer, web developer, writer, digital marketer, or accountant, there is a constant stream of jobs being posted in every niche. 

Here’s an example of projects posted for a single category.

This global access allows freelancers to work with clients from different industries and sectors, and vice versa. For many users still asking, “Is Freelancer legit?” this level of opportunity proves that the platform is indeed real and functionally safe. 

2. Flexibility in choosing jobs and payment terms

Another reason many professionals say yes when asked is that Freelancer is legitimate in the flexibility it offers. Freelancers can browse through an endless number of projects and choose ones that align with their skills, rates, and interests. Freelancers can either work part-time, full-time, or just occasionally, which suits their schedule. 

Plus, the platform also supports hourly and fixed-rate projects after the job is completed. You can even negotiate timelines, milestones, and deliverables before accepting a job. This freedom is a huge advantage, especially for remote workers and digital nomads. 

If you’re still wondering if Freelancer is legit, the ability to manage your work terms independently is a strong indication that the platform empowers users to succeed on their terms.

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3. Secure payment via milestones

Security is a top concern when evaluating whether Freelancer is legit, and one standout feature of the platform is its milestone-type payment system. With a milestone, the client deposits the agreed-upon money into the escrow before starting a project with a freelancer. 

The money is kept aside, and an agreement is made between the parties. Payment is only released once the client is satisfied with the work and approves the job. This method prevents payment disputes and ensures both parties are on the same page. 

In case of an issue, Freelancer offers a dispute resolution service so that both parties can solve their matter. 

The escrow payment system makes many users confident when answering the question of whether Freelancer is legit because it offers guaranteed protection of money. In a digital world where scams are common, having secure and structured payments is essential for building trust.

4. Mobile app and 24/7 support

If you are still unsure Freelancer is legit, consider its features like a mobile app that offers convenience and around-the-clock app support. The mobile app allows both freelancers and clients to find jobs and hire freelancers right through their mobile app. 

This flexibility is a game-changer for those who are always on the move. Additionally, the Freelancer.com app offers 24/7 customer support via chat, which can help users to solve their queries and doubts. 

So, if you are a newbie or experienced, this level of flexibility and customer support offered by Freelancer.com makes it 100% legit. When people ask us, is Freelancer legit?, the robust infrastructure, flexibility, including mobile access, and customer support make a strong case that yes, it is 100% safe and legit. 

Related content: Is Upwork Safe and Legit?

Cons of Using Freelancer.com

1. High competition and low-paying projects

One of the biggest concerns among new freelancers who ask, “Is Freelancer legit?” is the extreme competition on the platform. With millions of users and tons of freelancers bidding for the project, standing out can be tough. 

For a single job on Freelancer.com, the average proposal received is 40, and only one freelancer is hired for the job. As a result, many freelancers feel frustrated, and they leave the platform, which is a mistake they make. 

This level of competition leads to a race to the bottom, where the low-paying projects dominate many categories. However, this does not mean the platform is not legit; it does have some challenges for those trying to earn a stable income. So, if you are wondering if Freelancer is legit, the answer is yes. 

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2. 10%–20% service fee

Another drawback that prompts the question is, is Freelancer legit? is its service fee structure, which is typically higher as compared to other platforms in the market. Freelancer.com charges a service fee of 10% to 20%, depending on the type of project and membership tier. 

For example, fixed-rate projects are charged 10% of the total amount, and hourly projects are charged 20% of the total amount. For more high-value projects, the commission can also go beyond 20%. This costs and eats up the earnings of freelancers and forces them to move to another platform for work. 

However, Freelancer.com does offer value in return. For example, freelancers can get a job easily even if they are just starting for the first time. Compared to Upwork and Fiverr, the competition on Freelancer.com is less, and so the new freelancers might get a quick chance. This is another indicator that Freelancer is legit, but it’s important to factor in these costs when setting your rates or bidding on projects.

3. Spam and fake job listings

One more reason people ask if Freelancer is legit is due to the spammy and fake job listings on the platform. This issue is also happening on other sites like Upwork and Fiverr. However, Freelancer.com occasionally experiences such issues. All thanks to their strict job review policy and security system that detects fake job listings and removes them ASAP. Fake job listings can waste the time, resources, and energy of many dedicated and honest freelancers who don’t have mechanisms to detect the fake listing. 

Although Freelancer.com has a system that detects and removes fake job listings, no platform is 100% immune to such fake scams and listings. That being said, freelancers can protect themselves from such scams by looking for verified projects and avoiding suspicious requests that clients make. 

Clients might ask for sample work and one free task to do. But don’t share any sample work and do a free sample work. However, you can share your previous work done with the client, but avoid sending too many samples.

Freelancer is legit, but just like any other freelancing site, it requires vigilance and discernment to avoid falling into scams.

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4. Limited support in some cases

Support issues are another area that causes users to ask, “Is Freelancer legit?” While the platform does offer 24/7 customer support and a help center, some users complain about the slow customer support and lack of live chat with a real agent. 

Freelancer.com uses an AI chatbot that redirects users to articles that are related to the query they ask for. Besides, they don’t have a live chat or calling feature. Also, the payment and project dispute matter keeps on happening again and again, which makes both freelancers and clients feel frustrated. 

However, Freelancer does provide tools like a structured dispute resolution system and arbitration services. The key is to clearly define project expectations and use milestone payments to ensure fairness. 

So, is Freelancer legit despite the support concerns? Yes—but like any online platform, experiences can vary. Staying informed, proactive, and clear in communication can go a long way in avoiding support-related challenges.

Common Red Flags and Scams to Watch Out For

1. Clients asking to work off-platform

One of the most common red flags that lead users to wonder if Freelancer.com is legit is when clients ask freelancers to work off the platform. This can also happen with clients, as freelancers might ask them to discuss the project off the platform. This is a major violation of Freelancer.com’s terms of service, and if they come to know, then your account might be permanently banned. 

If clients or freelancers ask to deal via email, WhatsApp, or another channel, it is often a single freelancer or client who might scam you. This type of scam is done by both parties so they can avoid the platform fee. However, Freelancer offers safe payment protection only when you stay within the platform and its system. If you go or deal off the platform, you might get scammed or lose the security that Freelancer.com provides. 

2. Requests for free samples

This type of scam is done mostly by clients with freelancers, where they ask freelancers to give a sample work. Clients might reach out to freelancers asking if they want to test their skill and ability to see if they can deliver high-quality work or not. While it is reasonable for clients to ask for a free sample to test the skill of a freelancer, asking for custom and completely unique work as a sample is often a tactic used by scammers to get work done for free. 

Freelancer.com encourages freelancers to showcase only previous work done for clients as part of their portfolio. If a client still insists on custom work without payment, it is a red flag. So, is Freelancer legit? Yes—but protecting your time and talent from exploitative tactics is part of using it wisely.

3. Fake profiles and unrealistic offers

Since Freelancer.com is mostly used by Asian-based freelancers and clients, one can expect to encounter a lot of fake profiles. These often include freelancers with fake profile images, no verified payment method, no work portfolio, a generic description, and unrealistically high budgets for simple tasks. A fake profile photo is the best way to identify a fake profile on Freelancer.com, and here is an example below of a fake profile.

In the above profile, there is no profile picture of the freelancer, and also the name of the freelancer is unrealistic, while the location is India. No one in India will have a name like Mike Hurley, which sounds too foreign for people living in India. That’s simply a fake profile. 

Additionally, the summary and reviews appear to be fake to us, as anyone can purchase fake reviews these days. 

4. Upfront payment or asking for login credentials

The most common red flag for those who ask, “Is Freelancer legit?” is, “Is Freelancer asking for the upfront payment for their job?” Besides upfront payment, some of the freelancers might ask for the login credentials of your website, Gmail account, or social media account, depending on the type of project you have on hand.

Listen with your ears open: Never ever share your login credentials with any of the freelancers. If you have projects related to web development or social media marketing, then make sure you limit access to the freelancer and not the direct admin access. 

Tips to Stay Safe on Freelancer.com

1. Never accept payments outside the platform.

The most common mistake to avoid on Freelancer.com is to avoid accepting or sending payment outside the platform. If you make the payment via the platform, your payment details will be protected by Freelancer.com’s security features. 

Therefore, always stick to the platform’s official payment channel to make safe and secure transactions. If a dispute arises even after making payment on Freelancer.com, then you can always contact their dispute resolution team and get it solved.

Protect yourself by using only verified methods offered by the platform, it’s one of the best ways to ensure a safe freelancing experience and confirm that yes, Freelancer is a legitimate marketplace.

2. Only work with verified clients.

If you want to avoid getting scammed on Freelancer.com, then only work with verified freelancers and clients. Verified freelancers and clients have confirmed payment methods and a clear track record with their work and also in terms of making payments. This gives more confidence to both the client and the freelancer in working on their respective projects.

One of the ways by which you can check for the verification on a freelancer’s profile is by checking the blue tick on the profile, which indicates their profile is verified by Freelancer.com. 

The above profile of a freelancer is 100% legit and genuine, as we can see the blue tick there. 

3. Use milestone payments for larger projects.

One of the platform’s best features and a key reason for the question is, is Freelancer legit? It is the milestone payment system. If you are a client seeking services, you request a milestone payment for large and long-term projects. This ensures the client funds the work before you start, and money will only be released after the freelancer delivers the project. This protects both parties and adds accountability to the workflow. 

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FAQs About Is Freelancer Legit?