u/AdEast1492

Every single time I create and publish a new gig on Fiverr, within minutes I start receiving obvious scam inquiries (asking to move to WhatsApp, Telegram, fake urgent orders, etc.).

It’s crazy how fast they appear — feels like they get notified the second a gig goes live.

I rarely face this issue on Upwork and Freelancer.

Has anyone else noticed a big increase in scammers lately? Any effective ways to reduce or filter them?

Thanks!

Hey everyone,

Is it just me or has the scammer situation on Fiverr gotten way worse?

Every single time I create and publish a new gig, within minutes I start getting obvious scam inquiries (asking to move to WhatsApp/Telegram, urgent fake orders, etc.).

It’s actually crazy how fast they come. Feels like they get notified the moment a new gig goes live.

For comparison, I barely get any on Upwork and Freelancer.

Has anyone else noticed this huge increase in scammers lately? Any tips to reduce or block them?

Thanks!

I’m a freelance virtual assistant, and I want to document a setup I was pulled into so other freelancers can recognize the warning signs before getting caught the same way.

A few weeks ago, I was contacted through Fiverr by someone presenting himself as a UK-based operator managing short-term rental properties in Dubai. The work initially sounded completely normal: guest communication, support messages, booking coordination, and admin tasks for Airbnb properties.

The onboarding looked professional:

• company branding
• website
• UAE property details
• weekly payment agreement
• structured instructions

Over time, however, the requests gradually changed.

I was asked to:

• create a Gmail account in my own name
• create and verify an Airbnb account using my own identity
• upload my ID and personal information
• set up a property listing using details provided to me
• communicate with guests as the host
• handle refund/support conversations directly with Airbnb
• configure payouts to a bank account that was not mine

At the time, each step was framed as part of “normal operational setup” for a remote assistant role.

Only later did I realize the structure placed my verified identity on the Airbnb hosting account while operational control and payment flow remained elsewhere.

After payment disputes began, communication stopped. Shortly afterward, my Airbnb account was permanently removed by Trust & Safety due to policy violations and suspicious activity concerns.

I’m posting this because I now understand how risky this setup can be for freelancers.

If anyone hiring you asks you to:

• create platform accounts in your own name
• verify your identity for accounts you do not control
• host listings for properties you do not own
• route payouts to someone else’s bank account
• communicate as the “owner” of a business you are not actually part of

…please stop and reassess before proceeding.

Even if the work initially appears legitimate, this structure can expose freelancers to serious platform, compliance, and identity risks.

I have since reported the matter to the relevant platforms and documented the communications and account activity involved.

I’m sharing this purely as a warning so other freelancers, VAs, and remote workers can recognize the pattern early and avoid exposing their identities or accounts.

Please be careful with any remote role that requires you to become the verified face of operations you do not own or control.