How to Stay Safe When Hiring Through an Online Marketplace
A few simple habits can help you make a more informed decision, whether you are hiring a provider or offering your services.
Check the person and the work
Look at the provider's profile, past projects and reviews before you reply. Real photos and videos of finished jobs, a clear description and a consistent history are good signs. A profile with no work and no history deserves more questions.
Keep the conversation in one place
Use the in-app chat for quotes and decisions so there is a record of what was agreed. Be careful with anyone who rushes you to move to another app or asks for details you do not need to share.
Share only what the job needs
A provider needs the address and the scope of work, not your banking details, identity documents or passwords. Never share a verification code sent to your phone or email.
Agree the details before work starts
Confirm scope, price, timing and how payment will be made in writing. Be wary of a request to pay the whole amount up front for work that has not started.
Trust your judgment, and report problems
If an offer is far too good to be true, the person avoids simple questions or the story keeps changing, step away. If you see content or behaviour that breaks the rules, use the report option in the app. The Community Guidelines explain what is not allowed.
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