Protection Online
One of the major objections to working and hiring online is what to do about safety. Folks with the best of intentions love to tell riveting stories of identity and financial theft online. Much of this is exaggerated, but as with all exaggerations, there is usually a core of truth.
Yes, sharks cruise the online waters. Some lurk quietly in the shallows, waiting for innocent consumers and business owners to wade by. Others actively target and hunt their prey. No system is entirely safe, but so far Elance has been pretty darn good. Given the quantity of jobs and funds that trade hands, the number of abuses is minute.
However, it’s always best to know what actions you can take to protect yourself online. And you should understand what Elance is doing on your behalf in the same arena.
To get started, click on Resources in the main upper toolbar. Then click on Trust & Safety. On the left side will be a short menu, which I cover next.
Elance Policies
These cover the rules and regs of Elance-land. As you read through them, you will realize they are designed to protect both parties and none should surprise you.
The basics include:
• You may not offer your services for free or ask for services for free.
• You may not bid below the Elance minimums.
• You may not accept or offer payment off the Elance system.
• You may not offer payment on a commission or royalty basis.
• In your proposal you may not include any contact information away from Elance such as a phone number or Skype address.
• You may not submit sample material that isn’t your own.
• You may not violate the Terms of Service or any outside law.
Pretty straightforward stuff, and there’s a bit more but this covers the core. This framework helps provide the stable work environment that Elance offers.
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BEST PRACTICES |
It’s best for both parties to keep the Elance world as clean and professional as possible. Everybody wins this way. However, Elance itself can only do so much—which is actually quite a lot. If you see someone violating a rule, report them. It makes it a better community for all of us.
Protect Your Account
This section is full of great advice on how to protect yourself online. As I’ve mentioned, abuses on Elance are rare, but that doesn’t mean they don’t happen and won’t again in the future.
• Create a secure password (Elance shows you the best way) and make sure it’s different from your normal email password.
• Always use your own virus and spyware software protection.
• Elance encrypts your financial information so it’s safe. Therefore, never email or workroom message your personal financial information to someone, no matter how good their excuse.
• Elance will never send you an email asking you to confirm your password or financial information. If you receive any suspicious email claiming to be from them, report it immediately.
• High step away from counterfeit or money order scams. If you’re ever in doubt, contact Elance directly.
• Don’t let a potential client talk you into working for lower pay at the beginning with a promise of more work in the future.
• Don’t respond to a job that asks you to buy something (like a user manual) in order to complete the work.
The list goes on, so check out this section of the site for details and examples. Understanding potential dangers is the first step in avoiding them.