Translation - art & business » Scams »
Scammers impersonating Proz profiles
Thread poster: cilantro
cilantro
cilantro  Identity Verified
Israel
Local time: 00:21
Italian to English
+ ...
Jul 2, 2013

Dear Prozers (or should it be Prozacs?),
There is a distinct possibility that scammers are impersonating user profiles on Proz.
The messages come complete with links to the user profile and the blue board. Since these messages come from a person who is not in fact the person they claim to be, after completing the job we're left "up the creek without a paddle".
In order to be able to post negative feedback in case of missed payment, I would suggest confirming the identity of t... See more
Dear Prozers (or should it be Prozacs?),
There is a distinct possibility that scammers are impersonating user profiles on Proz.
The messages come complete with links to the user profile and the blue board. Since these messages come from a person who is not in fact the person they claim to be, after completing the job we're left "up the creek without a paddle".
In order to be able to post negative feedback in case of missed payment, I would suggest confirming the identity of the outsourcer via Proz e-mail before starting the job. ▲ Collapse
 
Sheila Wilson
Sheila Wilson  Identity Verified
Spain
Local time: 22:21
Member (2007)
English
+ ...
Please notify the site of individual cases Jul 2, 2013

I think a lot of us are aware of this possibility, cilantro, though some users here are totally ignorant of this threat and even those of us who do know need to be reminded to stay on our guard. Contacting translators directly through their ProZ.com profile does ensure that you are using their correct email address. I hear that it's common practice for scammers to use a very plausible address, often very similar to the real one.

If you know of particular cases where this scam has ha... See more
I think a lot of us are aware of this possibility, cilantro, though some users here are totally ignorant of this threat and even those of us who do know need to be reminded to stay on our guard. Contacting translators directly through their ProZ.com profile does ensure that you are using their correct email address. I hear that it's common practice for scammers to use a very plausible address, often very similar to the real one.

If you know of particular cases where this scam has happened (or you have reasonable reason to suspect it), please do us all a favour by either submitting a support request http://www.proz.com/support/ or by reporting it to the Scam Alert Centre http://www.proz.com/about/translator-scam-alerts/

I hope you aren't posting this because your identity was scammed in this way. It must be a horrible and damaging thing to happen. ▲ Collapse
 
cilantro
cilantro  Identity Verified
Israel
Local time: 00:21
Italian to English
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER
I sure did report it Jul 2, 2013

I'm still waiting for a reply from the site personnel.

I'm owed 170euros, which is slightly above the tolerance where Israelis will start looking for the person (we have a reputation to uphold in the media).

It should be relatively easy to find out the identity of this particular scammer by asking the company that ordered the job.
 


To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator:

Moderator(s) of this forum
Lucia Leszinsky[Call to this topic]

You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request »

Scammers impersonating Proz profiles







Trados Studio 2022 Freelance
The leading translation software used by over 270,000 translators.

Designed with your feedback in mind, Trados Studio 2022 delivers an unrivalled, powerful desktop and cloud solution, empowering you to work in the most efficient and cost-effective way.

More info »
Anycount & Translation Office 3000
Translation Office 3000

Translation Office 3000 is an advanced accounting tool for freelance translators and small agencies. TO3000 easily and seamlessly integrates with the business life of professional freelance translators.

More info »