In today’s gig economy, freelance platforms like Fiverr have become a popular way for people around the world to earn money on their own terms. But with its rise in popularity comes the question: is Fiverr legit? The answer is yes — but as with any online marketplace, it’s not immune to scams.

What Is Fiverr?

Fiverr is an online marketplace where freelancers offer digital services (called “gigs”) starting at just $5 (hence the name). Launched in 2010, the platform now supports thousands of categories across areas like graphic design, writing and translation, video editing, programming, marketing, and more.

Buyers browse gig listings, compare pricing and reviews, and place orders directly from sellers. Payments are held until the buyer marks the job as complete, with Fiverr taking a percentage of each transaction as a fee. Fiverr makes freelancing accessible to a wide audience. You don’t need a business license or a website — just a marketable skill and an internet connection. But its low barrier to entry also means it attracts a wide range of users, including some bad actors.

Is Fiverr Legit?

Yes, Fiverr is a legitimate platform. It has been publicly traded since 2019 and is used by millions of freelancers and buyers across 160+ countries. It offers protections for both parties, including secure payment processing, dispute resolution, and a rating/review system. That said, not every transaction on Fiverr goes smoothly, and while Fiverr itself is trustworthy, scammers do exist on the platform.

5 Common Fiverr Scams to Watch Out For

1. Off-Platform Payment Requests
   If a seller or buyer asks you to complete a transaction outside Fiverr (e.g., via PayPal, crypto, or bank transfer), it’s a red flag. Not only does this violate Fiverr’s terms of service, but it also strips you of any protection if something goes wrong. Scammers use this tactic to get paid without delivering the work — or to phish for personal and financial details.
   
   
2. Plagiarized or Low-Quality Work
   Some sellers copy work from other creators or use AI-generated content without quality control. Others might deliver a quick placeholder just to get paid and disappear. Always check reviews and portfolio samples. Fiverr allows you to reject or request revisions if the work isn’t up to standard.
   
   
3. Fake Reviews and Inflated Ratings
   Some sellers boost their reputation with fake reviews — either by creating multiple accounts or by exchanging positive reviews with others. Look beyond the star rating. Read the reviews carefully for genuine detail. A top-rated seller with thousands of vague, overly positive reviews may be too good to be true.
   
   
4. Buyers Who Disappear or Refuse to Pay
   On the flip side, some scammers target sellers. A buyer might order a gig, receive the work, and then cancel the order under false pretenses, leaving the freelancer unpaid. Use watermarks for visual work until payment is confirmed. Document everything and contact Fiverr Support if something feels off.
   
   
5. Phishing or Malicious Files
   Some scammers send files with malware or links to phishing sites disguised as job instructions or assets. Don’t click suspicious links or open strange file formats. Run all files through antivirus software, and report anything shady to Fiverr Support immediately.

How to Stay Safe on Fiverr

• Use Fiverr’s messaging system: Keep all communication within the platform. This creates a record that Fiverr can review if problems arise.
• Check seller credentials: Look for verified sellers or those with a consistent track record of completed gigs and authentic reviews.
• Start small: Try a smaller order before committing to a large or long-term project with a new freelancer.
• Report suspicious activity: Fiverr has a dedicated Trust & Safety team. If you suspect a scam, report it right away.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Protect your account with an extra layer of security.

Protect Yourself with Trend Micro ScamCheck

With the increasing number and sophistication of scams, staying one step ahead is more crucial than ever. Unfortunately, antivirus software alone isn’t enough. Introducing the newly updated Trend Micro ScamCheck ! Available for both Android and iOS, ScamCheck offers comprehensive protection from deceptive phishing scams, scam and spam text messages, deepfakes, and more:

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• Web Guard: Surf the web safely, protected from malicious websites and annoying ads.

To download Trend Micro ScamCheck or to learn more, click the button below.

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