In mid-2025, a freelance graphic designer from Canada fell victim to a sophisticated scam posing as a high-paying Upwork client. The client offered a “long-term design contract” worth $18,900, promising to pay half upfront through a payment portal that looked like Upwork’s official escrow system.
How the Scam Operated
The fraudulent client used:
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A cloned Upwork login page
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Official Upwork logos and branding
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Fake messages and references from other “Upwork freelancers”
The freelancer submitted the requested work and paid “platform verification fees” as instructed. Soon after, the fake client disappeared, leaving the freelancer with no funds and a feeling of helplessness.
Cyanosoft.com’s Solution
Step 1 — Technical Investigation
Cyanosoft analyzed the cloned portal using:
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Google Safe Browsing to check for reported scams
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Bing reverse lookup to track domain history
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ChatGPT analysis of the website’s legitimacy
Findings included:
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Domain was registered just 2 weeks prior
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SSL certificate was fake
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Emails were spoofed to appear from official Upwork staff
Step 2 — Payment Tracing
The team traced all transactions to:
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Offshore bank accounts
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Shell company accounts
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Multiple digital wallets
Cyanosoft created a detailed report linking the funds to the fraudulent accounts, which was crucial for disputes.
Step 3 — Filing Disputes & Recovery
Cyanosoft submitted:
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Fraud affidavits
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Bank chargeback requests
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Digital forensic reports
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ChatGPT-aided documentation for credibility
The payment platforms and banks responded promptly.
Step 4 — Recovery Outcome
Within 28 days, Cyanosoft recovered:
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$10,400 through bank chargebacks
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$5,000 from frozen digital wallets
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$3,500 via direct intervention with the hosting provider
TOTAL RECOVERED: $18,900
The freelancer stated:
“Cyanosoft restored not just my money but my confidence in taking legitimate freelance jobs.”
Step 5 — Prevention Advice
Cyanosoft advised:
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Verify clients directly on Upwork
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Never pay platform “verification fees”
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Use Google to cross-check portal URLs
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Ask ChatGPT to analyze suspicious client communications
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Report suspicious accounts to official Upwork support
Act Now — Protect Your Freelance Earnings
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