Odesk Scam - DON'T USE ODESK.com **Odesk Scam Warning**

I used Odesk before. The first contractor was a total pain but then the 2nd contractor I got was a dream so the way I look at it I broke even . Way to fight for your money though!

 

that's why you set weekly limits. thats basic odesk 101 rules.

 

I have only used oDesk to some extent and I didn't like it... Elance is much better in terms of organization & ability to manage the projects with accuracy which will then result to a successful project.

 

Ohhh God. I had ODESK debit card. Thanks for infomation

 

use rentacoder - they have good arbitration system

 

Whoever that said it's the 4HWW fault, that's just hilarious!

 

I am working through odesk since last 1 year , its not scam, just lack of experience causes anyone to think about it as a scam. 100% satisfied.... thumbs up

 

I am freelancer, I done a fixed price job in Odesk.
Client paid me and rated me 5 stars, and closed the job.
He sent me a message he is happy with my work.
After that he just sent a mail to Odesk customer support that he just wants his money back and asked to reverse the amount.
Odesk simply did this and just sent me a mail, its a fixed price job they guarantee only hourly based job.
Please don't work on Odesk, Better is Elance, scriptlance, gaf, frelancer.

 

I am new to this site, I came because I googled "odesk a scam" . I read some of your replies and also some other sites suggested. I am looking for work . I have completed some articles for associated content and text broker. I am American, fluid in English, not looking to rip anyone off or get ripped off. I am ready to work from home, pref not to bid, clear instructions wanted and a deadline with pay amount and if I can accomplish what work you may need. I am going to check guru out. Id rather work one on one with an individual that we can build a professional relationship upon and begin working asap. I have an active paypal account to receive payments. If anyone is interested in a hard , consistent, professional worker please contact me. Thank you,

 

amberk, I am going to check the site out. What is the first thing(s) I should inquire about. I am looking for hourly work. I am ready to work and start making money. I have had prior experience in writing articles, rewriting articles, writing articles for private individuals websites. I am very experienced in note taking, data entry, and other clerical type work. I mainly worked in the insurance Industry but for quite some time its been slow, so I am back to doing what I know a bit about.

 

I have similar situation.
We agreed with programmer for certain amount and project went as hour based. But programmer billed me twice much.
I wrote messages and emails to programmer asking to explain why i was billed 2 times more. Programmer replied once per week so 2 weeks passed and i couldn't dispute.
Luckily my card expired so i paid only amount we agreed.

What may happen if I won't pay extra money which really i shouldn't pay? I'm located in Belarus so i doubt odesk can sue me in court, am i right?

Bad side - I won't be able to use odesk anymore even i think there can be honest programmers.

 

I'm using odesk regulary (I've spent over $1000 there) and I like their system.

 

Do, as you know, whatever you know?? If you have experience in Any section like MS word, ms excel and more & more about computing or something else. Try www.odesk.com. Create a free account & get started. Free to join. All You need to do build up your profile. Enjoy freelancing. >>>>>

 

May be for freelancer odesk is ok but for customers it doesn't. There is no protection for client not to be over-billed.
Example - freelancer spent 40 hours by "making" modules which were not used at website at all.
As it was hour-based job - freelancer was paid and I found it 2 weeks later so couldn't dispute.

 

@pashua >>> you are right. But all we need to do make a good response to the employer. we should work properly and delete unnecessary time log.

 

freelancers who knows about 2 weeks dispute use it to deceive clients, e.g. if client doesn't know programming or certain cms - it is almost impossible to check that programmer spent time to work with ur project. E.g. making the modules with same functionality for CMS.

 

I used oDesk once before and got a good price, but was not very good quality. Suing them will just lose more money then what you pay in. Can you dispute the charges with your credit card company or paypal maybe if you used them to pay?

 

odesk is not a scam site but you did mistake by allowing your worker to log in odesk team and you did not set any weekly limit.

 

The problem with odesk is that don't protect client good enough from bad programmers (from my experience mostly from India)

 

Good Morning, Been reading up with Odesk and I have been using as a job broker site for the last 6 months. Up until last night I really didn't a a problem with it. I realize not everyone is honest, and that the heart of the problem. Last night I had a client not only stiff me for my work (three days coding/web design) but had someone steal the work from my server (I should have locked it down till payment was arrived). I always do work on a fixed price. I absolutely HATE working to a time clock, really won't have it. A client is paying me for a site, not to evesdrop on me every moment of the day. While it is doubtful I will get any of my money back or control of the images I made that was stolen. What galls is how frankly NO HELP Odesk has been thru this entire issue. I will be looking forward to switching to another job broker, after I finish my remaining work. Paul DeJager