This article helps you identify suspicious behaviour on Malt and report potential fraud.
- Malt moderates profiles and monitors suspicious activity.
- Check if a user is new and report suspicious clients from their profile.
- Confirmed fraud leads to account suspension and client refund where applicable.
How does moderation work on Malt?
The most prevalent scam involves a client asking to move off the platform, then sending a payment (usually a check or transfer) for more than the agreed amount. They ask the freelancer to refund the difference before the mission starts.
The freelancer refunds the difference, but the original payment bounces or is reversed, leaving the freelancer out of pocket by that amount.
The best protection is to stay on the Malt platform for the entire duration of your project.
How do I know if a user is new?
From your inbox, you’ll see a panel on the right side displaying key client information:
• Company size
• Payment method and terms
• Number of completed missions on Malt
If the client hasn’t completed any missions yet, you’ll see “No missions,” along with a message alerting you in the conversation.
Stay cautious, and don’t hesitate to report the client if you have any concerns.
How do I report a suspicious client?
You have two ways to report a suspicious client from your conversation with them:
• Under the message that says the client has never completed a mission on Malt, click the “Report this customer” button.
• Above the conversation and client info panel on the right, there is also a “Report this customer” button.
Simply provide the reason for your report, and be as detailed as possible to help us investigate.
Once validated, your report is sent to our dedicated team who will review the profile and take action if fraud is confirmed.
What happens if fraud is confirmed?
If a fraud alert is verified, the client’s account will be deleted from Malt. You’ll see “account deleted” in your conversation with that client.
An email notification will then be sent to all freelancers who have been contacted by this fraudulent client to warn them.
The best way to protect yourself is to use Malt throughout the entire project—from creating the quote to receiving payment.
Most common types of fraud
From your inbox, you’ll see a panel on the right side displaying key client information:
• Company size
• Payment method and terms
• Number of completed missions on Malt
If the client hasn’t completed any missions yet, you’ll see “No missions,” along with a message alerting you in the conversation.
Stay cautious, and don’t hesitate to report the client if you have any concerns.