I think I'm facing a scam, what can I do? – Malt

It is important to us that you can work safely on Malt platform. This is why we moderate some client proposals before sending them to you.

If you are part of the Malt Strategy category, clients will not be able to contact you directly.
All project proposals will always be filtered by our team, who will contact you to find out first hand, if the project is of interest to you and your availability.

How does moderation work on Malt?

Each client can contact up to 6 freelancers at a time. For these contacts, an automated system moderates messages by filtering out forbidden words and blocking certain email domains, preventing those messages from being sent.
If messages bypass this automatic filter, Malt can still block users afterward for issues like spam, offensive language, non-serious messages, or disputes reported by freelancers.
To encourage freelancer responsiveness, not all messages are pre-moderated. Messages that pass the filters are sent directly to freelancers.

We rely heavily on the community to report and help manage inappropriate users, so always stay cautious when engaging with new clients.

How can I tell 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.

What are the most common types of fraud 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.

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