While we strive to create a platform free of spam and other malicious behavior, we would like to offer you some tips on how to recognize potentially malicious Opportunity requests or Collaboration requests/ DMs.
- Don't share your personal information, such as government issued ID numbers, birthdate, credit card or bank account numbers with people you don't know.
- Don't enter usernames, passwords, or other personal information by clicking on external links. It's best to go to the website directly by typing it into your browser. You'll also want to make sure you're only entering this type of information during secure browsing sessions.
- When expressing interest in Opportunities posted on Polywork, be wary of the poster asking you to send information to an email address that isn't associated with their respective company. The email domain should contain the actual company name, such as @polywork.com.
- When clicking on a link from an Opportunity posting, watch out for websites that seem unrelated to the original Opportunity posting or that ask for sensitive information (example: government ID) but don't use secure (https) browsing.
- Check the poster’s Polywork profile and try research the poster/company outside of Polywork to validate information about them.
- Use caution when clicking on links contained within messages. Malware can infiltrate your system if you click on a bad link. If you're suspicious, move your cursor over any link (without clicking on it) to verify that it's directing you to the real website.
- Be cautious when sharing your business plan information and use your legal aid to discuss what can be shared before you do.
- Be cautious when someone asks for personal information or money, or posts suspicious requirements.
- Make sure you use our reporting process and learn how you can block the profile as well
Other helpful tips on what to be cautious about:
- People asking you for money who you don’t know in person.
- People asking you to send them money or gift cards to receive a loan, prize or other winnings.
- Anyone asking you to pay a fee in order to apply for a job.
- People asking you to move your conversation off Polywork to a less public or less secure setting, such as a separate email.
- People claiming to be a friend or relative in an emergency.
- Messages or posts with poor spelling and grammatical mistakes.
- People or accounts directing you to a page to claim a prize.