In May, I started actively applying for jobs and quickly landed my first project with an Italian client who wanted an Android kiosk app for restaurants in Italy. The client was reliable, kind, and had already spent over $200K on Upwork, so I was excited to start our collaboration in early June.
After I completed the first milestone and received payment, Upwork suddenly suspended my account and asked me to verify my identity - even though I had already done so twice before and had the "Identity Verified" badge on my profile. I immediately uploaded my ID card and residency statement because I didn't want to leave my client waiting, since I couldn't contact them while suspended. Six days later, I finally received an email saying my case was in the final review stage, and I felt some relief, thinking I'd soon get back to work. But yesterday, Upwork emailed me saying my account would remain permanently suspended because they "couldn’t verify my identity" despite having all the requested documents and previously verifying me twice. They also said they would not answer any further emails and that the decision was final. I reached out to ask why, offered to send additional documents, and even asked for a call with support. The only response I received was, "The decision is final." Even my client contacted Upwork to ask for an explanation, but they refused to share any details. I thought Upwork was a serious, professional platform, but it seems that's not the case. I invested significant time and effort to build a presentable profile, spent money on connects and a professional membership, only to end up permanently banned - without ever being told why.
What is your experience with Upwork? Has anyone experienced something similar?
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