this post was submitted on 17 Nov 2023
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More than two weeks ago, my account on Fiverr got unfairly and unjustifiably banned. My services are about blockchain development (Decentralized Applications), in where Fiverr CS told me that the services I offered are prohibited since they're "financial risks". Ironically, there is a lot of similar and almost exact services being offer on Fiverr, AND there's a whole category of "Blockchain & Cryptocurrency" on Fiverr for this type of gig.

Days of trying to explain everything to Fiverr CS and it was like talking to a brick wall. They were not helpful at all. Almost two years of being a seller without issues (I was even a level 2 seller), and they threw me away like nothing.

I was at the stage of acceptance and just let everything go - but wait, there's more. There are still some funds that I could withdraw in my account. It is stated that banned accounts can withdraw their funds after 90 days. However, just awhile ago, I received an email that my previous orders (3 months ago) was being cancelled and refunded. This is more likely an order that is worth $700-$1000. I remember that I still have a $1500+ funds pending for withdrawal. How could that be fair?

Everything here does not make sense, they took away the portfolio I've been building up for 2 years. Scammers have been copying my work's sample photos and videos and had been rampant on Fiverr and yet I, the original developer, was banned and is being robbed unfairly. Fiverr is straight up racing to the bottom. I absolutely do not recommend Fiverr if you intend to be a seller there for a long term.

What should I even do? There's no way I can contact their CS anymore since I don't even have an account.

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[–] Thinkb4Jump@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I would find their billing address and submit a bill, you would be amazed at how many bigger companies will pay small amounts blindly for amounts that are big to you and perspectively small to them.

[–] 08Lemon@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago

Really? I've never thought about this. I'm not sure how this is done but I will check what I can do. Thanks!

[–] cassiuswright@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)
[–] Dr4WasTaken@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Not worth it for that amount

[–] TomFromOpenScreensIT@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

There's small claims court, but probably just sending them an invoice and then a small claims court threat to their Registered Address will get you paid.

[–] 08Lemon@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

How is this done? Can this be done even if I'm in a different country?

[–] TomFromOpenScreensIT@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago

Yes, it depends on where the company is registered, most big companies are even registered in different states.

Check the terms of conditions which define the entity you signed the contract with and its definition.

Then find out what jurisdiction that is, and find out what municpality it is and what courts correspond to their registered address. Usually these companies are setup in California, in Silicon Valley or nearby. Sometimes they can be in Delaware if they are more shady.

Then check out the website for the court that is in charge of that district, check if they have any teleconferencing options and what its costs are.

Its worth it to send an invoice and intimidation through mail to their registered address, both to see if they pay before court, and to use as evidence in case they don't pay.

[–] WonderWhyhow@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago

Man that's tough hope you find a solution

[–] rossedwardsus@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago (2 children)

Cryptocurrencies are scam and should be banned. Good on fiverr for doing this. I was in the space for 5 years and saw nothing but lies and pump and dump schemes.

[–] 08Lemon@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago

It's about whether you think Cryptocurrencies are scam or not. I've been offering honest services for two years.

And as I've said, Fiverr is literally contradicting itself by having a specific category "Blockchain Development" for such gigs. If they would decide to stop allowing Crypto-related services, then they should be warning their sellers and not banning them right away without notice.

If you think Cryptocurrency related services should be banned, then they should remove all of the gigs that offer the same ones as mine. This is the only reason why it felt like the decision was unfair and unjustified. They even manage to refund previous orders just because I can't contacted.

[–] wookeydookey@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago (2 children)

It is not this guy's fault of you've faced or seen crypto scams. OP is responsible for the dev part and it's not like he's deliberately trying to scam people. If he was a scammer he coul've easily do a pump and dump but instead is doing some honest work.

[–] rossedwardsus@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

And how do you know hes doing honest work? He could be lying through his teeth like everybody on reddit. He is involved with technology that is a scam and is increasingly being cracked down upon. So rather then changing his skillset he is on reddit asking random people what he should do. How is anybody on here supposed to know what to do. Do any of us work for fiverr?

[–] 08Lemon@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago

I can send you samples of my work if you want.

[–] 08Lemon@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago

Thank you!

I develop tools for automating transactions and for token developers. I never thought of doing a pump and dump scheme because it's against my conscience.

[–] Banksville@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

‘Web services’ LOVE to jump on the BAN-wagon! I went to fivvr, but they didn’t have anyone for me. Upwork did tho. Overall ok, tho, I DO feel I was overcharged a bit… b y … a LAWYER! She didn’t do a real good job, & then quit when I said “we r going to pick this back up 1st qtr. 2024.” I already paid $16,000! & not all material is usable by me. She neglected to do some things I asked too.

[–] wookeydookey@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago

So you got scammed twice. Society doesn't reward honesty any more

[–] aztec337@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago

Fiverr is great for freelancers but risky if it's a major % of client acquisition for a company. But marketing is more expensive so its an interesting balance. I can see both the appeal and concern.

[–] nitrokuna@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Not to mention they take 20% as their share smh

[–] 08Lemon@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago

Yeah, and I thought they would care more about top sellers. But no, they earned a total of around $15,000 from me and I guess it really doesn't matter to them.