What does 'Payment Method Not Verified' mean for providers?
oDesk is constantly striving to strengthen the security and integrity of the marketplace. To combat increasingly sophisticated attempts at credit card fraud, oDesk has instituted a system for verifying all buyer credit cards. Now, whenever you see a job posting, you'll be able to tell whether the buyer has a verified payment method on file with oDesk or not.
The new 'Verified Payment Method' icons should give providers peace of mind that the buyer is legitimate and dedicated to working within the oDesk system. But what if you see 'Payment Method Not Verified' on a job you like? The simple answer is, payment for that job (even if it's hourly) is NOT guaranteed. Please continue reading for the whole story.
What does 'Payment Method Not Verified' mean for job seekers?
- The buyer has yet to complete the verification process.
- This process usually takes several days, so a brand-new buyer will always start out unverified.
- Chances are, the buyer will have the verification taken care of within a day or two. But...
- Be aware that you can't get paid for your work by a buyer without a verified payment method.
- It's up to you to decide whether applying to jobs without verified payment methods is worthwhile.
I've been hired by a buyer who has yet to verify their payment method. Now what?
- You may start working, but it's at your own risk. The oDesk payment guarantee does not apply to jobs not secured by a verified payment method. For your own protection, we strongly recommend that you not start working on the assignment until the verification process is completed. If you opt to wait, it is very important that you contact the buyer and let them know about it.
- If you do work, and the buyer submits a payment, oDesk cannot release the funds to your account (until verification is completed).
- Chances are, the buyer will have the verification taken care of within a day or two. But...
- The assignment will be suspended 7 days after you are hired if the buyer still hasn't completed the verification process. You cannot log hours or receive payment for a suspended assignment. You may want to send the buyer an email to remind them to complete the process. No matter what the buyer says, ABSOLUTELY DO NOT continue working on the suspended assignment (hourly or fixed price) until it is reactivated. The buyer will need to complete the verification process and submit a help ticket to have your assignment reactivated.
| Perhaps most importantly, if the buyer asks you to work outside the system instead of completing the verification process with oDesk - don't do it. Not only is this a violation of oDesk policy (click to read more about disintermediation), but you'd be working with someone who failed to prove the authenticity of their credit card. |
Now I'm worried. How can I make sure that I always get paid for my work?
If you are concerned about the risk of nonpayment, you may choose to apply only to those jobs that have guaranteed payments (hourly jobs, with verified payment methods). Then once you're hired, properly log all your time using oDesk Team and you will be paid. It's that simple.