Is freelancer safe?

I've used it in the past, they did transfer the money. But it has become a little shady last few years. I don't use it anymore. Too much competition from Pakistan and Bangladesh constantly undercutting prices.

I have had a very bad experience with Freelancer website so I will not recommend anyone to use it. I have been working as a freelance writer for 3 years and I have worked with many clients through Linkedin. I heard about Freelancer and decided to give it a shot. Firstly, they ask you for money to get work on their platform which was the first red flag. I kept looking for projects that did not require money upfront from me, so I found one after 3 weeks where they would deduct the money after I got paid. I completed the assignment within the deadline, but the client kept delaying the reviews from their end and then came back with changes after the deadline ended. I think this was a tactic to avoid paying the entire amount. I finalised the assignment ASAP and then again, there was a delay in payment. Finally, when I received the payment, I could not transfer it to my account. I kept writing to their customer care team but all in vain. I have still not received my payment and honestly, I have given up trying. It was too much stress for me. I would not recommend anyone to use that platform.