Dehradun-based video editor Himanshu Semwal exposes a fake freelance job scam after being ghosted post-project submission. His viral post is now a wake-up call for creators to protect their work and stay vigilant. | Image: Canva
A video editor’s dream gig turned into a digital nightmare, and now his cautionary tale is going viral. Himanshu Semwal, a freelance video editor from Dehradun, took to LinkedIn to share how he was duped by a fake client posing as a legit company.
It started like any promising opportunity. A post read, “We’re hiring a freelance video editor. Paid. DM for details.”
Himanshu messaged them, had a short chat, and was asked to create a sample edit before the final selection. He gave it his best smooth transitions, tight cuts, and music on point. But then? “Next day? Blocked. Disappeared. Gone.” he wrote.
According to Himanshu, this is how scam clients operate. They collect free work from unsuspecting creators, vanish, and resell it as their own to real clients.
But he didn’t just share his experience he dropped some serious advice for fellow freelancers:
– Check the profile (new accounts = red flag)
– Don’t send free samples without a written agreement
– Trust your gut if it feels shady, it probably is
– Real clients will always respect your time and skill
He signed off with a message that’s hitting home with thousands: “To all video editors, freelancers, and creators stay alert. Your work has value. Don’t let someone steal your skill for free.”
Netizens’ Reactions
Himanshu Semwal’s LinkedIn post about being scammed by a fake video editing client has struck a chord across the creative community, prompting dozens of freelancers to share their own experiences and advice.
“It happened with me as well… It’s rampant in the editing field. They especially pose as corporate people to look legitimate,” shared one user.
Practical advice came pouring in, too. One user recommended a watermarking strategy: “Bro, use a watermark. Once payment is done, send the original file.”
Another user took it a step further, “Before giving them the final video, upload it to your own channel. If they ghost you or refuse payment, you can file a copyright claim and take it down.”
Netizens’ Reactions | Linkedin
Others warned about being cautious from the get-go: “I’ve never experienced this personally, but I’ve had friends who have. If a client seems sketchy or you don’t have an established connection with them, watermark your work.”
One particularly striking account detailed a nearly identical scam: “Sounds familiar! I worked day and night to finish an urgent project for a client who added me on Discord. I sent a version with a watermark, and he said it was perfect—but then asked for the clean version. When I requested payment first, he refused, saying why would I pay for a video with a watermark?”
