Upwork, the worst platform for Software Engineers?

Many years ago, I created an account on Upwork. However, I never used it because I always had direct customers or full-time roles as a Software Engineer.

Recently, I decided to update my profile and find some side contracts on the platform. I spent multiple hours completing my profile:

Introducing every single piece of my job history in the platform
Links to all my projects
Description of each item
ID verification
Certification verification

Finally, I decided to apply for some contracts. However, I wanted to find contracts in the UK, therefore I had to verify my location sending a copy of my Passport and a utility bill.

After hours setting up my profile… I started applying for contracts.

However, what is my surprise when I get a notification saying that my account had been suspended because I had “altered or falsified” my own documents. W…T…F…

This is the complete email I received:

Ali (Upwork Help Center)Sep 23, 12:09 PM WEST
Hello Carlos Baraza,
After reviewing the documents you submitted to verify your identity, we’ve determined that some materials were falsified or altered.
As a result, we’ve been forced to permanently deactivate your Upwork account, and you won’t be allowed to open a new one.
We are sorry to have to take this step, but we have a zero-tolerance policy toward false documentation. Your actions are viewed as a serious violation of our Upwork User Agreement.
We fully understand how this may affect you, and we made this decision only after careful consideration. Because our decision is final and cannot be reversed, please know we are unlikely to respond to correspondence from you regarding this matter.
Regards,
Upwork Identity Team

However, I did not upload any falsified or altered documents. Therefore, I decided to open another support ticket, because this was a total misunderstanding. On this second support ticket, I included:

My scanned passport
Bank statement
Company name
VAT number
Full address and utility bill
LinkedIn URL

This is what they answered back to me:

Jamaica Corbita (Upwork Help Center)Sep 23, 5:30 PM WEST
Hello Carlos,
Thank you for contacting Upwork Support.
Unfortunately, your account has been permanently suspended. This suspension is due to violations on your account, or an account you are associated with.
While we regret having to take this step, the Terms of Service violation(s) were simply too serious, and we are not able to reverse this decision.
Please know we are unlikely to respond to further correspondence regarding this matter. We wish you well in your future endeavors.
Regards,
Jamaica
Upwork Support | support.upwork.com

Other issues with the platform

Rates are very low. This is extremely challenging if you live in a city like London, UK. We just can’t accept a $5.00/hour rate.
You can not reach out to clients directly, because you risk getting banned for not using the platform. I get it, they don’t want to be left out so they can get their fee. However, working at a team implies joining their Slack, Skype, Teams and others.
Their fee is really high (20%). What do they do to deserve that fee? Just to maintain a simple web application and a chat?

Avoid Upwork

Upwork doesn’t respect or care about the freelancers that actually bring value to their own platform.

As a freelancer, you really don’t want to depend on one platform that can close your account whenever they feel like it, without giving you any other explanation or chances to appeal.

Alternatives:

Other platforms like Toptal, RemoteOK, AngelList, etc.
Search for clients on other channels like Social Media, Forums, Communities. Think about where your clients hang out and go there.