How to Protect Your Freelance Work from Theft

The Problem

Every freelancer knows the pattern: you send a mockup, a draft, a prototype. The client says "we went with another direction." Two weeks later, your work is live on their website — with no credit and no payment.

Without proof that you created the work before sending it, there's little you can do. It becomes "he said, she said." Contracts help, but most freelance gigs happen without one.

The Solution: Cryptographic Proof of Existence

Before sending any deliverable to a client, create a cryptographic timestamp. This proves that a specific file existed in your hands at a specific point in time — before the client received it.

The file itself never leaves your computer. Only its SHA-256 hash (a mathematical fingerprint) is computed and anchored to a blockchain. Anyone can independently verify the proof later.

Step-by-Step

1. Hash the file locally. Go to shield.aotrust.link and drop your file. Your browser computes a SHA-256 hash. The file never gets uploaded.
2. Pay $0.10 USDC. A micropayment on Base (a Layer-2 blockchain) creates a permanent, tamper-evident record. Cost: ten cents.
3. Download your certificate. You get a PDF with the file hash, timestamp, Ed25519 signature, and a QR code linking to a verification page.
4. Send your work to the client. Attach the certificate to your delivery email. It signals you have proof of authorship.

Why This Works

• Mathematically verifiable. SHA-256 hashes are unique. If even one byte changes, the hash is completely different.
• Blockchain-anchored. The proof is recorded on the NEAR blockchain — no single company controls it.
• Offline verification. The PDF includes a Python script. Anyone can verify the proof without our service, even in 10 years.
• Privacy-first. Your file never leaves your browser. Only the hash is sent.

What If the Client Already Stole My Work?

If you didn't timestamp before sending, you still have options:

• Gather all communication: emails, messages, file metadata
• Check cloud storage timestamps (Google Drive, Dropbox) — they show when you uploaded the file
• Look for version history in your design tools (Figma, Adobe Cloud)
• Send a formal demand letter citing copyright infringement

But going forward: timestamp before you send. It takes 30 seconds and costs less than a coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a crypto wallet? Yes, you need MetaMask or any EVM wallet with $0.10 USDC on Base. Alternatively, you can send USDC directly to an address and paste the transaction hash.

Is this a legal document? No. It's cryptographic evidence of existence. It doesn't replace a contract or copyright registration, but it's strong supporting evidence in disputes.

What file types work? Any file: PDF, PNG, JPG, ZIP, DOCX, code files, 3D models. Up to 10MB. The hash represents the exact bytes of the file.

What if FreelanceShield shuts down? The certificate is self-contained. The verification algorithm is printed on the PDF. The blockchain anchor is permanent. Your proof outlives the service.