When you send a transcript out for scoping or proofreading, you’re not just passing along a document. You’re handing over real people’s lives on paper. Testimony. Medical details. Private addresses. Exhibits. Social security numbers. And in many cases, it’s information that could be considered confidential under HIPAA or a court order.
That’s why, as the court reporter, you are the gatekeeper.
Not the agency.
Not the scopist.
Not the proofreader.
You.
Your name is on the record. Your credentials are on the line. And in today’s increasingly remote and digital freelance landscape, you need to know exactly who you’re entrusting with your work.
Hiring Overseas Isn’t the Problem — Blind Hiring Is
At Stenovate, we’re proud to collaborate with exceptional professionals worldwide. In fact, one of our most talented developers lives in the Philippines, and we absolutely adore him. This isn’t about geography. It’s about visibility, accountability, and informed decision-making.
There are talented scopists and proofreaders around the world, but that doesn’t mean every person you meet in a Facebook group or freelance listing should have immediate access to your files. Especially not when they may contain Social Security numbers, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), and/or sensitive testimony.
The Data Is Clear: Some Countries Are Higher Risk
Let’s be straight: this isn’t about prejudice — it’s about patterns.
According to multiple sources, including the BBC (2024), Interpol, and U.S. cybersecurity agencies, there are countries with disproportionately high rates of online fraud, identity theft, and freelance job scams. These often include:
- Nigeria
- Kenya
- India
- Philippines
- Pakistan
- Russia
- Bangladesh
This isn’t to say that every freelancer in these places is a scammer. Of course not. But statistically speaking, these regions are hotbeds for digital fraud rings, especially in the gig economy space, where impersonation, fake profiles, and resume recycling are rampant.
“If someone leaks your transcript, the court doesn’t blame your scopist. They blame you. Know who you’re working with.”
That’s the reality. That’s the risk.
How Stenovate Helps: Transparency Without Bias
To support safer hiring practices, Stenovate displays IP-based login location on every member’s profile. This small feature adds a powerful layer of transparency.
- You’ll immediately see where someone is logging in from.
- You can decide what’s acceptable for your workflow.
- You retain full control before assigning any files.
We don’t ban countries. We don’t enforce limits. We simply provide factual data, so you can make smart, informed decisions.
Your Team. Your Tools. Your Responsibility.
Hiring a scopist or proofreader isn’t just a delegation. It’s a partnership. You’re handing off work that represents your professional integrity. And while Stenovate can provide secure tools, task management, and team-efficiency features, we can’t vet your team for you.
So be thoughtful. Be intentional. Use every tool at your disposal.
You’re the gatekeeper. Own that role.
✅ Final Tip:
Trust—but verify. Check a member’s reviews. Confirm their IP location. Ask questions before you invite a collaborator to a transcript. When in doubt, don’t send it out.
One last note: Stenovate isn’t only for hiring. It’s a full collaboration and project management platform built specifically for court reporting teams. You can securely assign tasks, transfer files, track progress, communicate in real time, and keep everything organized in one place. No more email chains. No more mystery Dropbox links. Just clear, streamlined workflow from start to finish.
Ready to work smarter—and safer?
Join the platform that puts you in control of your team and your transcripts.
👉 Become a Stenovate member today.
