Some scammers do have payment verified status. Better to look and see if they have a long history of actually paying freelancers, which scammers don't do. Payment verified with no payment history (and usually an Upwork member date that's current or perhaps the day before) doesn't bode well. I know, it's tricky, because legitimate clients do join Upwork every day. But at least you will get your connects back once the listing is removed for being a scam. Check your Connects History under the Reports section.