Ask HN: Bait and Switch

I have to ask this:

I am keeping the names and certain details obtuse to protect the guilty..

Is it normal for a Startup to post job ads and than when they get ready to send 'a job contract' to a potential employee do a switch and write the contract as a temp gig with the worker taking 80% of the risks upfront in terms of getting paid, etc.?

No, I did not sign it..not that stupid