This is a reply to a post by my friend Andy:
Andy, I truly relate to your story. I have been ripped off multiple, multiple times. One story is very similar to yours.
This programmer who I have even met in person, ripped me for $400 dollars which was half of the agreed upon amount. The problem: he probably didn’t know how to complete the project OR>>> $400 was all he needed from me.
I had a site in mind and he built the shell, I really liked the design, just as you did, then after I paid him half, he quit on me. He said he was going through a midlife crisis and couldn’t complete my site. (He was only 30 years old at the time).
Anyway, when I called him and he told me I ‘was harassing him (which I definitely was not) I realized that I had been taken for my $400. He had NO intention of completing the project. Either he could not or would not.
I had no website and he had my $400 dollars. I was so disgusted that I scrapped the website idea completely.
I have been ripped off by other people in other ways too!
My advice, use elance or odesk where the funds go into escrow. The person doesn’t get paid until you are happy with the results!
I don’t like people who rip me off. But perhaps there is a special place in Hell or some special punishment for such people? I’m sure they will get what they deserve in the end.
– Andy, I hope that never happens to you again,
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