Scammy - USD $1600 project deposit for 0 project deliverable, & we got cancelled
We have started a project on November 17th 2024 to develop a 3D modelling tools for Rhino Grasshopper. Total budget is USD $6,400, to be paid out 4 times. We had our deposit $1,600 paid out the same date.
Since then, the freelancer missed the deadlines & refused to reply message from Nov 2024 to Jan 2025; and finally went missing from Jan 2025. We messaged the freelancer for his response, and only once a month he replied for no update nor deliverable.
On March 1st, the freelancer requested project cancellation and we got cancelled on April 16th.
No update, no delivery, no refund.
We got in touch & asked for any actions they can make up. They provided $250 credit for future project, which is only a fraction of our deposit lost.
They replied our refund intention with:
"Unfortunately, since the project was completed and the independent already withdrew the funds, the money is no longer in Contra."
Well no, the project is not completed. The project is cancelled single-sided, without mutual agreement, by the freelancer.
Made a fool of us.
Can provide solid proof.
Think twice before you sign up & pay for anything.
Svar fra Contra
Hi there,
I'm sorry to hear this was the outcome of your project on Contra.
Unfortunately, upfront payments are non-refundable for the same reason we previously stated - the funds are simply no longer in our possession.
Because of this, we can only assist with funds still in escrow within our dispute process.
This has been stated in our standard services agreement and is why we recommend using escrow payments, and only approving the release of funds if you are satisfied with the deliverables.