[CO] [CO] Can I sue if a freelancer charged me but didn’t produce?
I hired a freelancer to do some work and paid them through Payoneer. The freelancer did not produce anything, blocked me, and won’t return my money. I have nothing. What can I do?
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Based on the amount, you’d have to sue in small claims to get the money returned if they didn’t perform. You can contact your bank, report to police if it’s a scam, or sue—but you need to know their true location for jurisdiction.
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I hired a freelancer to do some work and paid them through Payoneer. The freelancer did not produce anything, blocked me, and won’t return my money. I have nothing. What can I do?
Lexi, Chatbot
I’m sorry to hear that. Have you tried reaching out to Payoneer?
Yes. They contacted the person, who refused a refund, claiming the services were rendered.
Lexi, Chatbot
Did you have a written contract or agreement?
We had a video meeting, and then discussed a flat rate on Payoneer messages.
Lexi, Chatbot
Anything else the lawyer should know?
No.
Alex, Esq.
Thanks for reaching out. How are you? How much were they paid, and what state are you in?
Alex, Esq.
$830. I’m in Colorado. Not sure where they are—online says Florida. The first guy was in India; the second was in Pakistan. They all claim to be the same person.
Alex, Esq.
Is the platform you paid on going to get involved?
No, because the scammer says he didn’t scam. That’s that.
Alex, Esq.
Based on the amount, you’d have to sue in small claims to get the money returned if they didn’t perform. You can contact your bank, report to police if it’s a scam, or sue—but you need to know their true location for jurisdiction.
There’s a pattern in freelancing I wanted to discuss. I’ve freelanced 7 years. People don’t pay me. I feel like I have no rights; I’d have to sue each time and even if I win, collection is hard. I think I was setting up shell companies for people.
Alex, Esq.
If you can’t trust someone, safeguard yourself. Before turning over work, demand payment or only share a portion and have them pay before delivery.
I was solicited for prostitution instead of payment. I was targeted with bad reviews to drive me off the platform; they told me to use a fake name then suspended me due to complaints. I feel like I have no rights.
Alex, Esq.
You were a victim. Avoid those platforms if you’re being scammed. Only trust people you can meet and can hold accountable.
If they’re out of the country but represent themselves as in the U.S., what can I do? Can I go after the platform allowing false representation? Is it illegal for a team of different people to pretend to be one person to get more volume?
Alex, Esq.
If the platform is aware and does nothing, it could be liable. They may not verify location, but accounts doing this should be terminated. Yes, it’s illegal to misrepresent identities and who is doing the work.
The entire platform is built on this. They know and do nothing, while micromanaging real people—an unfair advantage. I’ve dealt with this as a freelancer and as a hirer.
Alex, Esq.
I’m sorry. Consider payment up front when you’re hired, or use an attorney/escrow service to hold funds until work is verified, then release.
The platform claims to be that escrow. The freelancer misrepresented identity and took my money, then ghosted. What do I do now?
Alex, Esq.
You can try to sue the site if it’s not protecting users. If it doesn’t do what it represents and you relied on it, that could be a basis to sue.
Payoneer says the person claimed they rendered service.
Alex, Esq.
Proof should be provided—not just their word.
Agreed. But what can I do? Everywhere I turn, no one follows the law and there’s nothing I can do.
Alex, Esq.
You can take legal action. If the site isn’t doing what it represented and you relied on that, you can sue. You might also find other victims and consider a class action.
Okay, thank you.
Alex, Esq.
You’re welcome—glad I could help.
Alex, Esq.
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