How to protect yourself when paying for programmer services?

Question

Freelance

I found a programmer who is ready to make a website for me, he works on a 25% prepayment, but the problem is that he does not have an account with reviews, because. works through managers of different companies, does not use the SBR system on FL.ru - it takes a long time to transfer money. Offers as a guarantee the contacts of previous customers, a scan of the passport and an identified account in the poison.
In Yandex, of course, they say that if anything, the money cannot be returned.
In general, a "muddy" story, believe it or not? How often are calculations made with programmers in this way, just on "faith"?
Thanks in advance for your replies.

Answer 1

If there are no recommendations, reviews and a decent portfolio, then prepayment is out of the question. Your money, you dictate. Let him start work, report in stages, and pay in stages.

Answer 2

Both sides are at risk.
Divide work into small pieces. Typically a week.
Thus, the main risk is payment per week.

Answer 3

Well, you never know the account and recommendations.
I have been working offline for 15 years and did not know grief.
Of course, without promoted accounts, I am nobody for you.
Although in fact dohrena as an experienced developer.
The account is not an indicator.
Agree that the work is published daily (github, bitbucket)
Even if you do not understand it, at least you will see that the files are growing / added.
Once a week - a small demo with the results.
As a result of the demo - a little money.
Immediately warn him that the work will be built according to such a scheme, so that he plans it.

Answer 4

Кидалово оно бывает с обоих сторон, тут никуда не деться -))) Биржи типа фла не особо помогают этого избежать, как ни странно, ибо всё не формализуешь. В данном случае, как минимум попросите показать портфолио и подумайте , нельзя ли разбить работу на более мелкие этапы, что-бы за 1й этап скажем сделать предоплату не 25, а 5-10%. Если чел нормальный, то согласится, если не согласится - подозрительно -)))

Answer 5

there was and will be a scam, it’s not possible to get away from this
that a person does not want or cannot work through a bz is not a problem, I don’t work with them myself, after a change in legislation I just can’t, although I had experience with bz on fl, it’s good for them both sides of that with goat milk
if the customer is an asshole, then it’s quite real) in the same way and on the other hand, there was a case of a person opening a deal, and the freelancer disappeared, the deadlines are already burning, there is no contact, of course, there is no money for a new developer, because they are reserved ( something in the area of
​​\u200b\u200bthe lemon at the old rate) fl support itself is disgusting ....
in general, if there is any doubt, then look for another, but there is nothing critical in prepayment and refusal to work according to the old rate PS
even the portfolio is not a guarantor, it happens that accounts with a history are taken away and while the support returns or is blocked, they manage to collect
prepayments

How often are calculations made with programmers in this way, just on "faith"?

yes, if you don't believe him, don't work with him

Answer 6

With such only postpaid, I get along about managers, tells a familiar story

Answer 7

Pay in installments.
Receiving the project also in parts.
Checking the same parts.
This minimizes both your and his risks.

Answer 8

Let him show a portfolio, a github account, and anything else to confirm that he is real.
If as a result of such communication it still seems to you that he is "muddy" - look for another artist.

Answer 9

Require posting the result on GitHub, BitBucket, GitLab.
Progress will be clearly visible there.
Get a job and give money - in small parts, small risks.
If he does nothing at all, you will see it in the first day or two of work.
It will be possible to ask another independent specialist to evaluate the progress for the first time.

Answer 10

I'll raise the topic. Worked with him once. Everything seemed to be fine, then a period passed, more work was required, he made an advance payment and he disappeared. Skype does not respond, etc. very hard