Ripped off by a developer? You can now claim.
 

This thread isn't for publicly bashing any individuals. Its very simply to give a bit of free information for those of you who feel like you've been ripped off and the way to move things forward.

I recently got ripped for a substantial amount of money and had nothing to show for it. I was pretty angry to say the least. I am happy to report that i challenged the case and won! Fortunately, this particular person jacked the wrong dude and my law education and practise was pretty helpful!

Here are a few things to consider

Paypal
Paypal have now introduced a new protection policy for 'Un-tangable goods' to cover things like software and so on. If you have paid for any work from now onwards, you are covered.

Debit Credit Cards via paypal
If you paid for things before paypal policy change, you can still raise a dispute via your card issuer. This is best done over the phone as you'll be able to relay things clearly in the initial phase, they will then send you all the necessary paperwork.

Contractual Agreements
Whenever accepting work or commissioning it, make sure you keep records of EVERYTHING, emails, skype, pms screenshots and date records. Make sure you make your job offer or acceptance clear and concise before any transfer of payment. The acceptance of payment is an acceptance of terms and vice verse. This is the point a contractual agreement is binding. Be confident before this transaction.

If you are unsure and not fully confident in your capacity to operate a verbal/written/online contract, i would highly recommend this book It will give you a very basic understanding of commercial agreements and the necessary information to establishing a good practice when it comes to agreements and contracts.

I hope this helps you all that have also suffered at the hands of misfortune.

That's some pretty good info, nice to see PayPal step up, but I hope the system is not abused by people trying to rip developers off.

Nice information.
It's also a good thing to do some research about the developer before you're going to work with one. You can find plenty of things online by just Googling the username or email address of the developer.

I'd recommend getting a copy of nutshells contract law. Its a basic overview which applies to any party in a contractual agreement developer or commissioner, the same applies.

Its simply about keeping records of everything :)

This is the most awesome news i have read today DreadsUK. Fantastic you won and got your money back from that guy. Cheers to you mate and great info ;)

This is great news!

Pretty cool bro! I do not usually have the patience or understanding to go through those small print agreements! Thanks for the info!