Fiverr Milestone Scam

[theleach3000]

Hi, I just fell prey to the Fiverr Milestone system, here's what happened:

I ordered an animated video. The seller was friendly and trustworthy at first and informed me that this is a pretty elaborate project so he divided it into two milestones. He sent me 5 character images for me to approve of as part of the first milestone. I accepted it and paid the first amount of money. I later was informed by Fiverr support that I've had 14 days after paying the 1st milestone to complain about this and get my money back.

But why would I? Everything seemed to run smoothly until there.

But from that point on the seller ignored my messages missed three (!!) deadlines and had no intention to work on the video knowing that I won't get a refund for my first payment and that the money is his. I waited three months and finally cancelled.

As said, the seller seemed professional and trustworthy at first so I had absolutely no reason to believe within the 14 day "period of grace" when I would have been able to cancel, that he was just after the 1st milestone payment and that he would stop working from now on. 

So, after all I paid a few hundred euros for 5 simple character images that I could have done in seconds with an AI app.

Super frustrating and all I got from Fiverr support was a third of the lost money in credits that I can only use on Fiverr.

 

[akib0079]

3 hours ago, theleach3000 said:

So, after all I paid a few hundred euros for 5 simple character images that I could have done in seconds with an AI app.

@theleach3000 so sorry you had to experience such a hassle from a fellow seller, usually we divide an order into milestones to divide the workload - this also keeps the customer in check in regards to the latest updates.

as the seller didn't have any sort of intention of delivering the 2nd milestone, of course, you had to take a step. again sorry from a fellow seller.
There are always two parts of a story. obviously, Fiverr support had to listen to the other part and had to take the best decision that could be achieved here.

 

[theleach3000]

Thanks for your response. Well, Fiverr did not listen to the other part. They tried to reach out to him like multiple times but he did not respond. When I've asked Fiverr how on earth I could have anticipated that the seller would hang me out to dry after having paid the first milestone, they said: "If you're new to Fiverr it can be quite confusing". Unbelievable.