My friend commissioned an artist $1600 for a short animated gif - he never completed his work after 5+ months and lives in another country outside the US.

Yes, my friend has acknowledged that she made a silly, naive mistake paying the whole cost upfront, but he worked at an animation studio in the US — I called the studio today, gave his full name, and am waiting to hear back if they have any information — but I believe he’s just an independent contractor and not a full employee. I believe he lives in Chile or Portugal.

I think we have sufficient evidence and proof that this animator committed fraud (not quite sure what the correct legal term is?), and intentionally misled my friend for months so that she couldn’t dispute payment on PayPal after a certain period of time. Also, because he lives in a country outside the US, what is the best route my friend can take to get this resolved or reimbursed?

She simply wants to let it go, and even blames herself for this situation, but i feel like there is something that can be done since we know his name, a place where he works or used to work at, and a few personal social media accounts.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Written By: naxypoo
Source: http://bit.ly/2D4B9p8