Short version:
Paid upfront to a freelancer. They didn't deliver. They didn't return the money. I filed a police report. Wondering what comes next and what punishment they'll face. Walked right into it :)
Full complaint details:
"Hello. I'm reporting a case of fraud involving an electronic payment.
Recommended to contact the department investigating crimes in high-tech information systems.
On October 30th I agreed with a contractor on the site fl.ru to modify code in a website CMS. The contractor received an advance payment of 2000 rubles—50% of the total—and all necessary access to complete the work. According to them, the job would take 4 days. A week later they said they don't have time for this project. When I asked for the money back, they claimed it was technically impossible and promised to return it "next week". Two weeks have passed since the project started, and I still haven't seen the money.
I'm asking you to investigate this matter and punish the fraudster.
Scammer's profile on freelance site: https://www.fl.ru/users/kladko/
Yandex.Money wallet number: YD **************6
Project page: https://www.fl.ru/projects/2531806/dorabotka-internet-magazina-na-opencart.html
I'm attaching the full correspondence with the scammer and proof of payment to their wallet. All messages are stored on fl.ru. The site's admin can provide all necessary information. Yandex.Money can provide all the details about the wallet owner.
Thank you."
Update 3.12.2015
The contractor returned the advance payment.
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