May be your programmer has the same kind of experience, It's the problem service provider and service buyer face, but there is third option which is safer and trustworthy for both "Escrow"
It means you get 3rd party involved in the whole buying & paying system , and you keep your money with 3rd party instead of programmer at the start and when the job is done satisfactorily, money is realesd by 3rd party. This service is usually paid but save you from lots of hazards and loss in long term

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