DR Resolved @mohamed aboelez V. @Software Monster

This case is a dispute against @Software Monster

Paid $550 for WordPress Site Clone + amazon affiliate - Received Incomplete Static Site

The agreement was to clone TechInAsia, convert it to WordPress CMS, and add custom Amazon affiliate features. His top service is listed at $399, and I paid him $550 upfront (extra $150 for customizations).

He asked for full payment in advance “to make his developers happy.” I trusted him and paid before any work began.

I told him from the start I needed regular updates and had very specific customization needs. I sent screenshots and requirements, including how Amazon products should be displayed.

Instead of working with me, he ignored most of my messages, never discussed the requirements, and after days, sent me a static Elementor-based homepage — not a real WordPress CMS, no functional posts, and not mobile responsive.

He even asked me to buy an Amazon plugin (AAWP). I did. But he never implemented it.

I waited 17 days, he promised to finish in 12. For the last 7 days, he went totally silent while the site was under maintenance, affecting SEO. He never added the custom product display, never changed the logo, and when I asked about dynamic post pages, he said to “do it manually.”

After repeated delays and being ignored, I revoked access and asked for a refund. He then called me a thief.

This is clearly non-delivery of promised work, and his behavior is unprofessional.

I’m requesting a refund per his own refund policy and want to warn others.

More.

His refund policy.

Information For The Accused
@Software Monster - you have 24 hours to respond to this disputes thread. If you do not respond within 24 hours or we note that you're engaging in any other activities on the forum rather than dealing with this dispute, the decision will be made in favour of the dispute starter and you will be permanently banned from Black Hat World. In the event that you're permanently banned from the forum, you may send in a support ticket using our support channel only once you've refunded and/or provided what the plaintiff has requested.

If your responses to this dispute do not remain prompt, your account will be banned.

Information For The Accused & The Dispute Starter
[FONT=verdana[U]Please remain professional as name calling, insults, griping, tu quoque, and ad hominem will not be tolerated[/U][/B]. Should the dispute starter resort to this, the dispute will be forfeit; and if the accused resorts to this, the dispute will automatically be in the dispute starter's favour.

If the focus of this thread shifts from trying to resolve the dispute to simply wanting to see the other party banned, the dispute will automatically be ruled in favour of the other party.

The moderator mediating this dispute is simply trying to fair a resolution to this dispute. Any mod abuse or accusations (e.g., "you're biased", "you're protecting scammers", etc) directed toward the moderator will not be tolerated and may result in an infraction for mod abuse.

Information For Other Members
If anyone else has the same issue with the accused, you may respond so long as you supply evidence in the form of screenshots, videos, etc.

Please bear in mind Dispute Resolution section rule #4 before responding.

"If you are not directly related to the situation, or are not offering information directly related to the situation: do not post in the thread. Anyone caught doing so will receive an infraction and be reply banned from posting in the thread."

Subject: Response to Dispute by

mohamed aboelez​

— Factual Clarification & Proof of Work


Dear Moderators,


I’d like to address the dispute filed by @clientusername regarding the WordPress site clone project valued at $550.

---

Background & Agreement:​

The client hired me to replicate TechInAsia using WordPress CMS, and add Amazon affiliate features, for which he paid $550 upfront (base + custom work). I agreed and started immediately.


The website was developed using:

• WordPress CMS (not static HTML)
• Elementor for drag-and-drop editing (the industry standard for editable WordPress front-ends)
• Full site structure, home layout, blog archive, and plugin foundation were implemented
• The site was deployed and live under his hosting

---

Addressing the Claims:​

1. “Static Site” Claim is False
   • The site was created on WordPress, using Elementor, and included a working WordPress dashboard.
   • His own early messages said:
     
     

     “I want CMS WordPress, not static site.”
     That is exactly what was delivered — not a hard-coded HTML build.

     Click to expand...

2. Amazon Affiliate Integration
   • I advised using AAWP (the most reliable plugin) to manage affiliate blocks, and the client purchased it.
   • Before I could implement the plugin:
     • He revoked access to the site, blocking further development.
     • He became aggressive and issued threats instead of sending revision requests.
3. Revision/Deadline Disputes
   • I provided multiple updates and clearly mentioned ongoing progress.
   • He started claiming “non-delivery” while simultaneously denying me access to fix anything.
   • Site was under “maintenance” only due to his access restrictions.
4. Mobile Responsiveness
   • Elementor-based pages are responsive by default. Minor responsiveness tweaks were pending final revisions, which I was still willing to complete.
5. Logo, Posts, etc.
   • These were waiting on client’s final content/input, which he delayed, and then suddenly revoked all access.

---

Client Behavior:​

The client used threatening language and attempted to manipulate the situation:

• Said: “Delete your static design from my server after the dispute is submitted.”
• Called me names and accused me without evidence
• Tried to force a refund through intimidation, not valid service complaints

---

My Refund Policy (as stated in my thread):​

I offer reasonable refunds when:

• The client allows full project scope to be completed
• I am given access to resolve concerns professionally

In this case:

• Work was delivered
• Revisions were offered
• Access was denied
• The client ignored collaboration and chose drama

---

Final Statement:​

I’ve been an honest service provider on BHW, and always prioritize delivery and support. I will gladly share:

• Screenshots of the WordPress admin panel
• Elementor build proof
• Chat logs showing my willingness to fix issues
• Evidence of the AAWP plugin discussion

I request moderators to please consider both sides carefully. I am still happy to complete any pending revisions if access is restored — but I do not support abuse or baseless refund threats.

Am laughing few moments when i see the screenshots cause he only given screenshots which one cut and tricky

let me submit something from mine end he with first update appreciate us




Logo issue , as it was on going we will definitely add logo after finishing work




Client always said its static site but now i feel he has zero knowldge about wordpress , its self dynamic site and everything managable

moreover i said if you can not understand backend i will show you






This is now game changing threats from him and clearly you can understand and technically he wanted to said he will delete my work and then dispute here clearly mean he will get backup and make dispute and get money + work both he will get ,

Delete your static design from my server after the dispute is submitted.







HE also give me threats if i not refund he will go to every client and he will spread hate speech this all are intentionally traped me





From beganing i said still he have issues i will willing to fix no problem how many revision need i will do but that doesn't make sense he will revoke access of site , so how can i show the proof also here , if he keep his access then i can understand






Fortunately i keep one screenshots somehow ,, he claim he gets static site , i have one still proof how we make all dynamic content







His reference site was please look at this domain



My clone





Mod Edit: Removed the site for privacy reasons.

Kind regards,
@Software Monster

Would both of you please share complete screenshots with nothing missing?

That way we can help eliminate any discrepancies.

BassTrackerBoats said:

Would both of you please share complete screenshots with nothing missing?

That way we can help eliminate any discrepancies.

Click to expand...

I almost clear with brief statement from mine side

Let’s be clear: I only revoked his access after 17 days not randomly. I kept following up and he kept replying with done, while completely ignoring key parts of the job.

I will prove that he didn’t even complete 20% of the work.

I will not talk now about how he just cloned the homepage only, as I mentioned before, and made a little change to the post page. There are a lots of pages he didn’t even touch like login, signup, subscribe, and so on.

I will divide my response into parts to show clearly that his claims are falsified.

Let’s focus now just on this one point and on one page: the post page.

He keeps saying the site was done so I want him to answer clearly what he did exactly on the post page.

May 14, I clearly explained what I needed:

• To show multiple products at the top of the post
• For single product reviews, a different layout
• A search bar, logo, and ads custom code

May 15, He replied: “We made the Amazon template”
But in reality, he did nothing.



He gave me a ZNET template, but it’s not even mobile responsive.
That means: when I change screen size, the product name appears in one place and its details in another.

I told him: It’s okay, I loved it, but at least it should fetch image and price from Amazon.




and then He told me to buy the AAWP plugin.



I bought the plugin and gave it to him.
Again, he told me “Site is done.” But when I checked he did nothing.





I told him the site is not responsive. He just replied “OK” and then again did nothing.



After all of that, he replied for the third time, again saying “All done.”
Still nothing was done.




So on the last Monday (after 17 days) and after being ignored for 7 days, I revoked his access and asked him to refund me.

Let him now just answer me this part first just this one part about the post page.

Then we can go to the next and next steps, to prove he didn’t even complete 20% of the work.

Let me respectfully address the client’s recent message and clarify the situation regarding the post page and other site components:

1. Timeline and Access
   
   • The client claims access was revoked “after 17 days,” but fails to acknowledge that during this time, I was:
     
     • Actively responding to messages
     • Continuously making updates
     • Waiting on his feedback for several components
   • Even with ongoing work, he prematurely locked me out of the site, making it impossible to complete the final integrations — yet still demands completion and proof.
2. Post Page Progress
   
   • The post page was built on WordPress CMS using Elementor as requested.
   • A basic layout was implemented with Elementor template blocks to prepare for dynamic content, including:
     
     • A space for multiple Amazon product boxes
     • A ready section for single-product reviews with different structure
     • Placeholder areas for ad codes and custom blocks
   • The reason full affiliate content wasn't inserted is simple: the client never submitted finalized content or configuration for these sections, despite being reminded.
3. Search Bar, Logo, and Ad Code
   
   • The search bar was active on the homepage layout.
   • The logo was not replaced only because the client never submitted the final file, despite being asked.
   • Ad code was prepared to be added, but again, access was revoked before final steps could be completed.
4. Misleading “20% Done” Statement
   
   • The homepage, Elementor setup, CMS framework, plugin installation (including AAWP prep), and post/page templates were all delivered.
   • These components represent a significant majority of the foundational work, not just “20%.”

---

Final Clarification​

I have always been willing to complete all pending parts of the job, but revoking site access made it impossible. I never ignored key requirements — I simply asked for final content or feedback to proceed, which was not provided in time.


If access is restored, I am still open to completing the work as per the original agreement.


No my question is that if he do dispute so why he intentionally shows his website under maintaince to hide from everyone

Counter Questions for the Moderator & Community:​

1. If I truly delivered only a static site as claimed, why did the client put the site under maintenance mode after opening a dispute — instead of keeping it live for the BHW moderators to verify the status themselves? What exactly is being hidden?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. If I was unresponsive and unwilling to help, why did I clearly offer to do a Zoom call to walk him through the WordPress admin panel — especially since he himself admitted struggling to understand how the CMS works? Why did he ignore that offer completely?
   
   
   
   
   
3. If I was refusing to complete the work, why are there multiple messages where I clearly stated that I’m willing to finish any pending revisions — even after 17 days? If he had legitimate concerns, why didn’t he take the chance to cooperate and resolve them?
   
   
4. Why did the client revoke access and then demand completion at the same time? How can a developer finish a CMS setup, test plugin functionality, and apply design changes without even being able to log in to the system?
   
5. He claims only the homepage was built — so why is the Elementor layout fully active, with custom post templates, plugin integrations, and multiple widget areas already prepared? If he disputes that, why won’t he show the site instead of locking it down?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. If this was a case of non-delivery, why didn’t the client request a refund or escalate earlier? Why wait until after revoking access and threatening public defamation instead of resolving the issue professionally through communication?
   
   7. Multiple time said i will teach / show you what you not clear
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. 
   
8. I want to emphasize that I repeatedly offered to fix any issues the client had — not once, but multiple times throughout the process. My approach has always been cooperative and focused on completing the project to the client’s satisfaction.
   
   
   However, instead of engaging in a solution-oriented dialogue, the client ignored these offers and chose to revoke access entirely, making further work impossible.
   
   
   It also became clear during our communication that the client had limited understanding of how WordPress and Elementor function, especially regarding CMS structure, dynamic post templates, and plugin integrations. I even offered to conduct a Zoom session to walk him through the admin panel and functionalities, but he did not respond to that either.
   
   
   If his goal was a working CMS-based site, he should have taken the opportunity to collaborate — instead, his actions suggest a lack of intention to resolve this professionally.
   
   8. he said static always let me proof its dynamic as i fortunately save this screenshots
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Again, I want to make it clear: I only revoked your access after 7 full days of being ignored, and after your promised timeline was already over.

And just like before, you still didn’t answer on my questions. that's why I try to divide my replies into parts. I asked you to just reply on question related to post page then I will move to next and please give me replies with dates.


To the Moderator @BassTrackerBoats

Please take a moment to review both my last reply and his latest one.

I posted detailed messages with full screenshots and dates nothing cut, nothing hidden.
Everything I claimed was backed with proof.

On the other hand, he only started responding after 17 days, and only when I told him I would file a dispute and leave negative feedback.

If he continues ignoring the actual content of the dispute and avoids responding with clear answers, then we will never reach a real solution.

All I’m asking is for a fair review just check the sequence, the facts, and the screenshots.

mohamed aboelez said:

Again, I want to make it clear: I only revoked your access after 7 full days of being ignored, and after your promised timeline was already over.

And just like before, you still didn’t answer on my questions. that's why I try to divide my replies into parts. I asked you to just reply on question related to post page then I will move to next and please give me replies with dates.


To the Moderator @BassTrackerBoats

Please take a moment to review both my last reply and his latest one.

I posted detailed messages with full screenshots and dates nothing cut, nothing hidden.
Everything I claimed was backed with proof.

On the other hand, he only started responding after 17 days, and only when I told him I would file a dispute and leave negative feedback.

If he continues ignoring the actual content of the dispute and avoids responding with clear answers, then we will never reach a real solution.

All I’m asking is for a fair review just check the sequence, the facts, and the screenshots.

Click to expand...

Hahaha this is hilarious. What do you mean by ignore.?? Can you share am i ever said i can not do. Or i will not do?


Revoke access thats also not main things. Actual things is that you revoke + you make site under maintaince why? You should show Everyone even you very cleaver, still i can not show proof what i did in backend you delete and hide things.

If site is open mod also can see whats happening there... I never said i will not assist. Your lack of knowledge in wordpress is not my fault

This image is the meaning of "ignoring"



I revoked access because Your delivery time was already over. You kept replying “done” without completing the work. So yes, I removed your access after 17 days and only after you ignored me repeatedly.

During a dispute, you cannot access the site.
This is a formal process. Once a dispute is opened, it’s not reasonable to allow the seller to continue modifying the work or fixing things retroactively. You had your chance

Please stop replying now. Let’s wait for the moderators to review all the messages, screenshots, and timelines. You’ve had your say, and I’ve had mine. Let them decide. then we will move to next.

mohamed aboelez said:

This image is the meaning of "ignoring"

View attachment 448363

I revoked access because Your delivery time was already over. You kept replying “done” without completing the work. So yes, I removed your access after 17 days and only after you ignored me repeatedly.

During a dispute, you cannot access the site.
This is a formal process. Once a dispute is opened, it’s not reasonable to allow the seller to continue modifying the work or fixing things retroactively. You had your chance

Please stop replying now. Let’s wait for the moderators to review all the messages, screenshots, and timelines. You’ve had your say, and I’ve had mine. Let them decide. then we will move to next.

Click to expand...

17 days i regularly given update to you i didn’t meant to stop communication and continues updating sites. But you secretly revoke access and in screenshots you directly said you will delete sites after dispute thats clearly mean you intentionally trapped me

Actually I don’t know if you’re ignoring the screenshots, or if you think you’re talking to someone else entirely but everything I said is backed with dated proof and clear messages.

I’ll just wait for the moderator now.

Software Monster said:

Let me respectfully address the client’s recent message and clarify the situation regarding the post page and other site components:

1. Timeline and Access
   • The client claims access was revoked “after 17 days,” but fails to acknowledge that during this time, I was:
     • Actively responding to messages
     • Continuously making updates
     • Waiting on his feedback for several components
   • Even with ongoing work, he prematurely locked me out of the site, making it impossible to complete the final integrations — yet still demands completion and proof.
2. Post Page Progress
   • The post page was built on WordPress CMS using Elementor as requested.
   • A basic layout was implemented with Elementor template blocks to prepare for dynamic content, including:
     • A space for multiple Amazon product boxes
     • A ready section for single-product reviews with different structure
     • Placeholder areas for ad codes and custom blocks
   • The reason full affiliate content wasn't inserted is simple: the client never submitted finalized content or configuration for these sections, despite being reminded.
3. Search Bar, Logo, and Ad Code
   • The search bar was active on the homepage layout.
   • The logo was not replaced only because the client never submitted the final file, despite being asked.
   • Ad code was prepared to be added, but again, access was revoked before final steps could be completed.
4. Misleading “20% Done” Statement
   • The homepage, Elementor setup, CMS framework, plugin installation (including AAWP prep), and post/page templates were all delivered.
   • These components represent a significant majority of the foundational work, not just “20%.”

---

Final Clarification​

I have always been willing to complete all pending parts of the job, but revoking site access made it impossible. I never ignored key requirements — I simply asked for final content or feedback to proceed, which was not provided in time.


If access is restored, I am still open to completing the work as per the original agreement.


No my question is that if he do dispute so why he intentionally shows his website under maintaince to hide from everyone

Counter Questions for the Moderator & Community:​

1. If I truly delivered only a static site as claimed, why did the client put the site under maintenance mode after opening a dispute — instead of keeping it live for the BHW moderators to verify the status themselves? What exactly is being hidden?
   
   
   View attachment 448343
   
   
   
   
2. If I was unresponsive and unwilling to help, why did I clearly offer to do a Zoom call to walk him through the WordPress admin panel — especially since he himself admitted struggling to understand how the CMS works? Why did he ignore that offer completely?
   
   View attachment 448345
   
   
3. If I was refusing to complete the work, why are there multiple messages where I clearly stated that I’m willing to finish any pending revisions — even after 17 days? If he had legitimate concerns, why didn’t he take the chance to cooperate and resolve them?
   
4. Why did the client revoke access and then demand completion at the same time? How can a developer finish a CMS setup, test plugin functionality, and apply design changes without even being able to log in to the system?
5. He claims only the homepage was built — so why is the Elementor layout fully active, with custom post templates, plugin integrations, and multiple widget areas already prepared? If he disputes that, why won’t he show the site instead of locking it down?
   
   View attachment 448346
   
   
   
   
6. If this was a case of non-delivery, why didn’t the client request a refund or escalate earlier? Why wait until after revoking access and threatening public defamation instead of resolving the issue professionally through communication?
   
   7. Multiple time said i will teach / show you what you not clear
   
   View attachment 448349
   
   View attachment 448351
   
7. 
   
8. I want to emphasize that I repeatedly offered to fix any issues the client had — not once, but multiple times throughout the process. My approach has always been cooperative and focused on completing the project to the client’s satisfaction.
   
   
   However, instead of engaging in a solution-oriented dialogue, the client ignored these offers and chose to revoke access entirely, making further work impossible.
   
   
   It also became clear during our communication that the client had limited understanding of how WordPress and Elementor function, especially regarding CMS structure, dynamic post templates, and plugin integrations. I even offered to conduct a Zoom session to walk him through the admin panel and functionalities, but he did not respond to that either.
   
   
   If his goal was a working CMS-based site, he should have taken the opportunity to collaborate — instead, his actions suggest a lack of intention to resolve this professionally.
   
   8. he said static always let me proof its dynamic as i fortunately save this screenshots
   
   View attachment 448353
   
   View attachment 448354
   
   View attachment 448355

Click to expand...

Here i asked 8 question you also ignore man

1. You're not in a position to ask questions I’m the one who opened the dispute, and you still haven’t answered mine.

2. All your screenshots and replies came only after your delivery time was long overdue and after I told you I was opening a dispute. That’s not progress that’s reaction.

mohamed aboelez said:

1. You're not in a position to ask questions I’m the one who opened the dispute, and you still haven’t answered mine.

2. All your screenshots and replies came only after your delivery time was long overdue and after I told you I was opening a dispute. That’s not progress that’s reaction.

Click to expand...

This is not answer and i no you have not right answer... Lets see what mod take decision..

I hope bhw is fair for everyone

I'm going to lock this temporarily and will go through everything in a few hours and come up with a fair solutinon.

@Software Monster, the lack of communication being shared is disconcerting but let's see if see if we can get past that.

@mohamed aboelez, if they were to provide you the site you requested, as you requested it, in 3 days, would that work for you?

First, I would like to say thank you @BassTrackerBoats for the time and effort to resolve this dispute.

However, I must state clearly that I no longer feel I can continue dealing with this provider. He has Called me a thief and scammer which is unacceptable and unprofessional.

Used racial remarks, as seen in his message about "clients from Asian region, suggesting prejudice simply because I exercised my right to open a dispute








Failed to complete the core functionality of the project, including the AI-based Q&A feature and the proper responsive header section and functionality that were clearly part of the requirement.








Ignored multiple messages for over 7 days after the delivery time expiredcthen suddenly responded only after I opened a dispute.

At this stage, it’s not just about incomplete work. It’s about trust and basic respect.

Thank you again for your support.

mohamed aboelez said:

First, I would like to say thank you @BassTrackerBoats for the time and effort to resolve this dispute.

However, I must state clearly that I no longer feel I can continue dealing with this provider. He has Called me a thief and scammer which is unacceptable and unprofessional.

Used racial remarks, as seen in his message about "clients from Asian region, suggesting prejudice simply because I exercised my right to open a dispute



View attachment 449204


View attachment 449205

Failed to complete the core functionality of the project, including the AI-based Q&A feature and the proper responsive header section and functionality that were clearly part of the requirement.


View attachment 449206



View attachment 449207

Ignored multiple messages for over 7 days after the delivery time expiredcthen suddenly responded only after I opened a dispute.

At this stage, it’s not just about incomplete work. It’s about trust and basic respect.

Thank you again for your support.

Click to expand...

I'm comfortable with that.

A refund is in order,

Thank you @BassTrackerBoats for your fair judgment and support throughout this process.

I appreciate the time you took to review everything. I’m satisfied with the outcome and will wait for the refund to be processed accordingly.

Thanks again.