Is it ethical?

[obay]

Hi,

 

I do some freelancing and I got one client who hasn't paid. He doesn't respond to my emails either. The project is complete, it has been for 2 months already. And I don't get any message from him.

 

Is it ethical to deactivate his website? I changed his password to the CPANEL/FTP. i can just replace the index page with an "under maintenance" message or something like that. If it's okay to "deactivate" the website, is there any other way to ensure that he doesn't get hold of the changed password (via contacting his web host), or do something that enables the website back again?

 

Thanks for your time

[trq]

Is it ethical to deactivate his website?

 

Of course its not ethical.

 

2 wrongs don't make a right. If you where silly enough to do the work without receiving any payment up front, cut your loses and move on.

 

Seeking revenge could lead to you getting a bad name if nothing else.

[KevinM1]

At the very least, hopefully you learned to never do work without an agreement in writing.

[ober]

At the very least, hopefully you learned to never do work without an agreement in writing.

  And ALWAYS add a clause to your contracts that gives you the power to remove or disable any work you provide if payment is not received.

 

Also, never release anything to the client without final payment.  Always develop locally and transfer to their server upon payment.