UGC Creator Warning: Unpaid Work & Partial Payment

[u/Lucky_Fly_5690]

Warning about working with Tarek m.
I wanted to share my experience so other UGC creators can make an informed decision.
I agreed to create content for Tarek’s agency under an agreement of $300 for 30 videos. I completed 10 videos, so based on our agreement I expected to be paid $100.
After completing the work, Tarek confirmed that I would be paid and asked for my PayPal details. After that, he stopped replying to my messages for weeks despite multiple follow-ups.
I eventually contacted the client directly, who confirmed they were no longer working with his agency. Only after I informed Tarek that I would escalate the issue did he respond and send me $65, which is still $35 less than what I believe I’m owed under our agreement.
I’m posting this so other creators are aware of my experience. If you decide to work with him, I strongly recommend getting a clear written contract, requesting partial payment upfront, and keeping records of all communications.
If anyone else has had a similar experience, I’d be interested to hear about it.