What Should I Do After Realizing My First Freelance Client Is a Scammer?

1. If they have GitHub access, they likely have all your files already.

2. It's risky to give clients access to your main account. Always create a separate account for client work. Immediately revoke their access and change all your passwords just in case.

3. Try to gather any real information you have on them like names, company details, how you agreed, etc. If they’re real scammers, you might want to involve law enforcement or a lawyer.

4. If they try to intimidate you, report them right away without hesitation.

5. Take this as a learning experience—being trusting is fine, but always do your homework.

Why not send them what you've done so far in a zipped, encrypted format? Pack it with something like a malware or a backdoor, just to ensure they really get a taste of their own medicine. Not saying it's the most ethical route, but hey!

Did you sign a contract or receive any payment? If not, you might not be liable for their actions. Just avoid linking your work to them and ensure their site doesn’t reference you. If you're certain they're scammers, you might need legal advice.

This is exactly why I stepped back from freelancing. Most of my clients turned out to be scammers, and only a few were genuine. A solid rule is to require a non-refundable deposit before you start any project; it helps filter out the bad apples.

I'm really sorry to hear about your situation. If you have proof that they're involved in illegal activities, you should consider reporting them to the authorities. Just make sure you don’t put yourself in any risky positions. I've been burned by scammers too, and I learned that it’s often best to walk away rather than seek revenge.