Ask HN: How to get our money back from client

[Windson]

We are career coaches specializing in programming, and we typically charge our fees after services are finished. Unfortunately, we've encountered an issue where a client, who enrolled in our course, became unresponsive six months into the program. We have his full name, contact details, employer's information, and his resume. However, since he is from Taiwan, his information isn't adequate for us to file a legal claim in the United States. We've attempted to reach out to his employer with a formal complaint but have not received any acknowledgment or reply. I don’t know if anyone has similar experience in getting back the money.

[pseingatl]

How much is at issue? That's the key. Plus, you're not getting money "back," you simply haven't been paid for services rendered. If the amount is large enough, you can hire a lawyer in Taiwan and sue there. Of course, your client may be bankrupt. You can sell the debt to a Taiwanese debt collection agency. If he has an employer he has a salary and wages that may be subject to garnishment. His employer may have a Code of Conduct and not paying your debts may be a violation of that code. There may be shaming services such as those which exist in Colombia to visit his office and demand payment. A Taiwanese company may want to buy the debt. Does he have assets in the US? You can sue him and levy on those assets. And if you have any proof that the client never intended to pay, you might convince a prosecutor to file charges, and maybe even an Interpol Red Notice. But if it's small amount, take the hit and in the future, demand cash up front. How creative are you?