Edited By
Diego Silva

A freelancer is raising alarm bells about alleged misconduct from Moe Lebdah, CEO of DeFi startup StarLink Energy. This comes after the designer reported being scammed out of payment for a landing page project, a situation that highlights potential risks for others in the crypto space.
The freelancer, who dedicated 30–40 hours to creating a landing page, experienced major setbacks when payment discussions turned sour. Lebdah offered a maximum of just $150, starkly below the originally agreed $10/hour rate. After multiple follow-ups, hostility ensued, with the alleged CEO accusing the freelancer of being “too pushy.”
"They got the work they needed and ghosted me," the freelancer noted, signaling a common frustration faced by many in the industry.
Commenters on various forums express concern over the trustworthiness of crypto employers, echoing sentiments of caution.
Lack of Contracts: Many questioned the absence of formal agreements, which could protect freelancers.
Unrealistic Expectations: Comments revealed frustrations over clients demanding extensive work for minimal pay, raising eyebrows about industry standards.
Pushback Culture: Multiple individuals share experiences of pressure to back off when seeking deserved payments.
The criticisms are sharp, with quotes shedding light on widespread dissatisfaction:
"Never trust crypto employers.”
"It took you 40 hours to design a coming soon page?!!!!"
Interestingly, among these comments, the overall sentiment leans negative. Many audience members convey empathy for the freelancer's plight while warning against similar situations.
✗ Cautionary Tale: Freelancers in crypto must ensure clear contracts.
⚠️ Community Support: Many express solidarity, urging for protective measures.
📉 Ripple Effects: This incident could deter potential newcomers in the industry.
As this story develops, experts wonder how this situation might affect the reputation of nascent startups within the decentralized finance ecosystem. Will other freelancers learn from this experience before it’s too late?
For further information, you can explore workplace rights at Freelancers Union.
Keep your eyes peeled, the crypto world is always changing, and vigilance is key.