Hi,
I recently hired a designer through a web design chat room on yahoo - username "algucom".

The guy got a template from one of those free sites, and used images from another designers portfolio - as per this topic - http://webhostingtalk.com/showthread.php?t=507129.

Thought I'd let you all know.

Thanks.

I will always be suspicious of people who conduct their business via the means of chat rooms, it clearly highlights extremely poor business practice.

Regards, mattie.

What did he show you when you asked for references?

He didn't show me any personal site. - Nor did he show me any sites.
It didn't cost much so I wasn't expecting anything pretty, and I was doubting what I'd receive, so I got what I paid for..

Luckily paypal has given me my money back.

Next time I'll look elsewhere.