Russell Phelps The Idea Factory Inc con artist fake ripoff consumer fraud liars deceptive company on the internet Del Mar California

I do not know how much you were charged for the total project and what the project entailed, but $2500 seems really steep for just some copy and consulting.

I am guessing that Russell Phelps is a freelancer/independent contractor for whatever it is he does. The standard practice of charging a client is usually:
-1/3 deposit due before the project starts
-1/3 due upon delivery and completion of project
-1/3 rest of the balance due within 15-30 days after project's end

*Some people may do a 50/50 payment, which is 50 percent up front, and 50 percent upon project's completion.

You will find that no matter what industry people are in, this billing method is a standard practice. It is to protect both the client and the independent contractor, to make sure the work will be done, and the owed money will be paid. I hope you did not pay him the complete amount of $2500, and it may be hard to get that money back in small claims. Also, many people have won in small claims court but has never seen a penny of what was awarded.