Title: Lockout/Shut down wordpress
Last modified: August 19, 2016

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# Lockout/Shut down wordpress

 *  [douglas910](https://wordpress.org/support/users/douglas910/)
 * (@douglas910)
 * [17 years, 3 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/lockoutshut-down-wordpress/)
 * I am a designer who recently created a theme for a client to run on their wordpress
   site. The site is up and running and looks great but now I am having problems
   with the client not paying me for my work. I have invoiced him and tried to get
   him to hold up his end of the deal, but no luck. It’s frustrating.
 * As of now I am still an admin on his wordpress site, but once I threaten shutting
   his site down due to non-payment, I’m sure he will boot me out of the system 
   and I will be left hanging forever. I could just go do it now, but I am against
   shutting it down without warning first. Is there anyway I can create some kind
   of key within wordpress that will let me lock down his site from outside? My 
   concept would be for some coding on the index page that links to a page on my
   own server and requires it and then links back to his site. And if the page on
   my site was deleted or renamed, than his site wouldn’t continue loading. Anyone
   have some ideas? I’m still a beginner when it comes to coding.
 * Thanks!

Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)

 *  Moderator [Jan Dembowski](https://wordpress.org/support/users/jdembowski/)
 * (@jdembowski)
 * Forum Moderator and Brute Squad
 * [17 years, 3 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/lockoutshut-down-wordpress/#post-934587)
 * > Is there anyway I can create some kind of key within wordpress that will let
   > me lock down his site from outside?
   > …
   > Anyone have some ideas?
 * Any ideas? Yep, three words: don’t do it. Or two words might be better: walk 
   away.
 * [IANAL](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IANAL) but you need to protect yourself 
   and refrain from doing anything that could have some men with silver bracelets
   knocking on your door.
 * If the client is not paying then you are getting the shaft. Don’t compound the
   situation by doing something that could get you into deep poo.
 * Write them a letter (on paper) with explicit instructions on how to change the
   admin password that you have. Include the bill for your services. Send it via
   postal certified delivery and go out and have a beer with some friends.
 * Until you get paid the balance, stay away from their blog, don’t log in again,
   and keep away from their company.
 * Good luck and I hope you get paid.
 *  [figaro](https://wordpress.org/support/users/figaro/)
 * (@figaro)
 * [17 years, 3 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/lockoutshut-down-wordpress/#post-934588)
 * Trying to do something like that could be viewed as unethical or worse by some.
   I would just remove the theme you developed and give it back when you get paid.
   That way you don’t mess with any of his content…you’re only holding back you 
   own work until you’re paid for it.
 * Just a thought.
 * EDIT: The advice above is probably even better…good luck.

Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)

The topic ‘Lockout/Shut down wordpress’ is closed to new replies.

 * 2 replies
 * 3 participants
 * Last reply from: [figaro](https://wordpress.org/support/users/figaro/)
 * Last activity: [17 years, 3 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/lockoutshut-down-wordpress/#post-934588)
 * Status: not resolved

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