I suspect I've been scammed

[MrE43]

I requested a commission for a costume the beginning of this month. The person I contacted got back to me, we agreed to an amount and I sent half the payment, with the other half to be paid later. However, they then delayed on the next step, getting measurements, and I would give them at least a week to send over what measurements they needed before reminding them. Each time, they said that they would get the list over shortly. After the second time this happened, I was suspicious, and after a little research, I learned that this person has a history of taking payments from others and not delivering on the costume promised. I am extremely wary of sending the rest of the payment now, and I'm unsure as to how I can get my original payment back. What should I do?

[kernowlass]

You lose buyer protection if you pay in "instalments" HOWEVER i would still file a dispute as you have not yet made the second payment so paypal may presume  you have paid in full for the item.

BUT there is also no buyer protection for custom made items so you still may lose out !!! 

But i would still give it a try >> go to to the "resolve a problem link" lower left of your paypal summary page and raise a dispute.

Don't let the dispute time out escalate when you need to BUT do NOT close the dispute / claim until you have your refund or item and are happy with it.