I’m surprised upwork is willing to take the reputation hit of a scandalous story for a measly $12,500. I’m surprised OP is working for free. Strange… Ideally,

I’m surprised upwork is willing to take the reputation hit of a scandalous story for a measly $12,500. I’m surprised OP is working for free. Strange… Ideally, upwork works with the client to get the money owed. If it is a mistake and the client is willing to make all parties whole, great. If not and the client is unwilling to come up with a solution then I consider the client a scammer. Strange story.