Did you simply apply to gigs seeking programmers? I met with someone wanting an Android app, only for them to leave with 2 weeks of work while not paying a dime

Did you simply apply to gigs seeking programmers? I met with someone wanting an Android app, only for them to leave with 2 weeks of work while not paying a dime for it and being unreachable. I guess this is the only risk which is worth taking and a better way to negotiate would suffice. How does Guru set itself apart from elance?