I think if you want to work hard to get paid for me, you can also choose a good project, so the project you follow will also pay you, because now there are many scam projects.
I can literally feel your problem, along with OP's.
But to be honest, you are the ones liable for these kind of situations.
So first of all why did you guys fell for a fake and scam projects.
You need to be careful before doing hard work for them.
So choose the good ones wisely.
It's only you who can make yourself happy.
So never lose confidence on yourself.