A senior paying member from another automotive forum pulled a similar trick not too long ago. He collected tens of thousands of dollars selling raffle tickets for a vehicle that was being custom-built for the winner. Since the proceeds were being donated to some kinda retarded children's charity, people poured their wallets out and even gave away expensive spares & upgrades for the vehicle. No word on the vehicle nor the money from the organizer or his poor kid anymore ...
... being that i am new to the rep world, i'm still learning on how things work around here, but if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck. An internet transaction is no measure of a person's true nature so either resign yourselves to your fate or get up & get even.