Sorry to hear your issue.
We had an situation a while back where there was a scammer selling the same item to multiple buyers; the loud and clear message was don’t use unsecured means to pay up-front to people you don’t know (PayPal F&F, bank transfer, etc.).
That seller gave several people the same shipping ref as proof of posting.
If you’ve decided it is dodgy then it is a good idea to report to the police and get a crime reference number.
Hope you get it sorted.