I don't think that we should be too quick to contribute our money to cover off the scammer, unless/until it is apparent that he has got to the point where he absolutely cannot refund.
However, should that point be reached, I would gladly chip in too; it passed the point of being about the money when he started insulting me, trying to intimidate me, saying he would come to my house, threatening me, posting sarky comments on my FB content, trying to control me, and all the other guff.