I'm not defending the vendor at all - totally understand where you're coming from and why you are concerned. You have every right to be upset! The vendor absolutely should respond to messages and, well, not scam people! As for precautions ... SR takes a lot of precautions to protect buyers! The escrow system works! As long the buyer stays in escrow, they are protected and won't lose any money if the vendor never sends the package. You did stay in escrow, right? If so, you have nothing to worry about.