Audiogon is becoming the hub for scammers.

Just use PayPal.

For expensive camera gear, the FredMiranda.com forum plus marketplace is quite reliable. You get a sense of the community when you review the plentiful, easy-to-access feedback on sellers and buyers. Somewhat the same with GetDPI.com. These forums are also free of keyboard food fights; disagreements are conducted briefly and with civility.

So what is or has become different about Audiogon?

I'm happy I have excellent reputation on Head-fi.org. I'm szore.

many genuine sellers and buyers here too. Scammers exist on all platform.

One should consider that it is the readership that sets the tone.   Bad actors look for stages with weak audiences who will fall for their grift.  I see trolls but not supporters creating support and demand for higher standards.

Caveat emptor means the same think now as it did 2,500 years ago in early Rome,  I like Intel's Andy Gove's motto "only the paranoid survive".  In a world of folks raised on entitlement the grift is rife.  Such is life unless you decide yoowant more and better, and take action..