Let's out the rats
Let's out the rats, if they are out there.
Multiple times I have sold cues internationally for thousands of dollars where I am paid up front by bank wire. Meaning that I could have easily just kept the cue and the cash, with no third party involved to enforce anything. I wouldn't do that to somebody for $10,000.
Always use an escrow service when somebody wants payment in advance or if the item is less than $1000 you can at lease use COD services.
I'd travel cross country to "speak" with anyone who did this sort of thing to me, just would not be able to let it be.