That's very unfortunate. Hope you'll find her or at least get some money back

Well, just to share my experience, I have bought and sold some items cod. I'll bring along a friend and discreetly take their picture and their car plate number. Sometimes I would upfront ask if I can take pic of their IC just to see their reaction

Inspect item thoroughly. If for items around 1k+ I'd usually sit down at mamak or kopitiam (preferably with wifi) and check everything out. It usually takes 20mins to 1 hour+. I'd inform him first I would do that. If the seller suddenly become anxious and wanna close the deal fast, usually something fishy going on.

When payment time, doesn't matter selling or buying, I would insist go nearby ATM cash deposit do payment. No cash transaction. This is to protect both buyer and seller from suspicion.

Finally, when transaction done, usually the other person relieved and let guard down, I'd suggest they pass me their business card in case wanna do more deals in future.

Usually in my case, it's not so much about the money, although it does hurt the pocket in the following weeks / months, but for me, the bitter experience of having taken advantage of really stays with me a long time and every time I recall the memory, really leaves me disgusted

It's unfortunate this incidents usually happen because there's quite a lot of honest traders I've met who are really excellent. These scammers really paint a bad image indirectly for them