there isnt much to protect the buyer apart from the usual disputes and police reports, but different cases vary.

Of course the buyer has a right to request (or rather demand) a refund with a valid reason from the seller who ffk-ed, WITH the necessary proof that the deposit was paid by the buyer him/herself (as depicted from the situation in this thread).

If the seller does not refund, it would most likely be escalated to a dispute case, and depending on how things flow and unfold it may or may not affect the integrity of the seller.

either way the seller ffk-ing without reason after receiving deposit isnt something to be done, let alone not paying back.

people may argue regarding the fact that time and effort was wasted, and etc, but IMO a fact remains that an online trade is obviously riskier compared to COD or an over-the-counter purchase.