Fine, then give the people who lend to scammers a "Lend to Scammer" tag. I agree, this would be informative.

I don't think that the 'we both made a mistake' idea is helpful here. Obviously they both made a mistake.
When, I lend to someone and 'we both made a mistake', it is the debtor's responsibility to take the hit for the creditor.
If I make an equity investment and 'we both made a mistake', then the investor takes the hit.

Is there some evidence that Patrick has declared bankruptcy / liquidated his possessions? Do you feel that he shouldn't have to because incurring the debt was a 'mistake'?

If so, I have some 'mistaken' student loan debt to clear. Is there a court of JoelKatz available somewhere?