The scammer had the guy's cell number among other info, like where he went to college, etc.  With some of that info, the scammer took control of the victim's email account and it snowballed into owning the LBC account.  It lasted only a couple of days, but some damage was done. I think it's best for a local transaction is to do some public meet up on a public crowded place like malls or other places that is popular and easy to reach