This is my theory, and this is why I feel a tag is justified. Change my mind?
I think the red tag is excessive here, it's more neutral. The scam didn't happen, and most likely it won't, because there are very few chances that they will find a retarded person who will give $150k without guarantees and without asking about the justification of spending the money.
Even if that happens, he will probably go to conferences and various consultative meetings, for which he asked for money. Whether it will be successful or not is another matter, and it is up to the investor to assess the reality of the project.
Thanks for your feedback, I'll take it into consideration but I'd like to hear other opinions before deciding to remove it or leave it. I disagree about the tag being unjustified because the scam hasn't happened... yet. If this guy gets away with this attempt at $150 with noting more than a slap on the wrist, he might try only $15k next time and someone will fall for it.