Further, one of our ICO requirements is identity verification (
https://www.poloniex.com/icoRequirements); this requirement exists to protect investors and to lend credibility to the ICO. Despite several attempts to convince James the importance of revealing his identity, we were ultimately unable to reach an agreement that satisfied both parties.
In a commercial exchange, the party that delivers first has the right to know the identity and past history of the other party. If someone asks you to pay upfront but refuses to identify himself, you should assume he is a scammer, and not have any business with him.
To be fair, James understands this and has contacted reputable, public, community members as regards escrowing the whole thing.