this type of lack of accountability and shady practices are why comics/ sportscards/ collectibles will never be more than a cottage industry. it's rife with huckstars and ripoff artists and until buyers can feel completely comfortable with their purchases, it'll never progress past that.
Huge shout out to the CGC boards here. It's very well policed and monitored. Knock of wood, I've never had a bad deal yet. Most people here exhibit integrity and honesty, and if they don't, they get weeded out pretty quick.