Interesting story, Alf! The buyer should beware, but folks should know that most auctions are legit. I have been a lot of successful wins, (about 60) with only one for $25 "not shipped" from some loony
I would email ebay CS right away and tell them the same story, and just explain that it didn't occure to you at first that it has the makings of a scam.
Ask their advice, maybe they have a solution.