[Butz]

If it were being done in an RP sense, it wouldn't be so bad.
However, I have never seen an item scammed away using any sort of roleplay at all. They've all been because of quick mistakes, foolishness, or overtrusting.
If it isn't made illegal, then maybe one of the tutorial NPCs on the start island should brief people of the dangers of everyday life before they reach the archipelago. Tell them to get to trusting people before they start lending things out.