Anyone can get caught by a scam but I am surprised you went ahead with this sort of deal within a month of having trouble on gumtree.

In my opinion, $150 plus is not a small amount.

Whether ACORN will help-you can only try.

But meanwhile, here is some free advice.

On gumtree, it is usually a case of paying on pick up. If someone lives too far away and wants bank deposit, don't buy, look elsewhere.

On ebay, if an item is listed as pick up only, same deal, don't bid if you can't pick up.

On ebay, only pay via paypal.No matter what.

And in answer to your question-ever faced a similar situation. Yes, years ago I bought off a woman I had bought from before. Paid via paypal, found my payment was not going through. The woman told me her account was playing up, and could I go into paypal, cancel payment there & pay via bank deposit instead. I was worried about being reported as a non payer &  I had dealt with her before, so I did.

 Last I ever heard from her and no, I never got a cent back. I lost about $30. The lesson I learnt is if some seller ever says their paypal is playing up then bad luck, I couldn't care less if I get a strike, I won't pay unless it is via paypal.

Like you, I did also make an exception to this rule, just a couple of years ago. Bought some ribbon from a seller and asked about a wider one in same colour. She had it but not in any ad, said she could send some, could I pay into bank deposit. I did. Bit naughty I suppose as it was a transaction off ebay, done via private message. Difference was my purchase was $2.45 so I did it knowing it could be a risk. Turned out to be a great seller, I'd buy again from her anytime.

But for bigger purchases, paypal every time. Or real shops.