You asked me for directions, and I ended up giving you a mini tour of the Conservatory Garden. I wish I’d asked for your number instead of your favorite flower.
Never pay down a deposit in a bank account until you have met the seller, seen signed a purchase agreement.
No serious private advertisers ask for a down payment before you meet.
Receiving an email with an in-scanned ID does not mean that you have identified the sender. You do this on the spot, when you sign a purchase agreement.