Ah, the famous TOB welcome. Now the experience is complete. While I don't post (preferring silence to sounding like an ass), I do also have a few reviews as well.
I agree that such a form of payment is, as you say, horseshit. I called, curious if what I figured was going on was the reality. Having been burned by a similar scam when I first ventured into the hobby, I recognized the patter right away.
So, I posted the info to help others from falling into that honey trap. Thanks for making sure I didn't regret the experience with your charming accusations. I feel like I'm part of a community.