GRRRR..sorry that happened to you!
AS a rule, I never send “free” photos, to anybody. If they want to know if you’re “real”, you can direct them to your website, ME page, auctions, etc…there should be plenty of pics there for them to see and make a buying decision.
Then again, I always wonder, they’ve obviously already seen something they liked, or they wouldn’t be emailing you, right? Some people just get off on the fact they can get a free photo out of you.Â
In short, don’t provide ANYTHING until you see the loot.