Scamming people is at an all-time high and the scammers could be anywhere in the world. I have heard about the one you were involved in. I have also read about "butching the pig" tactics where they lure people into their scam by promising large investment returns or romance scams. My guess is that is what most of the fake profiles on Medium are all about - the ones that pose as an actual writer and want you to meet up with them on WhatsApp or Telegram. NEVER give anyone money!