I’m always amazed at how cheap buying off someone crooked is. They’ll scam you for a few days of their wage, and fail to realize how much of a favor they did for you:

They proved they are a scammer and have saved you so much time and energy to have figured that out now, rather than later. Now they’ll never find work near any of my social circles and will be known as a scammer.

Your reputation is the most priceless asset that takes decades to build. Don’t piss it away for a quick buck or two.