I suppose, if it was a scam, they would create a new topic, so as not to spoil their reputation right there on the first page. So it seems more like that the guys just had problems with the dishonest Adviser, and now they are trying to restore trust.
I agree with you, and it deserves respect. Without honesty you can’t restore the trust, so I wish the project to be honest and good luck, of course!
Perhaps, this is so, but I still want to hear the project's comments on this matter.