I sympathize for y'all providers. I used to be a waiter in college and scammers would dine and dash, argue about what they ordered even though they ate the food, I once had a guy leave me ten cents for a tip, and worst of all the Karens that asked to speak to my manager. All of them were trying to save a buck by scamming me and the restaurant.
All that being said, dealing with the unwashed masses is the cost of doing business. If a deposit makes you feel more comfortable accepting a reservation then huzzah for you. Keep living your truth.
I will not pay a deposit because I've been scammed too many times. I've only cancelled a reservation twice and in each case I sent a hundred bucks as an apology. I even gave a hundred to a guy who showed up high on god-knows-what drug (not weed) before I kicked his ass out. He couldn't even speak in complete sentences.
Wishing you all the very best.