It is a strange move from Coinbase, but its their assets... and their choice.
Bittrex and Kraken will hold both coins after possible fork. So everyone who has bitcoin will have same amount in bitcoin cash.
At least is what they said.
Regarding scam... hehe, i really think you just tried a bit of a clickbait, proofed with your answer to @denwa :-))).
The problem with what happens it is what the big holders will want to direct. Mass information or misinformation it will lead a way to that road. Then, the real proof will make place and should stabilize in a way or the other.
Its not working as best as you said, as problems are a lot in that moment. But nothing is perfect and is perfectible. As all new things always will be controversy.
It depends on who is based on real things and who not... Eh, it is too much to talk and few people that are talking are understand the mechanism and the real purpose for that. Excepting all the good things we know that should happen.