I would assume nothing in our current world, ask lots of questions, get anything implied in writing, pay with a credit card, and use Paypal. Those are the ways to protect yourself. Also of course, that is what the feedback mechanism here if for. You can also google the person's name and type in the word scam and see what happens.
I once bought something from a manufacturer in Canada who makes a highly regarded SET amp and Highly efficient speakers, who basically lied to me about the condition, and he would not let me use paypal and insisted on Bank Transfer. Looking back, I see why he did this as I would then have no recourse. However, if I had googled his name with the word scam, I would have found out that he had done this before!
Having said that I have bought from others who wanted me to send a check, and they were so trust worthy that they sent the item before they even received the check!
In Summary, talk to the person, get their full name and address, see if they sound reliable and use a Credit Card via Paypal.
Good Luck!
I once bought something from a manufacturer in Canada who makes a highly regarded SET amp and Highly efficient speakers, who basically lied to me about the condition, and he would not let me use paypal and insisted on Bank Transfer. Looking back, I see why he did this as I would then have no recourse. However, if I had googled his name with the word scam, I would have found out that he had done this before!
Having said that I have bought from others who wanted me to send a check, and they were so trust worthy that they sent the item before they even received the check!
In Summary, talk to the person, get their full name and address, see if they sound reliable and use a Credit Card via Paypal.
Good Luck!