Thanks for the replies. I can always rely on TBN for some good answers. I guess another way for the scammer could be to say cash only. I think if someone was to agree to that, it might be advisable to exercise your second amendment rights, or have a couple of friends with you when going to a location with a lot of cash in your pocket.
actually, i was saying that the only way i will do business when selling is cash only and that's to make sure that i don't get screwed. do you mean that you have bought things form craigslist and paid by check? i've hardly ever seen anyone who will accept a check from a total stranger on a private sale. if we're talking many many thousands of dollars, i wouldn't expect cash, but it would have to be a bank check. never a personal check. since many craigslist deals take place on the weekends or evenings, bank checks are never available, so the norm for small deals is always cash.
here's a bit of the theory. many years ago i bought my first used truck from a small used car dealer. the total was $2000. i gave him a $200 deposit on the weekend and then on monday i transferred the rest to the checking account and went back. i was just going to write an $1800 check to finish it off, but he said he wanted the full $2000 and gave me back the downpayment check. i asked what the difference was and he told me that if i bounce checks for $200 and $1800, then they were small time crimes - negotiating a worthless instrument. if i bounced the check for $2000 it was over the limit to be come a felony - grand theft. i always assumed this would be a reasonable way to deal until this year. if anyone were to bounce a large check with me, they'd end up with felony charges, but i guess there's a loophope to that too.
a neighbor sold a vehicle with a few known repairs needed (as-is, no warranty). the guy bought it, paid by check, registered and insured it, and went to have the known issues fixed by a mechanic. the mechanic found another problem that nobody had known about at the time of sale. he was mad, and went to his bank and stopped payment on the check a day or two later. the seller's bank had already credited his account, and then they pulled the money back out, which ended up causing him to have insufficient funds issues on top of all else. from what i understand this isn't a case of grand theft when done this way. there was money to back up the check, but stopping payment creates a different situation. the neighbor has had to hire a lawyer now. doesn't look like a speedy result will happen.
