You've already been given the best tips one can give you... but i'll try to add to them.
If it's a forum poster, ask yourself this:
- Are they 'active'? (healthy post count)
- Did they post pictures?
- In the picture, did it have some sort of note card with their Username and Date?
- Did they post an asking price, or 'PM me your price'?
- Do they give descriptions of any defects or problems and photo document them as well?
- Are they a Premium (paying) member? (Not that it will make the sale any different, but if someone donates money to the forum, its a good chance they're not trying to scam anyone on it)
If it's an eBay auction, ask yourself this:
- Is it a company, or private sale?
- Do they have a "Top Rated Seller" badge?
- Do they have a high Feedback Score?
- Do they have a positive Feedback? (preferably 95% more more for me)
- Where are they located? (I try to stay inside the US if possible)
- Is the description of the item accurate?
- Does the picture match the item described, or is it a 'stock' image?
Most people nowadays use Paypal to purchase things either from the forum, or from eBay/Amazon/etc. since it's simple and neither party gets the other parties banking info. Paypal for most sales will charge a fee just to cover the transaction, and also if you are the buyer, paying this fee gives you the peace of mind knowing Paypal will pay you back in the event the sale is delinquent. Usually, some people say to just send the funds as a 'gift' so you don't have to pay the fee. Depending on the person, and how open you are to the idea, this isn't a problem 99% of the time.
If someone does try to scam you though, especially on here, the negative feedback is more detrimental than any gain they might get from cheating you out of a few bucks, so its not a problem on here. But on internet auctions, you some times have to be a little more careful.
Hope your eyes aren't bleeding too much after all that.
