ORIGINAL: dw_crash
That is why I like to use paypal...the insurance and their oversight to make sure the deal is smooth...it costs but is safe.
I got burned on a $3200 certified check from the US. There is a new scam going. Open an account. Get a certified check. Close the account before the buyer can cash. As a buyer, I get the check..it said certified...I cashed it....waited two weeks...everything seemed OK...then send the goods.....2 weeks later...my bank tells me that the account was closed between when I deposited and they received it at the original branch...so I am out the cash...
Dave
Then what's the point of a certified check? Anytime I've sent a certified check, it is certified at the BANK, funds are removed from my account when the check is made out, I could close the account seconds after that but the money for the check is still there and legit.
Paypal is convenient, and I use it regularly, but it's far from safe, it's probably one of the easiest ways to get screwed that's out there.
I just do my best to not buy stuff from people I don't know or that aren't regulars on the forums. If they are a total stranger then nothing gets shipped until whatever it is has cleared. Again, that one's tough because a certified check or money order means that the funds for that particular check are secured, closing the account should have no bearing on whether you get the funds or not.