Scams by purchaser of parts etc

[keithoturner826]

I don't know if others get this problem when selling stuff through the website or Magazine. Usually they do not specify which parts they are interested in, just want the lowest price (for all the parts?) usuall they can't come & view for numerous reasons, pay by cheque & get a 3rd party to collect the stuff. Usually they send a cheque for more than any asking price & ask you to refund the difference to the collector in cash. I believe they cancel the cheque leaving you without the parts & the cash 'refund'. I believe there are variation on this scam but basically similar.
Any thought s on this?

[mike020150]

As has been discussed previously in these model sections, sadly, this problem afflicts all classifieds these days. There have always been low-lifes prepared to work conns. You just have to keep your wits about you to minimise the risks. If something isn't straightforward, either don't progress the deal or don't do so without checking everything in sight! Mike.

[ianwilson]

Surely you would pay the cheque in before the parts are collected, and before the parts are released the cheque must clear funds in your account.

If the cheque "bounces" - no parts are released.

Would that not be the obvious way to conduct business?