I almost got scammed when I bought something using paypal and did not receive it. I opened a claim through paypal and won it. However, the seller closed his bank account that was linked to his paypal .. and no funds available to refund. In short, I was out over 500...

some 2 or 3 months after that I happened to receive the part - only because the seller wanted to keep good reputation over a reputable forum, so that others could keep placing orders. He asked me to remove my claim from paypal as he sent me the part. Well, since it was my turn, I said F that .. and did not do anything about it anymore. The claim got closed based on missing information or something like that an year later.

- but, I've bought 2 cars over Craigslist ...kind of takes awhile to sort out the tons of crap that is out there, but if you're consistent enough you eventually find what you want. Never sold anything yet though.