It sounds like you already have your answer for this. I have been through similar experiences on ARMSLIST as well. There are regular scams on there like the time I was looking for a .50 BMG and found the same picture and description of the weapon on ARMSLIST being sold in four different states at a much reduced price-an obvious scam. I have also seen the scam where a picture is copied from Gunbroker and used on ARMSLIST at a much reduced price. The trick is to verify the authenticity of the seller. I like to get their e-mail address, their physical address, their phone number, and their full name and make sure they all coincide with one another. Go on zillow and google earth and verify that they live where they say they live. I like the idea of getting a picture of them with the item and a picture of their drivers license to make sure they and their DL match. Also, ask to skype and talk on the phone with them. Currently, I am looking to purchase a high-end optic and will not send that kind of $ without due diligence. If the seller does not want to confirm their identity and what they are selling, then they are scamming you. I also prefer sending USPS money orders, and letting the seller know this, as it is a federal offense committing mail fraud, especially when crossing multiple state borders. I would also recommend to you the ultimate safety-an escrow service, which is a professional third party company which verifies you depositing the money to them, then you receive the item, the escrow service releases the money to the seller. Check out safefunds.com (there are others of course, just google it). It only costs $58 to securely make an online transfer of an item of value from $2-4K. I'll let you know if the guy I am dealing with backs out or not on a $2500 scope. I just told him I will only do the transaction thru an escrow service. He lives in TX and I live in MI. He is selling the scope for about $1K below cost.
