[Elecraft] OT: How to *NOT* get scammed.....emails offering to sell Elecraft equipment?

[dw]

I hope its ok for me to post an OFF-TOPIC query.
Here is my question:
Recently I was forwarded an email.....a ham offering to sell a slightly
used KX3.

I had a bad experience this summer with someone who I believe was posing
as a ham offering to sell something via email.  
It was in response to a "want-add" I had posted on Eham-swap looking for
parts.

I received an email a supposed ham wanted to sell me an item he claimed
was almost brand new.
I said thank you anyway....I'm specifically looking for parts.
He emailed me 2 more times trying to get me to buy.
I thanked him and repeated, I was only looking for parts.
He then emailed me saying he had another unit he would sell as parts.
I asked him for pictures.
I never heard from him again.
He was using a legitimate ham call-sign.

I believe if someone on this list were selling a used KX3, it would be
legit.
But other forums I suspect are subject to scammers.
Is there any way one can inspect an item at delivery before providing
payment?
C.O.D is kind of like that, but not quite.

** please no flammers **  
Thanks :-]
Duane - N1BBR