I've been scammed multiple times in multiple forms. When you own a business, you become a bigger target.
I started Siam Motors not too long ago as a company I would use to buy/sell cars which I have done on the side since I was in college.
I've been very careful, but still it happens because there is a hole in every process. When someone promises you to wire transfer money into your account, the same information they are given can be used to print fake checks from your account. Sounds like something the bank would easily catch, but in my case they didn't until money was drained out.
Fake Checks were computer printed and signed. Name was not even a person's signature. The information you gave them to wire you money can be used to print information on the checks from your account. Good reason to use paypal here. Have them setup the account if they want to do business with you. I wouldn't recommend ever giving out your bank information in today's age.
Things are easier now as I have sold over 10 cars on ebay, and a lot more of other products. I've sold J's Racing ITB's OER ITB's for a Type R:biggrin:
There is always a small amount of trust involved to do a transaction that allows you to complete transactions. This is even more true in a transaction that is a "deal" because you have to move quick on these.
I hesitated once with an offer to buy an NSX for 20,000 back in 1997 from this suspicious guy in Colorado. He says he lost money in gambling and he needs the money that day handling over the title and car. I hesitated long enough for some one else to snag the deal. He was telling the truth.