I'm looking to buy something from a private individual over the internet, and am wondering if there is any form of payment that will prevent me from getting scammed. I have no reason to believe I will be, but I'd still like to cover my ass. Is there a form of payment that I can send (via internet or mail) that I can cancel later if it does not turn out right?

anyone?

How did you arrange for the sale?

You may want to go through eBay or the like.

Postal Money Order.  at least then if he scams you its postal fraud.  and the feds take that very serious.

... www.escrow.com/index.asp

Try one of the escrow services, they hold your money until you have the items, and then forward payment to the other party for a fee of course.  Sorry don't have a link for any particular service.

the only sure way of not getting scammed by a individual, is don't buy from individuals.

A couple of questions to ask yourself:

#1--Is the deal too good to be true?  Then it probably is...

#2--What kind of verification of the individual/item do I have?  Feedback on Ebay is one thing.  Pictures (NOT stock photos) of the item.  Even here on ARF.com.--does the seller have several posts, or are they newly registered?

#3--How did the individual seem when you asked questions about the item--I like (even if I am 4 states away) to ask if I can stop by and see it..if the seller gets a bit cagey about that, then the warning flag goes up.  

#4--And, finally, can you stand to lose the money?  If it does go south, are you spending your Kids college tuition on something you hope to re-sell for a profit?  

Paypal (regardless of the bad reputation it gets) is marginally safe--at least you can find out if the person is verified.  Postal MO's MAY help--however, do your really think the Postal Inspectors are going to investigate every $50 transaction?   And, finally, I do an Internet Search (white pages) on the address the guy gives--now, that is NOT definitive but might help.  I have done it on myself when I moved, and it showed the tenants 2 guys before me.  Escrow services may help, but the seller may not be willing to wait for his money.

AFARR