How do you keep from getting screwed on transactions?

[jcal87]

I find a lot of really good deals on here as well as ebay and craigslist. but when were talking about thousands of dollars or even hundreds of dollars how do you guys go about making these transactions and not feel worried. i mean what if junior member bobby bo shea is selling his 68 camaro which you like, but wants you to send him the money first,how can you be sure little Ole bobby is gonna send the car, or let alone even have the car is there a certain way of doing this that i have not received the memo on? because there has be quite a few things on here i have been seriously interested on but was afraid to pursue due to this. i almost just wont consider it if its not driving distance from me. Help me out here guys alot of you on here i have really gotten to know and respect and others i havent as much as i would like to. but if theres a secure way to do this stuff then great .if its where johnbegood did business with leeroyjenkins and he said the product came fast and on time thats good to word of mouth. i just want to know