Come on @ebm seriously??
What if that person was recently widowed and her husband was the audiophile? What is that person lived within driving distance of you, would show you not only the product, but actually let you listen to it and would show you proof of ownership?
I understand being careful. one must really. But extreme paranoia? there are always examples of good people that are just trying to sell their stuff.
But, you are correct. high priced equipment over long distances, would be difficult without verifying conversations with the seller.
enjoy