Selling towers - keep getting bad actors/scammers when doing local pickup only.

If cash is an issue, how about a cashier's check?

If cash is an issue, how about a cashier's check?

Forged cashier's checks are all over the place. Of course you can call the bank to verify. Oh, it's 6 pm! The buyer was held up in traffic

Unfortunately, some items are too much for a cash transaction. If possible meet the person at his bank with the sale item and have him go in and get the cash or bank check. It’s a safe place to do a transaction.

I'd go with craigslist for those sales. Make sure you take cash only and if the gear is small enough, meet the buyer in a public place such as a coffee shop. For large speakers, yes the garage is a great idea to keep strangers out of your listening room/rooms.

Sorry for your troubles OP.  Personally, I've had lots of good experiences on USAM.  I prefer to do local buy/sell using cash only.  But, We are not talking high dollar items here.  The most was my Hegel h360 that I paid $2,600 for a few years ago.  Met the guy in a busy mall parking lot. There have been a few flakes and tire kickers but mostly serious 'philes.  Met quite a few nice guys and checked out their systems as a bonus.  Maybe I've just been lucky?

Of course, never give any info/address until properly vetting.  A phone call is a must.  Best of luck!