Sorry this happened to you. I'm a CL regular, and do a lot of out-of-area deals, mostly as a buyer. It's experiences like this that make a lot of sellers resistant to even considering what I have to offer. I give my phone number (and urge them to call, since I want to be sure the seller is the real deal), suggest PayPal (easily traceable if there's a problem) or a postal money order (convertible to cash at the post office), and want payment cleared before shipping. A third party escrow service is always a possibility, but I've never used one. So far, every deal has worked out fine.
Cashier's checks, third party pickup, and an unwillingness to talk on the phone are sure indications of a scam.
Cashier's checks, third party pickup, and an unwillingness to talk on the phone are sure indications of a scam.