If you are going to buy something off of Tim Osbey from Humble, Texas DON'T he will take your money and you will never hear from him again. His email is sixatseaworks@outlook.com
I posted ad on FordBarns wanted section. A member replied saying his friend had that tool and gave me his name and email. I wish I would have saved that message, than I would have known the members information.
While not fool proof, one way to help is to require a pic of the item with the name and date included in the picture.
Another is to get the sellers address and tell him you have a friend nearby that will pick up the item and pay him cash. If he agrees, it might be legit
I used that request for a picture of the part and a tape measure of a critical dimension and the seller said he did not have a camera or a tape measure. After I told him "no sale" he became abusive.
I asked him if that was a successful sales technique for him.
ANY TIME A WANTED AD IS ANSWERED WITH "A FRIEND HAS THIS PART" ITS A SCAM. ALSO NOTE THAT SCAMMERS ARE USKNG AI to make unique photos that looks like the part you want.
Always pay with business PayPal or cash in person.
I always check the member out to see how long they've been on and some of there posts to see if they are an actual member or a fly by night type. If they have low postings and they're all about parts or bs then I don't even contact them.