Ask for a proof of life picture, IE: maybe the date next to the firearm or a word you ask them to write next to it.

Do they ask you to make payment via none trackable/ no buyer protection? Venmo, Zelle, bit coin? ......PayPal has buyers protection, just don't mention anything in the comments for PayPal and if you got scammed and have to do a claim don't say it's for firearm related things......they will lock your account.

Ask the selller to take the firearm to the nearest FFL to them. Call that FFL, with a number you can verify; not one they gave you. Then call and ask the FFL to verify that they have the firearm in their possession BEFORE sending any money.

If you think it's a scam, get as much info as you can, IE: zelle info, phone number, forum name, things like that so you can post it so others can see and maybe save someone from getting scammed.

These are just something to check if you can't meet local. ( If meeting local do it in a safe manner and place) They will not protect you all the time ( some scammers are really good) but should help for some. Take it for what it's worth but we need to protect our pages and like minded people. Don't let these scammers screw up the pages.

If I missed something that works for you to protect your self when getting a firearm shipped please comment below so others can learn. ( I'm not saying everyone trying to ship a firearm is a scammer, I've done plenty of great deals with people and having them ship me things but sometimes you find your self dealing with a scammer) be safe. Hope this helps.