[Rick Lee]

It's absolutely a scam. I've had it happen to me when selling a watch for a lot more money. Unless you're open to trades, your ad should make it clear that it's cash and carry and any inquiries about other methods of payment will be ignored and blocked. Venmo is for use between people who know each other. That's it.

That said, I took it once for a CL deal, but I met the guy at the gas station around the corner and saw the money in my account before I handed over the goods. And it was musical gear and the guy knew what he was talking about. So I felt fine with it.