Safest way to pay for something over the internet?

Use an unattached credit card that is ONLY for online purchases. But even then...

 

even then, what?

I say a credit card is the best way.

People don't realize it, but when you use a credit card, the VENDOR is the one taking the risk, NOT the card holder. The maximum liability for the cardholder for any charges is $50, and I've never had to pay $50 and never heard of anyone who has... so when a vendor takes a credit card, they are assuming the risk and shipping the product with the knowledge that if the cardholder disputes anything, the CC company will take back the $$ from the vendor unless the vendor can prove beyond doubt that they did infact ship the item and it was what it was claimed to be.

So, IMO the answer to the question is you should use a credit card. If something happens, you call the CC company and they give you your money back. Then, they get their money from the vendor.

If the seller doesn't take credit cards directly, then PayPal is the way to go - although you should never use PayPal unless you're paying with a credit cart (this gives you two levels of protection in case of fraud).

My .02

 

+1 to that!

 

Paypal works fine until the buyer has a fraudulent 'claim' that puts a hold on
your funds - Paypal frequently sides with the buyer in lack of proof situations.
Been there done that (I bought my 328 selling stuff on Ebay and know of
what I speak). I would stick with a credit card and stay away from Paypal
for that amount of change...

 

Maybe I'm too trusting, but the last time I purchased an item from a private party through a forum I just did a bit of research to discern his identity, read a few references, and then wired him the funds. I got my watch two days later

 

This guy won't want to pay CC or PayPal fees. If you insist on that then he may pass the 3-4% on to you, that's about $200. Check the guy out, references, Google his phone number, talk to his bank manager, call some people he's dealt with etc. If nothing is fishy then send him the money. If you do anything but wire he'll want to make sure the money clears first. Another important thing is how does he intend to ship the item? USPS is probably the best way as they'll insure that value and you'll be able to determine when he has shipped it.(although their tracking isn't very good) Good luck.