Just to let everyone know out there that there is a scam artist out there that ripped me off for $300 in the parts wanted section the name he gave me was Esteban turecky.  I had plenty of red flags about this guy, but fell victim anyway, so people beware of this guy... the local police have been notified.

Was this purchase for a single, or multiple items? Perhaps we can all be more careful if it is a large price, for multiple items by purchasing the least expensive one and see if the seller delivers. If not, you will be out less.
 
Another thing that might be done is to have the seller agree to a price. Then have them list the item(s) on Ebay with a ridiculously high price (like $1,000 for $300 product) and the "Make Offer" feature. This way virtually no one will purchase the over priced item in the few minutes it takes you to complete the make offer transaction after it is posted. You complete the $300 offer and they accept. This way everything is covered through Ebay. It may not be perfect and Ebay is not 100% recoverable, but at least you have hope and an avenue of recourse. Maybe you and the seller split the E-Fees. Meaning if the real cost is $330 you offer $315. Paying a bit more, yes, but as in this case - maybe not.

And, associated with this post theme I read this just after I replied: http://bangshift.com/general-news/bastards-eight-chinese-companies-busted-by-us-marshals-at-sema-for-selling-knock-off-parts/