Use a trusted escrow for a safe transaction. If escrow charges a small fee, it's well worth paying it.

You can't put a price on security. Invest in the small fee (if any) charged by a trusted escrow and you will be happy and thankful you did.

Beware of the "increments scam". If you are offered a higher buy/sell rate and spared the escrow fee in exchange for going first, think of the consequences before doing it.