Never have a potential buyer come to your home.
Meet them in a public place with a lot of people around and security cams (gas station, bank parking lot, outside police station).
If you can, take picture of their car/ marker plate in case they try to rob you.
Payment in cash or certified bank check only. Do all the paperwork & money transfer inside a secure location, preferably inside your bank. Never agree to a wire transfer, third party check, or foreign banks.
Deal with local buyers, or surrounding towns. Avoid buyers from big cities unless you are very sure they are legit. At the first hint of BS scammers end all communication. Make them send you their cell # before any meeting.
Bring a friend to all meetings to test drive car or negotiate. This way you have a witness, never go alone.
Good advice.
CCW at all times, for you/your back-up friend(s).
Years ago, I was selling my ‘78 Ford Bronco and some people came to my house for a test drive. Less than a week later it was stolen from my driveway in broad daylight.
Probably not a coincidence...