With Craigslist you’re usually dealing locally with cash transactions.......
I've been very lucky with Craigslist over the years, having bought and sold with honest people. People have come and handed hundreds of dollars in cash to me at my home. Others invited me in when I purchased items and handed over cash. Lately with all the stories of bad things happening, my wife has stopped us doing transactions at homes, so we arrange them at busy parking lots. Police station parking lots are a great idea.