In person, cash transaction, crowded place? Pfft, then you get arrested because the cops think you're selling stolen goods.

Lots of police stations now have "Safe Exchange" places either in the station or in the parking lot. Cameras in place and well lit.

That's a nasty corner case of PA state law, combined with a defendant who failed to respond to claims.

I read that when it was posted, and I got the I pressing the conman was pulling some trick to claim he had informed the other party, but hadn't actually done so. If that's the case then you'd need ESP to avoid being scammed.