many ways that scams go on on craigslist
they send a check that is over the amount of the item they go after high dollar items so they can make a bigger haul
you list your lathe for 4000 and they purposely send you a check for
5000
they say ooops i sent too much can you send me the 1000 back or maybe even say send me 950 since i caused this problem
of course their check is no good
best way to handle this is only take cash or if the check is written on a bank nearby take the check to that bank
the bank will tell you right away if it is real
some sellers will actually accept a check and give the buyer the lathe and pay them the over amount
losing a lathe and cash
if i am offered a check in person i say sure i will drive us both to that bank right now and we can cash it together