kincella explained it well. However, there is a way around the scam. Nobody gets nothing until the funds are cleared. That means that once the funds are deposited into your PayPal account you transfer the funds to your bank account. Once they appear there, then you hand over the goods. That's how safe eBay transactions are executed. Any disputes are handled through PayPal's resolution centre.
Also, be aware that money deposited into a PayPal account attracts a flat 2.4% fee to PayPal. So, a $10k deposit would have $240 go to PayPal, which is fair enough since they are the middle man and provide protection, I believe upto $20k.
But I understand your concern. So many offers and no one inspecting??? It's not like they're buying a book!
