Reid Goldsborough wrote
What follows is a distillation of many people's opinions and
observations, including my own. ...

(ahem)
Just an excerpt from the PNG Website ...
------------------------
September 5, 2003
eBay Rare Coin Bidder's Survival Guide:
Beginner to Expert in 12 Easy Steps
http://www.pngdealers.com/public/ebayProtection.cfm
By Barry Stuppler (eBay ID VERYPQ)

1) Check the seller's feedback
2) Analyze the feedback information
3) Visit seller's "ME" page
4) Know your seller's location
5) Make sure seller is a PNG and/or ANA member
6) Do not be deceived by a coin's certification
7) Check shipping terms, costs, and payment options
8) Read the return and refund policies
9) Check online pricing guides
10) Email the seller with questions or concerns
11) Pay safe
12) Print out the photos

After you receive your coins...

.... Now in his second term as a member of the Board of Governors of
the American Numismatic Association (ANA), he served as chairperson of
the ANA's Consumer Protection Committee. He is a founder and a member
of the Board of Directors of ICTA, the coin community's lobbying
organization...

Throughout his four decades as professional numismatist, Barry has
been active in the rare coin community's fight to set ethical
standards for dealers. He has consulted with US Postal Inspectors, the
Federal Trade Commission, and the FBI to squash scams against ...
-------------------------
Read the rest at:
http://www.pngdealers.com/public/ebayProtection.cfm