I've used CL several times for buying and selling. Always cautiously. I use a limited use email account and ask that a phone number be included in the reply. A quick search usually turns up suspicious numbers. Also let suspicious replies go unanswered. Most suspicious emails were when selling a car, but did sell it locally on CL.
I even had a successful experience selling and shipping a set of towing mirrors. This came after several email and phone correspondances. Of course we were both initially hesitant but worked it to where we were both confident. All went well.
Think smart. Be smart. If it don't feel right, don't do it. Ain't worth the $ either way.