From someone that have NEVER posted on the bike or chat forum.
I have seen a couple of things but they are too good to be true i shall say. Dodgy content?
I was liking the old forum better.

If the person had never posted other than on classifieds, then no.

I bought my HJ from a guy who'd never posted before or since. Batfastard his name was. Sold me the frame and disappeared without a trace.
So, yes. Usually a few emails exchanged and you can tell whether they are genuine or not..

Ask about, somebody may know them.

Who is it?

Juan you have been a regular for quite a while now and a majority of people that post on the classifieds are regular too, I have sold a couple of frames and other bits and bobs. Ask for pictures so you know they have the bit they are selling. If its big money arrange to meet either somewhere neutral or in my case they have been to my house. You'll generally get a feeling if something is a bit dodgy or not.

i always check the profile if it's a name i don't know.

Email the guy, get a phone number so you can give him a ring, get some pics. Should be genuine after that. If still in doubt pay with paypal normal not gift and you will be covered.

I usually check how long the have been a member for and what they have posted. I have had no trouble from the classifieds personally.

I personally would be very careful, especially if it sounds too good to be true. Even with someone's e-mail and phone numbers it is still very differcult/impossible as I found out when buying a set of cranks that never arrived! Over stuff i have collected and paid cash, old fashioned but safe?

MS – How doe's pay pal protect you? Is it like using a credit card

I don't mind buying from people who have never posted in bike and chat so long as they have a bit of a history posting in classifieds. Some people just don't post in bike and chat because they just can't be bothered to get caught up in all the stupid arguments etc…. I have a mate who is like this, but he uses the classifieds.

Paypal, isnt it just like buying off of ebay, as long as you pay paypal the fee i think it works. You say the item that is being sold, if it doesnt turn up paypal will cotact the seller etc and i think you get your money back.

I may be wrong though! Ive never actually used it!

i wouldnt have a problem with buying off some one that only posts in the classifieds.
i generally use and post in there alot more than i do in the bike and chat.

First and only post, I would steer well clear, but if they just used the classifieds I wouldn't be worried. I find my interest in the bike/ chat forum comes and goes, there is never a great deal change of content, but I do like looking a pic's of folks bikes!

I'm new and have only posted once – as a wanted advert. I'm on Retrobikes with the same username and have been posting there for a while. One way of checking people is to email their eBay account, that sorts out the tealeafs!