This post has finally made me understand why complete strangers want to be my "Racing Junk Friend". I just went ahead and said yes. Now I realize they were probably just trying to "pad" there friend total to gain credibility to sell stuff. I will be more careful from now on.
As far as the shady deal that started this post, I agree that a tracking number would solve the problem. The check has cleared and if the seller can't supply a tracking number, something is stinky.
There should be a listing of both bad sellers and bad buyers here on RJ. Not just their user names, but their real names and addresses.
The honest buyer and sellers need to be protected or eventually the classifieds will just fall apart. IMHO.