Secure method of paying someone who lives abroad?

[NetSquirrel]

After seeing an advert on the internet, I am interested in buying a camera from someone (second hand).  However, I can't pick up the camera because the seller lives in Spain.  Yes, the price is suspiciously low, and I find it very unlikely to be a genuine offer, so I will only buy if there is a 100% secure way of paying.  That is, the seller posts the camera to a third party, I send some money to the same company, the parcel is then checked to make sure it's not stuffed with newspaper...and then the money and camera are sent to the seller and me respectively.  Does such an ideal service exist, and if so what would the fee be approximately?  (Also, is there likely to be a large cost associated with posting the camera?)

[BillyBB]

The correct term for this is Escrow. Type it in to google but expect to pay a healthy commission.

[NetSquirrel]

Thanks, BillyBB.  I recommended an Escrow service to the seller a few hours ago, to which I received the response that he "doesn't support that payment type" and will "only accept payment using Western Union".  I know from past experience that Western Union is not intended to be used to pay for goods, due to the lack of security...so the guy was probably trying to con me after all!

[Pinotage]

First suspicions are often correct.

 

Why is he selling it so cheaply? Perhaps it is faulty; what happens if you buy it, receive it and then find it doesn't work properly?

[5029]

use credit card or paypal through which you can claim it back

[Potatoman]

Surely paying a bit more from a seller over here for added security would be worth it...?

[cassimer]

Paypal is not a good way to pay for anything. If you try to complain that you paid for something which was broken they will NOT get involved. They will not help if you recieved anything at all through the mail, even if its an empty package.
So you have to go through the credt card people.

[BenDToy]

Western Union is the preferred payment method for fraudsters because they get cash, and they cannot be traced. Be warned - this is a con merchant. Avoid at all costs.