I would say it is highly suspicious indeed. I do not trust PayPal anyway as they can take the money back if the person complains about the goods. Of course foreign cheques , even if cleared, can be reversed in your bank so be very careful with foreign buyers. Best to receive currency in notes then youcan take it to a travel agent and receive real cash that nobody cantake off you. I like folding money that you can feel,siff and put in yor wallet. Electronic money is too ephemerel.