I guess this is a rule I've devised while playing dangerously around obvious scammers, etc.
1. Never buy from an unauthorized Apple Reseller (obviously, always try to buy from Apple whenever possible.)
There are exceptions to non-authorized-resellers:
1.a. You agree to meet in person, you agree that you can boot up the machines, devices, etc, and try it out, to make sure everything is in working order. Then pay, receive item on spot.
1.b. You know the person (obviously)...
1.c. He/She agrees to send it to you before you sending yours. I guess this will never happen, but nonetheless shouldn't be excluded from the exceptions.
By the way, NEVER fall for "Too-Good-To-Be-True" deals. Things like a $1500 NEW 17" Macbook Pro (gasp). It seems "possible" to bring those deals, but don't grab them. Its just not worth your time. And obviously, don't even try getting a
$700 NEW MACBOOKPRO 17". Its just total garbage. Though you are more than free to play with them during your free time and tell them, stop trying to make people miserable and make them feel you just wasted a ton of their time. I did that, last night. Some business plainly called "Electronic Places" who don't even have a website, and chatted with me on Yahoo for like 2 hours. Was quite fun

. Knowing that I won't be victimized and he wasted a ton of his time.
Now, feel free to add on to my list.
Keehun.