considering i am asian... i always deal cash
if not.. ask for a bank cheque and wait for it to clear as there is now a waiting period. this used to be the safest method as funds would be instant. mind you it is hard for the payer to cancel a bank cheque but it is still possible make no doubt about it. a bank person could clear this but i think they can only give you a bank cheque if they actually have the money, and the bank "holds" the money so it is kind of in limbo - just a basic lamens explanation.. it is more complex than that.
if you go the bank cheque method, you can actually get it verified at your bank so you will have to finalise your deal at a bank.