As stated previous obscure photos.
Great advice.
I have been burned before, lots of us have and these are not cheap investments.
So here are Some ideas,
Ask for pics under the rear sight,
Interior of the stock looking at the recoil lug from the top
Barrel channel toward the butt, picture of the safety 1/2 engaged in the
90 degree position stuff like that.
Most of the scammers don’t have stuff like that.
Ask for a C&R license or FFL but don’t buy the story “ I moved so the address on the license is no Longer correct”. BS like that.
If no FFL ask for a pic of the rifle with the sellers drivers license lying on the stock next to the Serial number or somethin.
Verify on-line that the address exists and the owner on the license is at that property.
You can get lots of info on line.
....
If you purchase, have the seller use a brick and mortar store in their area to do the shipping for them. Some dealers will even handle the entire transaction.
Someone you can verify on line and make a phone call to. ( a phone call can go a long way when asking for assistance with the deal your tryin to make on a rifle that is not cheap).
Pay the dealer to do the shipping to your FFL or C&R.
Again, only send your $ to a verified address.
....
You can also ask the seller to move the add to gun broker with a buy now feature. G.B. I believe offers some protection for buyers.
Sucks ya have to do this kinda leg work but there are dirt bags out there.
I’m sure others here may have some suggestions too.