I recently sold my boat anticipating delivery of my new one. Sold quickly and the buyer wanted to bring me a bank check for the full amount (~$50k). Unable to meet him at his credit union when he was drawing the check, I asked him to have his loan officer call me. She did, her # came up as the credit union and I asked her to send me an email from the CU’s system, which she did. We exchanged a few more emails and as an added measure I called the CU and asked for the loan officer. She was busy with a client at the moment
Buyer was a local small business owner and drove one of his company trucks when he first viewed the boat so the sketchy factor was low, but still need to protect yourself.
Had the bill of sale notarized at my bank (BoA), deposited the CU check, and funds were available the following business day.