I typically ask for pictures of the watch with my username in them set to specific times. For example, bristnj on a note next to the wat set to 10:18 (and if date, set to: 19th) as example. I ask for a few variations of this. If the seller cannot provide (or is "insulted" that I ask) I stop all communication immediately. References are good as well. Aside from people I have bought and sold to here, my eBAY user name is also the same: bristnj so people can look at my feedback there as well. No simple solutions, but some preventive steps can help. Jeff