You can do what I did. I met the lady at the Local JoAnn's parking lot. I had asked her if she would bring the latest service report. I also wrote down the her license plate number just in case. I took a money order rather than a check. She turned out to be a wonderful person...we have since met a JoAnns then gone to lunch. We also email each other on sewing and quilting. It is smart of you to be concerned, since with Craig's list, you don't always get trustworthy folks like us quilters.
Meet at your LQS or fabric store...Take a friend with you, particularly if there is alot of cash involved. If there is alot of cash involved, drive to your bank right aftwards....no stops.
Better safe than sorry. No one should come to your home from Craig's list contact.
D in TX