PayPal safe?

Don't do it!!! I had a very similar story last year when I tried to sell my running with a bad frame rail 68' Dart parts car. Guy said he was a marine overseas, wanted to paypal the full amount plus shipping without ever seeing the car. Mind you, this was not an Ebay deal, I had the car posted on Craigslist. My gut instinct said not to do it. Maybe it's a common scam? I would feel slightly bad if he was telling the truth but it was not a chance I am willing to take. Sorry bud, I respect your service as a marine but you'll have to wait until you get home to find an old Dart.