As a buyer, don't use an unsercured payment method unless you are absolutely sure of the seller's bonafides; if you are thinking of using PayPal "Friends and family" to pay someone who isn't friend or family (the clue is in the name), then don't.
Check out the various scammer threads for evidence; me and a number of other people have been scammed and, though I got my money back I simply have that buying rule now.
Of course, you have to take the risk that you'll miss out on buying an item; I've had that happen a couple of times.