Over the past few months many stories have come to my attention of people swiping for companies or people, and getting scammed to the tune of $100k+ each.
I'm not saying you can't offer to put something on your credit card for someone, but be smart. Even the most honest trustworthy people can hit a rough patch and be unable to pay back.
The specific stories I've been told were of out right scammers. Some had a great reputation, and were part of a community.
Bottom line - At the very least, consider swiping for someone an investment with risk. Don't put down more money than you can afford to lose. Even million dollar companies go under. Ask yourself, are you really willing to risk $20-50k and up for a few points?
If you believe you can trust someone, you should still have a hard limit in the range you can afford to lose, and don't go over it. The guy has truckloads of cash? Then let him prepay you, or put the money in escrow.
This is a very serious matter. Lives have been ruined. You've been warned.
Please don't PM for details. They won't be answered