Outside localbitcoins, how to guarantee you don't get scammed buying when btc?

[9thsky]

Found someone selling bitcoins (not on localbitcoins) through bank transfers. How can i make sure i get the bitcoins i pay for? He is not someone i found on the internet, therefore i can't look him up that way. He is in another city so no face to face transaction.

Is there a service online that works like escrow but specifically for cryptocurrency transactions and doesn't charge as much as escrow?

What other options do i have?

[HI-TEC99]

I wouldn't risk it, I'd either buy through an exchange, or buy through a Bitcoin ATM if any exist in your country. You can find a worldwide map containing most Bitcoin ATMs at this website. If you search for most nearby ATMs you can usually find one with low fees.

https://coinatmradar.com/