EITHER is usually made out PAY TO THE ORDER OF so and so if a person takes it to a bank etc., depending on what proof they require, it can be signed and cashed REGARDLESS if that person is reallyyyyyy the Billy Bob you intended. Of course, Id expect the bank or whatever institution to ask for a picture ID and other info prior to cashing it, but things happen !!! The "Law" is available to help in either instance, but after the fact can be tough grrrrrrr. SO YES EITHER CAN POSE A RISK. Still, its obviously safer then handing hard cold cash to a stranger or the truck driver etc. !!!!!!!
You may wanna take a look at alternative payment methods such as perhaps Pay Pal and Western Union. I have bought and sold items worth several thousand using Pay Pal and felt safer then handing cash to a stranger. Theres also more protection using a Credit Card then a Debit Card.
Unless youre there in person to inspect the equipment,,,,,,,,Take a look at things such as Serial Numbers,,,,,,,,,,,Have some idea of proof of ownership,,,,,,,,,Obtain a Bill of Sale,,,,,,THERES AN OBVIOUS RISK INVOLVED and heck even iffffffffff you exercise due diligence as noted above YOU CAN STILL GET RIPPED OFF
As an Attorney I can relate to the old wives tale "Posession is 9/10 of the Law" is fairly accurate, because a "Peaceful Posessor" has superior right and title to alllllll the world EXCPET FOR a true rightful owner. i.e. just because a person stole something (NOT true owner) that doesnt allow you to steal from him and claim "hey it wasnt his, he stole it" he as the current peaceful posessor (even if he stole it) still has superior title over yourself
Best Wishes
John T