But you can only take a sale at face value. A transaction took place whether you care to believe it or not. Two parties went through the whole process. They may have been two associates setting up a scam but we don’t know that. Even if they were history will show a sale took place.
What was the record, who sold the previous items, from what country did these transactions take place, could be a factor as a Uk near mint is vg+ to most others.
You can argue the toss all day but for all intents and purposes a transaction took place. You ask Benji to provide proof, why should he, he could ask you to provide proof a sale didn’t take place. history on discogs shows a sale did take place and that is what the next seller will look to. What did the seller have to gain with this alleged fraudulent sale, have more copies come to the market at the inflated price and sold?
Pre internet, we all know dealers who were a bit liberal with the truth with regards to their stock. I ‘ve also agreed a purchase at the weekend only for that record to be sold on the monday, you shrug your shoulders and move on.
Lastly buy from reliable sellers someone remarks, what is reliable. Every seller I know has had stock they have trickled out at what one would suggest is an inflated price rather than sell them at a lower price because they have multiple copies, especially previously harder to come by or indemand records, is that not immoral?