Cash or no deal.
its $3k we’re not exactly talking about a lot of money here. Tell EVERYone that contacted you, bring you the cash and let them know you will be checking each and every dollar, and I bet they hang up/never call back. If they still say they’re coming, go buy a money marker, check each one for watermark, magnetic strip etc. whatever else you want to look for to feel comfortable. don’t even sign your half of the title until every dollar has been checked.
I stick to this and never have run into any problems other than people feeling somewhat disrespected because you’re checking every dollar they hand you, but too fucking bad.