Yes, that sounds like a scam. I've bought and sold things on CL but never had any scam attempts. Got some very strange emails though.
I've also paid and accepted payment via paypal for CL transactions. Haven't had a problem. I never take checks and I always pay in cash in face to face transactions. That seems to be a given for CL. So are photos.
I'm curious why this person didn't know the asking price and how they planned to take possession of the furniture.