I'm surprised how often this comes up still; I thought it was common knowledge by now.
Here's the basic flowchart you should use.
1) Is said camera more than 10-15% below the price everyone else sells at?
If yes,
2) Is the dealer in Brooklyn NY or nearby?
If yes,
3) Is the dealer Adorama, B&H, Calumet, or other "big name" photo store?
If no
IT IS A SCAM.
And here is how ALL these stores work.
You order. You get an e-mail saying you have to call for "verification". The "verifier" informs you that the item on the site is one of the following:
-Not the USA version, and therefore has no warranty
-Has no battery, charger, or manual - buy you can buy them for (X= retail price - their price!)
-Oh, and you'll need a $200 set of coke-bottle filters with that, you know.
If you insist on just taking it as-is, it will mysteriously become, and remain, out of stock. If you go ahead with the deal, you'll end up getting a refurb or returned camera for the price you could have gotten a new one (with some service and backing) at an authorized, reputable retailer.
ANYONE who goes through with purchasing at a store like this after reading all the warnings all over here, photo.net, and other places, deserves what they get out of greed ignorance.
Do not walk, run away from this store.
