There are a number of ways you can go about finding a nice store to buy from online. First, depending on what you're trying to buy, try to think if anyone's mentioned any online stores for buying similar products. Especially if you've noticed people offline talking about it, it's probably really reliable. Big sites, like Amazon, have great reputations- and will probably lead to a safer purchase.

If product you want resides in a "niche" and isn't exactly mainstream, you may not have heard any mentions of where you could go. If this is situation you find yourself in, you do have some more options. If you're willing to spend time, try to find a forum on particular subject you're interested in. Read around, someone's sure to mention a nice place to get those products. Just because a store isn't as large as Amazon doesn't mean it won't be as well established for being reliable inside your particular "genre" of stores.

If you want to go a quicker route, try Google's search, or even their new price comparison tool Froogle.

Making Sure You've Picked a Safe Store

*************************************** Tips for a fun & safe internet experience.

ONE

ALWAYS update your anti-virus at least once, or twice a week, and be sure to check for EXPIRATION DATES on your antivirus, your antivirus will no longer function if it is expired. A new Anti-virus must be purchased. Each time you purchase an anti-virus program, you usually have up to a year of free license of updates..

TWO

Invest/purchase a firewall software.

NOTE: The difference between a firewall and an anti-virus is that, a firewall blocks intrusion or hackers from gaining full access to your computer; an anti-virus scans, removes and prevents computer infection.

THREE

When making internet purchases, always make sure you print receipt/invoice immediately after payment is approved. Always, always, always, save confirmation emails, they most often contain UPS tracking, accounts and return/exchange information.

THREE a.

In addition, always save packing lists and shipping invoices, these are actual receipts and can be used for warranty repair purposes.

THREE b.

All good website merchants have a way of contact/custoemr service lines. If you have any questions or issues on a particular internet order or product, customer service numbers are always available.

*FOUR*

Its always a good idea to own a second bank card with a limit of about $100; The reason for this is, if your concerned with credit card theft, any orders past that amount would be declined. Or you can just transfer exact amount from your checking to your bank card, when needed.

FOUR a.

There are also companies that offer credit cards with insurances, that specialize in internet security/purchases for free or low cost. You should also know that most credit card theft often occurs outside internet (example: Grocery store, Retail, Restaurant or any situation, when someone has access to, or opportunity to copy numbers off your credit card). Make sure you are very careful and watch your cashier receipts; and make sure that your receipt does not contain your FULL credit card number. Your electronic credit card cashier receipts should only display last 4 or 2 digits of your credit card ONLY, for example:

xxx-xxxxx-xxxxx2222

xxxx-xxx-xxxx-xx43

FOUR b.