How to be smart with buying stuff online?

In general, how do you be smart and play it safe when buying stuff online? There's a few things I want on the internet and on eBay, I just got PayPal and I have a credit card but I rarely use that.





I know buying stuff online is of serious matters, but I have no idea what to look into when ordering stuff online?





I'd like to keep my money and my credit card safe.





Thanks.|||I purchase items online all the time and haven't had one negative experience. That being said, you should be careful and make sure you are on a secure network. You can tell by the lock icon that shows up either in the top or bottom title bar of your screen when you are on the ordering page.





I prefer to use Paypal versus a regular credit card. I think there is a little more protection. With a Paypal account you either have a verified or unverified account. A verified account is linked to your checking/savings account and you can pay that way. An unverified account uses your credit/debit card that you have listed with Paypal. It is best to have a verified account if you are selling items so Paypal can send the money to your checking account. If you are just purchasing, then an unverified account suffices. That is what I have.





Really you must be careful when you give personal information. When you use paypal, they can help you retrieve money if a bad transaction occurs but I have never had to do this. Some sites you are purchasing from will accept a check (either online or one sent in the mail) but the transaction takes longer. If time isn't an issue, order online and then send a check if they permit.