The internet and e-commerce is a booming industry, and there is no reason that you cannot take advantage of the great offers and convience that this type of service offers. You can find virtually anything you could ever want or need somewhere on the internet. However, when you do find something you want to buy, you should take note of these 5 tips which could save you from a lot of trouble.

1. Make sure the order page is secure
When you are about to give someone your personal information and/or credit card information, you should always check to see if that page is secure. Generally, this come in the form of an SSL certificate, which provides encryption of the data transmitted, preventing interception by a third party. You can tell if a page is secure by checking the address bar; if the site begins with https:, that means that it is secure. You can also see a lock icon () in your address bar or status bar. Remember though that this only affects the transmition of data, so check the next step before sending.

2. Make sure you are making an online purchase from a trusted source
Research the company or website before giving it your information. This can be in the form of website reviews, business lookups, feedback etc. Check their credentials, privacy policies, terms and conditions... all of these things will give you an impression of the legitamacy of a website.

3. Use safe payment methods and reveal only the necessary information
Credit cards are actually the safest way to purchase online, as most provide fraud protection. Paypal is also another good service to use. These are the two best. Methods like cashier's checks or money orders don't provide protection in case of disputes. Anything that exposes your bank account information, such as checks and debit cards, can reveal your account information to thieves who could wipe your account clean. Never give out a PIN number or social security number to a shopping website.

4. Make sure you know exactly what you're buying
This applies a bit more to purchasing online from auction sites. Many people list items that are disguised as something they are not. For example, when Xbox 360 first came out, people we're auctionning off Xbox 360 packaging in the guise of the complete system. Read carefully.

5. Pay attention to shipping facts
When you are shopping online, remember that you could be connected to a business located next door, or half way accross the world. Make sure that they can ship to you, and watch the cost.