The Internet Fraud Complaint Center has helpful tips to protect buyers from fraudulent activity on Internet auction sites.

Visit the IFCC's Web site at www1.ifccfbi.gov/strategy/fraudtips.asp for information.

Attorney General Mike Fisher's Bureau of Consumer Protection offers these online buying and selling tips:

• Use Plastic. "Cash only" requests should raise a red flag in your mind, as it is one of the top fraud indicators. Pay by credit card, since most companies will allow you to dispute the charges if there is a problem. Also consider cash on delivery (COD).
• Use escrow systems provided by auction site businesses (eBay.com in particular). The system allows you to send the check for goods purchased to eBay where it is held in escrow. Once you have received the goods and are satisfied, eBay sends the money to the seller.
• Research the Seller. Be certain to get all the seller's contact information, such as name, address and telephone number. Feedback sections at a site can provide information about the seller's track record with other buyers, but beware, those great recommendations may have been planted by the seller himself. Additionally, let the auction site know if you have had a problem with a purchase. Auction houses will sometimes bar sellers with a poor record from using the site again.
• Ask "What, When, Where and How." Is there a warranty or service available for the item? What about the return policy? When will the item be shipped and delivered? How will it be sent? Insist the item is insured for delivery.
• Buyer Beware. From Pokemon cards to high priced collectibles, those buying at online auction sites cannot be sure the item is "the real thing" until they receive it. Your best protection is to get a detailed description of the item and its stated value in writing.
• Let Common Sense be Your Guide. Don't let yourself get caught up in the excitement of the bidding process, only to find you have purchased something you really didn't want or need, or bought something you could have gotten elsewhere at a better price or with less risk.
• Understand How the Auction Works. Click here for a Federal Trade Commission online buyers' guide to how auctions work.

Visit the attorney general's office Web site at www.attorneygeneral.gov for more information on consumer protection.