Another tip from a hardening eBayer (3 purchases now - not counting my first and most painful experience!) is to check out sellers' feedback references. If they've loads of positives, they've been doing it for a long time and have few or no complaints and nothing to hide. Some sellers will also advertise that if you have less than, say, 10, feedbacks yourself, ie, you are new to eBay and do not have a track record, do not bother bidding unless you contact them first. I hate to sound paranoid, but just be cautious, and only pay through PayPal, ie, do not give CC details for a private purchase (although I think eBay forbid this anyway!?) Remember too, if you win an auction, you have to pay! Good luck.