While it is just sensible to be cautious, it is also true that to some extent you get what you put out there.

I believe in the inherent goodness of most people but recognize that the anonymity of the web allows less ethical types to hide behind a computer while duping others and basically stealing.

So, I always do these things to protect myself:

• look for the padlock security symbol at websites
• use paypal or similar for transactions as it offers insurance
• look for 100% no questions asked guarantees
• keep receipts of transactions made
• open gmail or yahoo accounts for signing up to listst that might attract spam
• pay for privacy setting on domain registration
• never reply to suspicious emails
• keep credit card with low limit just for online transactions.

I also closely watch other reputable online business people who might be more in the know than me.

Might I also say that scammers don't just steal money. I have had articles stolen from article directories with links deliberately disabled (against policy) Theft of copyright is serious but for those starting out, it can be expensive to enforce, leaving newcomers exposed to theft of copyright.

One of my mentors once said: for now cop it on the chin and take this theft as a compliment....good advice really.

thanks for sharing