"I just found an original copy of Disney's 'Song of the South' for an amazing price of $7.99 plus shipping".  You read the auction and make a mental list:  New in package?  Check.  Ships to my country?  Check.  What could possibly go wrong?

I recently purchased an iPod Classic 80 GB on Ebay.  I love it.  It has become my new obssession.  However, if I had seen this iPod for $49.99 plus shipping, I wouldn't have even given it a second chance.  Why not?  Because it would have been counterfeit or stolen - or both!

How do you spot authentic, original, factory made or licensed merchandise?  Do your homework.  Here's a quick checklist:

• Check similar retail web sites to get an idea what the items sells for in retail shops
• Check the seller's feedback rating and reputation
• Read the entire listing, even the fine print
• Where is it coming from?  Are you buying a new cell phone from Timbuktu?
• Inspect the pictures and pay close attention to the packaging.  Typos give a lot of inormation away
• DO THE MATH - Is someone really going to sell you a brand new $250 iPod for $49.99?

When in doubt, pass on the deal.  Don't get me wrong.  There are some fantastic deals to be had on Ebay, and believe me, I search sometimes for days until I find "the best deal".  But if something sounds just too good to be true, it probably is.  Let someone else buy it and sleep better at night.