It's not news that you can find it cheaper online, especially if 'it' is anything having to do with electronics, computer equipment, gaming or digital media. When you go shopping for a digital camera, digital camcorder, PC game - even console games like the X-BOX 360, you're bound to find the best prices by shopping around online.

But with prices sometimes as low as half the manufacturers' suggested price, sometimes you can't help but wonder if there's a catch. Like anything else, the answer is - sometimes. While there are hundreds of legitimate discount electronics sites selling everything from digital camera accessories to the latest top quality digital camcorder, there are also scads of scam artists out there just looking to take your money. Here are some hints and tips to help you find the best bargains - without getting caught by a catch.

1. If it sounds too good to be possibly true...

As the old saying goes. Yes, it probably is too good to be true. When you do a shopping search for bargains on an X-BOX 360, or shop at an auction site like eBay, don't leave your common sense behind. While it's not unusual to find deep discounts when compared to the High Street or manufacturer price, you should be suspicious of a deal that's substantially less than most other online merchants.

2. Read carefully.

Learn to read ads and descriptions of products with a close eye. Watch for words like faux and ersatz, which are just fancy ways of saying 'fake' - even when they're teamed up with 'genuine'. Other words to watch for:

- Refurbished or reconditioned

Returned merchandise is often repaired or reconditioned then sold at a discount to salvage merchants. A factory reconditioned digital camera can be one of the best bargains you'll ever find - most manufacturers make certain that any reconditioned or refurbished merchandise that leaves their factories meets stringent performance standards. The real catch here, though, is to know what you're buying. Prices for reconditioned merchandise are - and should be - considerably lower than for new.

- Open Box Sale

Open box is exactly what it sounds like. The box has been opened, often because the merchandise was returned. This often means that there are things missing from the box - though that may not be the case. The more reputable discount electronics sites make a point of listing exactly what you'll get with your purchase, right down to mentioning that the setup manual for your new digital camcorder or PC game is missing.

3. Only buy from trusted sites.

When you buy a digital camera or other electronic equipment over the internet, you're buying sight unseen - with the exception, possibly, of a photograph. That means you really have no way of knowing if the digital camera you're paying for even exists. That's why it makes sense to only buy from sites that you know, either through prior experience or reputation, or by finding them through a trusted shopping site. There at least you can be sure the products listed are legitimate.

4. Use the 'right' credit card for your online purchases.

Some credit cards will insure any purchases made with that card. If you have the option, use a credit card that offers that protection when you buy electronics online. That way, if your digital camera or X-BOX 360 doesn't arrive, you can dispute the charges. Because it's the credit card company that actually paid for your purchase - at least until you pay the account off - they will pursue any investigation necessary and remove the charges from your bill.