i made over 400 transaction on ebay.co.uk with no problem but it doesn't mean ebay is a safe place, i am a networking guy and i know there's several ways to fake email and logos on email...
this is my proper way on bying on internet
-never trust your own email inbox, just don't believe any email even if they were replies from ebay sellers..always logon on ebay to read replies
-pay for your transation with paypal no cheque or postal orders...or any other mean of payment!
-find out from the seller..make sure the item will be tracked through post otherwise just don't buy it..this is the only way you can prove the item you paid for is delivered or not
basically this is all what i've been doing to keep it safe! but also..be sure your pc is safe too, make sure you have a hardware firewall and all protection for your pc otherwise... a simple trajon or keylogger will copy your key strocks on your keyboard ... you can easely reveal your password or even your bank details...
anyway.. hope this does help.. if you are not convinced just drop me your email, and you will receive an email from your_username@pbase.com as prove of how easy to fake email