AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Federal authorities recently shut down 150 websites accused of selling knock-off or pirated merchandise to online shoppers, and the government seized the domain names of more 350 sites.

Each website had a full screen that said the same thing, the domain names had been seized by the ICE and they were being investigated by Homeland Security.When you're shopping online, there are a number of things you need to look out for, one of them is knockoff merchandise, and according to Janna Kiehl, sometimes that's just a case of using your head.

"It's common sense, if you know you are looking for an item that typically sell for $500 and you can get it for $100, you better start asking some questions up front before you lay your money down," said Kiehl of the Better Business Bureau. "Anybody can look good on the web so it's a matter of buyer beware and buyer be educated, they need to do some research, make sure they are getting what is promised on the website."

Another way to avoid getting scammed is to stick to websites you know have a good track record and are well known.

"Anytime you want to shop online, the wisest thing to do is to shop with who you know just like you would on main street, shop with businesses that you know their track record; you know how they handle their customer service and the best way to start with that is to trust at the BBB website."

A.P.D. Corporal Jerry Neufeld says if you go out to remote places (on the web) that you've never heard of and you purchase something, you run the risk of it being counterfeit or forged.

"Whether you're shopping local or at least with businesses that you've heard of the name, you've got a reputation with them you know what kind of business they are, but when you're just out looking for a bargain sometimes you may get more than you really wanted."

When checking out on the website Kiehl says there are two things to check for: one, make sure there's an "s" after the "http" and two, make sure there is a padlock showing it is secure.

"It goes back with a lot of things, if it sounds too good to be true, there's a good chance it's not going to be there," said Neufeld.

Both Neufeld and Kiehl said if you're going to shop online with someone that isn't quote "mainstream", do your research and check your facts before buying.