For centuries, the town marketplace has been the hub of buying and selling. The same is true today, although the nature of the marketplace has changed. Buying and selling is shifting from brick-and-mortar-type stores to online retailers. The U.S. Census Bureau reported nearly $453.5 billion in e-commerce sales in 2017. As a consumer, it is important to know the pros and cons of online marketplace transactions. It is helpful to be aware of potential pitfalls when buying and selling online, ways to protect your identity, and which online marketplaces are available.