I was going to start using BTC-e but these kind of threads scare me 
Which is the best exchange at the moment?
depending on where you live Which is the best exchange at the moment?but coinbase, bitstamp, kraken, bitcoin.de... Those ones I would trust
Of course that are the legal ones, where you need to prove your identity and address and stuff but it's totally worth it! Don't use btc-e for deposits/withdrawals of fiat money (if a transaction got stuck you have a problem), trading with cryptocurrencies is fine i guess but never let them there but I think that counts for every exchange
always use your own wallet
Thanks, very helpful
I'll check them out and yes, seen the extensive verification process most bitcoin exchange sites seem to have but it's understandable.