Is it safe to buy from Alibaba in the US?

As a concerned consumer in the US, I'm wondering if it's truly SAFE to make purchases from Alibaba. I've heard about the convenience and vast selection of products they offer, but there are also rumors of counterfeit items and unreliable sellers. Can you shed some light on the safety measures Alibaba has in place to protect buyers like me? Are there any specific precautions I should take when shopping on their platform to ensure I'm getting authentic products and a smooth transaction experience? Your insights would be greatly appreciated.