🛡️ How to Identify a Fraudulent Online Store

Recognizing an untrustworthy website is essential for your online safety. Watch out for these six red flags:

1. The Price is Too Good to Be True

If you find designer sneakers or a brand-new MacBook for 70% less than the retail price, your alarm bells should go off. Scammers use extreme discounts to lure in victims and create a false sense of urgency.

2. Check the URL and SSL Certificate

Always look at the address bar before entering any personal details:

• The Padlock: Ensure there is a padlock icon next to the URL.
• HTTPS: The web address should start with https:// (the 's' stands for secure).
• Domain Name: Look closely at the spelling. Scammers often use "typosquatting"—for example, amaz0n.com or nike-outlet-store-free.com.

3. Investigate "About Us" and Contact Pages

A legitimate business wants to be reachable. Be wary if:

• There is no physical address or phone number listed.
• The "Contact Us" page only consists of a simple form with no other details.
• The "About Us" page contains vague text or looks like it was copied and pasted from another site.

4. Search for Independent Reviews

Don't trust the reviews featured on the shop's own website—these can easily be faked. Instead, search for the shop name on independent platforms:

• Trustpilot
• Google Reviews
• Better Business Bureau (BBB)

💡 Pro Tip: Search Google for “Store Name + scam” or “Store Name + complaints” to see what other users are experiencing.

5. Look at the Payment Methods

Safe webshops usually offer secure payment options like Credit Cards, PayPal, or Klarna, which provide buyer protection. Be extremely cautious if a store only accepts:

• Bank transfers
• Cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin)
• Gift cards
• Western Union

6. Grammatical Errors and Poor Design

While some scams look professional, many are riddled with spelling mistakes, broken links, and low-resolution images. If the website feels "clunky" or the English is poorly translated, it’s likely not a legitimate operation.