Shop Online Safely and Spot Fake Stores
Online shopping scams and fake stores have become very convincing. Here's how to check whether a store is legitimate before you hand over your card details.
Online shopping is convenient and generally safe — but fake stores are increasingly sophisticated. Knowing what to check before you buy can save you both money and stress.
Before You Buy: Check the Website
Look at the URL carefully
Make sure the web address matches the company you expect. A real retailer's site might be amazon.co.uk or bestbuy.com. Watch for subtle changes: amazon-deals.shop or bestbuy-outlet.net are not those companies. The padlock icon in your browser means the connection is encrypted — it does not mean the site is trustworthy or legitimate.
Search for the site independently
Rather than clicking an ad or link in an email, type the retailer's name into a search engine and navigate from there. Scam shops often rely on paid ads or social media posts to catch people before they can think clearly.
Check contact details
A legitimate retailer will have a physical address, a working phone number, and a real email address — not just a contact form. Try calling or emailing before purchasing if you're unsure.
Look for reviews — and look carefully
Search for the site name plus "review" or "scam". Look at Trustpilot or Google Reviews for genuine customer feedback. A brand-new site with only five-star reviews should raise suspicion. Also check: when was the domain registered? A site claiming to be an established retailer but with a domain registered this month is a red flag.
When You Pay
- Use a credit card where possible. Credit cards offer the strongest consumer protection and charge-back rights in the US, Canada, and UK.
- PayPal Buyer Protection is also a strong option — it covers you if goods don't arrive or aren't as described.
- Avoid bank transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards as payment for online shopping — these are nearly impossible to recover if something goes wrong.
After You Order
Keep your confirmation email. Check your card statement after a few days to make sure only the correct amount was charged. If goods don't arrive or are clearly counterfeit, contact your card provider or PayPal to raise a dispute.
Frequently asked questions
The padlock shows in my browser — does that mean the site is safe?
Not quite. The padlock (HTTPS) means your connection to the site is encrypted, which is good — it means no one can intercept what you're typing. However, fake and scam sites can also have HTTPS. The padlock is one positive signal but doesn't confirm the site is legitimate. You still need to check the domain name carefully and look for contact details and reviews.
I bought from a fake store and the item never arrived. What can I do?
Act quickly. If you paid by credit card, contact your card provider and request a chargeback — explain that the goods were not received. This is usually successful. If you paid via PayPal, open a dispute in your PayPal account under Resolution Centre. Report the fake store to your national consumer protection authority (FTC in the US, Trading Standards in the UK, the Competition Bureau in Canada) to help prevent others from being caught.
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