Online shopping is convenient and usually perfectly safe — but there are fake stores out there designed to look real, take your money, and send you nothing. Here is exactly what to check before you hand over your credit card number.
Check the address bar first
Before you do anything else, look at the web address at the top of your browser. Two things to check:
- It should start with https:// — the “s” stands for secure. You may also see a small padlock icon. This means your connection to the site is encrypted. It does NOT mean the site is legitimate, but it’s a minimum requirement.
- The domain name should make sense. Amazon.com is real. Amazon-deals-checkout.net is not. Scammers use names that look almost right — amaz0n.com, apple-support-store.com, walmart-clearance.shop. Read it carefully.
Look for contact information
A legitimate store will have a real address, a phone number, and an email address that matches the domain. Scroll to the bottom of the page and look for an “About Us” or “Contact” page.
If the only contact option is a web form with no address or phone number, that is a red flag. If the address is fake or doesn’t match the country the site claims to be from, walk away.
Search for the store before you buy
Open a new tab and search for the store name plus the word “reviews” or “scam.” For example: “ClearanceKingShop reviews” or “ClearanceKingShop scam.”
If other people have been burned by this site, you’ll find out in about 30 seconds. Sites like Trustpilot, Better Business Bureau, and Reddit are good places to look.
Four green lights before you buy
- The price seems reasonable — not 80% off retail for a brand-name product. If it looks too good to be true, it is.
- The site has real reviews with specific details, not vague five-star comments that all sound the same.
- You can pay with a credit card or PayPal — both offer buyer protection. Never wire money or pay with a gift card for an online purchase.
- The return policy is clearly spelled out. Legitimate stores make it easy to find.
If something goes wrong
If you order something and it never arrives, or you get something completely different from what was advertised, contact your credit card company immediately and dispute the charge. You have strong consumer protections when you pay by credit card. Most banks will reverse the charge while they investigate.
PayPal also has a buyer protection program — file a dispute through your PayPal account within 180 days of the transaction.
You don’t have to avoid online shopping — you just have to take 60 seconds to check before you click Buy. Those checks have saved a lot of people a lot of money.
Not sure about a website? Send the link to John at JohnExplainsIt.com and he’ll take a look.