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.

Too good to be true? It usually is. A brand-new iPhone for £99 or designer trainers at 90% off are classic signals of a fake store. Scammers rely on you acting quickly before you think it through — slow down and check first.