Online shopping is fast and convenient, but it also comes with risks. Fraudulent websites and fake stores are designed to trick users into sharing credit card information, personal details, or login credentials. In this article, you’ll learn how to identify a secure and trustworthy website before making a purchase.
Check for HTTPS in the URL
Always look at the website address before entering any sensitive information.
- A safe website will start with https://, not just http://.
- The “s” stands for “secure”, meaning your data is encrypted.
- Look for a padlock icon next to the web address in your browser bar.
If the padlock is missing or there’s a warning, do not proceed.
Inspect the Website’s URL Closely
Scammers often mimic legitimate websites with slight changes.
- Watch out for misspellings or extra characters (e.g., amaz0n.com or paypa1.com).
- Be cautious if the domain is unusual (e.g., .xyz, .top, or .biz instead of .com).
- Only shop from official domains or known vendors.
Research the Website
If you’re shopping from an unfamiliar site, take a few minutes to investigate.
- Google the site’s name with words like “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.”
- Look for a physical address and phone number—and try contacting them.
- Check if they have customer reviews on external platforms (not just on their own site).
Look for Trust Seals (But Verify Them)
Legitimate websites often display security badges like Norton Secured, McAfee Secure, or BBB Accredited Business.
- Click the seal to ensure it links to a verification page.
- Be cautious—scammers can copy and paste logos without permission.
- Use this as one of several verification steps, not the only one.
Avoid Sites With Poor Design or Errors
Professional businesses usually have polished websites.
- Watch out for broken links, blurry images, and poor grammar.
- If the layout looks outdated or amateurish, it might be a red flag.
- Spelling errors in product descriptions or checkout pages are common in scam sites.
Check for a Privacy Policy and Contact Page
All legitimate e-commerce sites should have:
- A clear privacy policy outlining how your data is used.
- A terms and conditions or refund/return policy page.
- A contact form or email, and ideally a phone number.
If these are missing or vague, think twice before proceeding.
Use Secure Payment Methods
How a website handles payments matters just as much as how it looks.
- Use credit cards or secure services like PayPal—they offer fraud protection.
- Never wire money or use payment apps that don’t offer dispute processes (like Cash App or Zelle).
- Avoid sites that only accept cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers.
Look for Product and Company Reviews
Check the business reputation outside its own site.
- Visit Trustpilot, SiteJabber, or the Better Business Bureau to see reviews.
- Check for complaints about shipping, product quality, or refund issues.
- A lack of reviews or all 5-star ratings may be suspicious.
Test With Small Orders First
If you’re unsure about a site but want to give it a try:
- Start with a small, low-risk purchase.
- Monitor your credit card statement for suspicious charges afterward.
- If anything feels off—cancel your card and report it.
Be a Smart Shopper in a Digital World
Not every great deal is worth the risk. By taking the time to verify that a website is secure and legitimate, you can protect your money and personal information. Online shopping should be convenient and safe—and with these precautions, it will be.
