A polished website is not proof that a store is legitimate. Scam shops can copy product photos, brand logos and reviews in minutes. Before entering card details on an unfamiliar store, verify the seller from information that exists outside the website itself.
Search for the seller independently
Search the business name plus words such as “complaint,” “scam” or “review.” Look beyond star ratings on the seller’s own site. The FTC warns that reviews and ratings can be fake or manipulated, so compare information from more than one source.
Check whether the contact information is usable
A real-looking address in a footer can still be copied. Check whether the business provides a working support method, a clear company identity and a return address or process. Be cautious if every contact route leads only to a generic form with no other company details.
Read the return, refund and shipping policies before paying
Look for specific time windows, conditions, fees and instructions. Vague language such as “easy returns” is less useful than a written policy explaining where and how returns are handled.
Question extreme discounts on expensive brands
A very low price can indicate counterfeit goods, a bait-and-switch listing or a seller that never intends to ship. Compare the model number and total cost with established retailers rather than evaluating only the percentage discount shown on the page.
Pay attention to how the seller wants to be paid
The FTC cautions consumers against sellers that insist on gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency or payment apps. Those methods can make it difficult to recover money. Credit cards generally provide stronger dispute options for online purchases.
Keep purchase records
Save the product page, price, seller name, order confirmation, shipping promise, return policy and all messages. If the listing changes or disappears, you will still have a record of what was promised.
Do not confuse HTTPS with legitimacy
The padlock in a browser means the connection to the site is encrypted; it does not prove the merchant is honest. Treat HTTPS as a basic technical requirement, not as a trust badge.
Primary sources and further help
We reviewed this guide against the following public consumer resources. Rules and procedures can change, so use the linked agency guidance for the latest details.