11 Ways to Know If Online Stores Are Safe and Legit
Many fraudsters create fake online stores to steal consumers’ credit card information. However, you can keep yourself safe by avoiding sites with obvious grammatical and language errors.
Remember the adage, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Also, be cautious of websites that request wire transfers or money orders as these may be scams.
1. Check the Store’s Reputation
Online shopping can be a great way to save time and money, but it’s important to take the right precautions. Checking a store’s reputation is one of the best ways to know if it’s safe and legitimate.
Look for red flags such as misspellings or vague return policies. Also, make sure the website uses HTTPS and has a lock icon in the address bar.
2. Check the Store’s Address
Millions of people shop online, and it’s not difficult for fraudsters to create fake e-commerce stores. These sites often offer prices that are too good to be true and use stolen images. They also often lack the website address Visit Is Legit or Scam and contact information of the seller.
If a business has a physical address, that’s a good sign. Shortened URLs are another giveaway that the site is not legitimate.
3. Check the Store’s Customer Service
Anyone who has ever shopped online knows that not all businesses are created equal. Disreputable e-stores may run absurdly low prices, sell fake products or even scam you out of your money by stealing your personal information.
Fortunately, there are ways to avoid such scams. You can start by looking for red flags that a store is fraudulent. Then, take steps to stay safe by using privacy-conscious tools and accessories like a Faraday bag or an RFID blocking wallet.
4. Check the Store’s Payment Options
Online shopping fraud is a real issue, costing victims both money and time. However, with the right precautions you can shop safely and protect yourself from cybercrime.
Always check that the website address starts with ‘https’ – this means it has security features to keep your personal and credit card information secure. It’s also a good idea to use an identity theft protection service.
5. Check the Store’s Security
Online shopping has become more popular than ever, but it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with cyber crime. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while shopping online:
Look for security features like SSL encryption on payment pages. This prevents hackers from stealing your personal information.
Always check shipping and return policies. Legitimate sellers will provide these details clearly on their website.
6. Check the Store’s Customer Reviews
Online customers value the opinions of other customers. It’s important to make your customer review process easy and show you care about feedback.
Reviews on third-party sites that can’t be manipulated carry more weight with consumers than reviews from businesses themselves. Customers are especially swayed by negative reviews that highlight a business’s weaknesses. Then they can be confident in their purchase decision.
7. Check the Store’s Social Media Presence
In addition to checking the store’s website, social media pages can be a good way to identify fraudulent sites. Check for low-quality photos, too-good-to-be-true offers, and strange spelling and grammar.
Online shopping can be safe and convenient, but scammers are becoming bolder and more creative in their attempts to steal your personal information. Use these tips to stay cyber safe and protect your money.
8. Check the Store’s Payment Options
When shopping online, be aware that scammers can use your credit card information to steal your identity. To protect yourself, always use secure websites and enable two-factor authentication on your account.
Reputable stores will have SSL encryption – you can check this by looking for the padlock icon or making sure the website address starts with https. You should also look for a privacy policy.
9. Check the Store’s Customer Reviews
Customers’ reviews and personal accounts are a great way to gauge the legitimacy of an online store. Try using a service like Trustpilot to read reviews and personal experiences about many different retailers.
Also, beware of stores that require you to pay with cash, a money order or prepaid gift cards. This is often a sign of a fraudulent store. You should always use a credit card or debit card when shopping online.
10. Check the Store’s Security
Online shopping scams can cost shoppers more than just their credit card information. They can also lead to identity theft and a host of other problems.
Legitimate ecommerce websites should have trust marks on their checkout pages and headers that indicate accreditation from Internet security bodies. These trust marks protect against attacks like XSS that expose shoppers to malware, phishing attempts, and other threats.
