Online Shopping7 min readPublished 15 July 2026 · Updated 21 September 2026
How to Spot a Fake Online Shop Before You Buy
This guide gives you a step-by-step checklist to assess an online shop before entering payment details or sending money.
A fake online shop can have polished branding, product reviews, and HTTPS while still being operated only to take payments. Before buying, verify the business and returns route independently instead of relying on how professional the page looks.
How Fake Shops Are Found
Victims typically find fake shops through social media advertisements, Google Shopping results, or links shared in messages. The ads often promote heavily discounted luxury goods, electronics, or clothing. The sites are built quickly using templates and disappear after a few weeks, only to reappear under a new domain.
The 10-Point Verification Checklist
| Check | How to Do It | Red Flag |
|---|---|---|
| Domain age | Use a WHOIS tool or ScammersCheck | Registered less than 6 months ago |
| HTTPS | Look for padlock in browser | No padlock (though scam sites can have HTTPS too) |
| Contact details | Look for phone number and address | Only an email form, no address |
| Returns policy | Read it carefully | Vague, missing, or copied from another site |
| Reviews | Search "[site name] reviews scam" | No reviews, or all 5-star on same date |
| Social media | Check linked social accounts | New accounts with no real engagement |
| Payment methods | Check checkout page | Only bank transfer or cryptocurrency |
| Prices | Compare with other retailers | More than 50% below market price |
| Company registration | Check Companies House | Company does not exist or was just registered |
| Threat check | Paste URL into ScammersCheck | Flagged by any threat intelligence source |
Safe Payment Methods
Always pay by credit card when shopping online — Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act gives you the right to claim a refund from your credit card provider for purchases between £100 and £30,000 if the goods are not delivered. PayPal also offers buyer protection. Bank transfers offer almost no protection.
Use the URL check as one layer
Check the exact shop domain in ScammersCheck, then compare its contact details, company claims, delivery terms, and independent reputation. Domain age, HTTPS, and a clean result are not proof of legitimacy. Do not submit your card details or full order history.
Source note: Use Citizens Advice online-scam guidance and verify claimed companies through Companies House where appropriate.
Not sure about an online shop? Paste the URL into ScammersCheck for an instant safety check before you buy.
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