Just like when they shop in person, when people buy over the Internet, they expect a quality item at a fair price. In some cases, though, they may pay too much or not even receive what they ordered.

Jason Higgs, the Senior Deals Strategist at Bountii, discusses some warning signs that you’re dealing with an untrustworthy website.

1. Unbelievable Deals

Question it if the offer seems too good to be true. Scammers often lure shoppers in with incredibly low prices, entice them into making a purchase, and then disappear with their money.

Cybercriminals often make these deals time-sensitive to create a sense of urgency. This way, people will be less likely to think about what they’re doing as they’re more worried about missing out on an amazing deal.

2. Data Issues

Legitimate businesses provide multiple ways to be contacted, including a physical address, phone number, and email. Be suspicious if a website lacks such information or only provides a generic contact form. Additionally, beware if a website requests unusual information, such as your bank account or social security number, when this information isn’t necessary.

3. No Return Or Refund Policy

Reputable online retailers will always have information about their return and refund policies listed in plain sight. Avoid websites that don’t specify their policies, as it may indicate they have something to hide.

4. Fake Customer Reviews

Be skeptical of websites with overly positive reviews that sound too generic or similar. Scammers often fabricate these to appear reputable.

Rather than trusting reviews on their site, check for ones on independent platforms to get a more accurate picture. Reviews from content creators on platforms like YouTube and TikTok can often be more balanced (just check that they haven’t been sponsored). You can also install browser extensions or use special websites to help sort real reviews from fake ones.

5. Payment Issues

Some websites may not offer secure payment options such as credit card encryption or trusted payment gateways. If they don’t, steer clear to avoid potential fraud and identity theft.

Sometimes, unusual payment types may be requested, such as bank transfers or cryptocurrencies. These should be avoided, as if you use these and get scammed, you won’t be able to get your money back.

6. Suspicious URL Or Domain Name

Scammers often use slight variations of well-known domain names to deceive shoppers. Before buying, double-check the URL for any misspellings or anomalies. Trustworthy websites have consistent, recognizable domain names.

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Reviewed February 2024