Guides · Shopping Safely
How to Tell if an Online Store Is Legit (12 Quick Checks)
Some of the best products online come from small, independent stores you've never heard of. Unfortunately, so do some scams. The good news is that a few minutes of checking will usually tell you which is which.
The 12-point checklist
- Look for real contact details. A trustworthy store lists a business name, a physical address, and an email address or phone number. Only a contact form, with no company name anywhere, is a warning sign.
- Check the domain age. Search the domain in a free WHOIS lookup tool. A store registered a few weeks ago that offers huge discounts deserves extra caution.
- Read the returns policy. Legitimate stores explain how returns work, who pays return shipping, and how long refunds take. Vague or missing policies are a red flag.
- Look for secure checkout. The address should start with
https://, and checkout should use a recognized payment provider such as PayPal, Stripe, Shopify Payments, or a well-known card processor. - Be careful with unusual payment methods. Wire transfers, gift cards, and cryptocurrency give you almost no protection. Credit cards and PayPal offer the most.
- Search for independent reviews. Search the store's name plus "reviews", "scam", or "complaints". Look at review platforms and forums, not only the testimonials on the store's own site.
- Check that prices are believable. A brand-new designer handbag at 90% off is almost never real.
- Look at social media accounts. Real stores usually have accounts with history, real comments, and posts over time, not one burst of activity.
- Read the product descriptions. Copied text, poor translations, and stock photos used on dozens of other sites suggest a reseller or a dropshipper. That isn't necessarily a scam, but expect long shipping times.
- Check the "About" page. Real businesses tend to explain who they are. Generic, empty text is a mild warning sign.
- Test customer service. Send a quick pre-sale question. A prompt, specific reply is a good sign.
- Start small. If you're unsure, place a small first order before buying anything expensive.
What to do if something goes wrong
If an order never arrives or the item is clearly not as described, contact the store in writing first and keep copies of everything. If that fails, use your payment provider's dispute process. Card issuers and PayPal both offer buyer protection within set time limits, so don't wait too long.
The bottom line
Most small online stores are run by honest people building a business. Spend a couple of minutes on these checks and you can enjoy discovering new shops with confidence.