1. Trust your instincts (and double-check everything)

Ever landed on a site that just felt… off? Weird layout, blurry logos, or product photos that look stolen from another store? Trust that gut feeling. Scam sites often look *almost* right — enough to fool someone in a hurry. Before you buy, take one minute to check the URL. Real shops use “https://” (with the little padlock icon). If it’s missing, run. Also, google the name of the store plus the word “reviews.” If the top results scream “SCAM,” you’ve got your answer.

2. Compare prices — crazy discounts usually mean trouble

If a site sells brand-name sneakers for 70% off while everyone else barely goes down 20%, something’s wrong. No legit retailer slashes prices that far without a catch. Compare across 2 or 3 trusted sites like Amazon, Target, or the official brand store. If one price looks suspiciously low, assume it’s too good to be true. Seriously — no one’s selling genuine Apple AirPods for $39.99.

3. Check who you’re actually buying from

Marketplaces like Amazon or eBay host thousands of third-party sellers, and not all of them are trustworthy. Before you hit “buy,” check the seller’s ratings and reviews. Avoid anything under 4 stars or with too few reviews. And if you see a bunch of 5-star comments written like they were copy-pasted by a robot? Yep, fake reviews. Move on.

4. Stick to secure payment methods

Always pay through secure platforms — PayPal, Apple Pay, or your credit card. Never, *ever* send money via wire transfer or a random payment link. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. If you pay by credit card, at least you can dispute the charge if things go south. Think of it as your safety net when shopping online.

5. Read the fine print (yes, really)

I know, it’s boring. Nobody loves reading return policies or terms of service. But that’s where you’ll spot red flags. If there’s no clear return option, or the “contact us” page lists nothing but an anonymous email — huge warning sign. Real businesses have clear policies, addresses, and phone numbers you can actually call.

6. Don’t rush — scams love impatient shoppers

Ever seen those flashing timers that say “ONLY 2 HOURS LEFT!” or “LAST CHANCE TODAY”? Yeah… most of them reset every time you reload the page. Scammers use urgency to make you act without thinking. Take a breath. If a deal disappears the moment you pause, it probably wasn’t worth it anyway.

7. Look for social proof and presence

Legit stores usually have a digital footprint: social media accounts, customer reviews, mentions on trusted blogs. If the store name doesn’t show up anywhere outside its own website, that’s suspicious. Even small businesses leave a trail — Instagram, Facebook, Google Maps, you name it. No trace = no trust.

8. Use browser tools to your advantage

Here’s a trick most people skip: install an extension like Honey or Keepa. These tools track price histories, show you when a product is truly discounted, and even flag suspicious listings. It’s like having a mini personal shopper that also protects you from nonsense deals. Once you try it, you’ll never shop blind again.

In short: stay sharp, not scared

Online shopping isn’t dangerous — it’s just full of traps for people who rush. Take a few extra minutes to verify, compare, and think. You’ll still get the deals, but without the regrets. And the best part? The more you practice spotting scams, the easier it becomes. Pretty soon, you’ll scroll through fake offers like a pro and walk away smiling — with your money still where it belongs.