How to Tell If a Website Is Safe Before You Buy
The padlock icon is the least useful of the signals people rely on — scam sites have one too. These are the checks that actually separate legitimate shops from fraudulent ones.
1. Check the padlock and "https"
The padlock in the address bar confirms the connection is encrypted — but it does not guarantee the site is legitimate or trustworthy, only that traffic between you and that particular site cannot easily be intercepted. A scam website can have a padlock too.
2. Look for real contact information
A legitimate shop usually lists a physical address, a phone number, and a clear, easy-to-find returns policy — their absence (or vague, generic details) is a warning sign.
3. Search the site's name plus "reviews" or "scam"
Before buying from a shop you do not know, a quick search reveals whether other customers have had problems — consistently negative results from multiple sources are a clear signal to take seriously.
4. Be wary of deals that look too good
Discounts of 80–90% on well-known brands are a classic hallmark of a fraudulent site — genuine discounts rarely reach those levels for long.
Tip: pay by credit card (not bank transfer) whenever possible on sites you do not know — cards offer additional dispute protections if something goes wrong with the purchase.
Frequently asked questions
Does the padlock in the address bar guarantee a site is safe?
Not entirely — it confirms the connection is encrypted, but a fraudulent site can have a padlock too. On its own it is no guarantee of legitimacy.
Is paying by card safer than a bank transfer?
Generally yes, on sites you don't know well — credit cards usually offer additional dispute protections if something goes wrong with the purchase, unlike a direct transfer.