Identify a trustworthy merchant site
A price that's too good to be true, a site you've never heard of, an urgent offer: online shopping exposes you to unreliable, or even fraudulent, shops. A few quick checks before taking out your card can separate a reliable merchant from a dubious storefront. They only take two minutes and can save you a lot of disappointment.
Verify the merchant's identity
Legal notices and contact information
A reputable site displays full legal information: company name, address, identification number, and contact details. Their absence, or vague information, is a major red flag. A merchant that doesn't say who they are does not deserve your credit card, no matter how attractive their prices may be.
A real contact page
Beyond just legal notices, a real service should be reachable. Test the contact page before making a significant purchase: an address that bounces back or a form that gets no response speaks volumes. A reliable site highlights several ways to get in touch, not just an anonymous form.
Check security and reviews
Page and payment security
Check for the padlock icon, the "https" address, and a consistent domain name. A payment redirected to an unknown service, or the absence of secure payment methods, should stop you from purchasing. The security displayed at the checkout stage is a good indicator of the site's overall reliability.
Online reviews and reputation
Search for the site's name followed by "reviews" or "scam" before ordering. A reputation built on recurring complaints about deliveries or refunds speaks for itself. Conversely, be wary of a brand-new site with no history, no reviews, and no verifiable longevity.
Warning signs during the purchase
Too-good-to-be-true offers and fake urgency
Deep discounts on popular products, a ticking countdown clock, and countless typos: these are common ingredients of a scam. The pressure to "hurry up" is intended to bypass your caution. A legitimate merchant doesn't need to force your hand to sell a good product.
Mandatory payment methods
Avoid any site that only accepts bank transfers, gift cards, or methods with no recourse. Unlike credit cards, these methods do not allow for chargebacks. In case of doubt regarding a transaction already made, support and your bank remain your primary points of recourse.
After a questionable order
Monitor and act quickly
Keep the confirmation, monitor the tracking in your help and account management area, and react to the slightest sign of trouble. The longer you wait when dealing with a dubious site, the harder it becomes to recover your money. Quick cancellation is better than a long wait full of false hope.
Beware of hidden subscriptions
Some shady sites slip a subscription in behind a one-time purchase or a trial. Read the checkout screen carefully to the end and check your bank statement in the following weeks. A recurring charge arising from a one-off purchase is a sign of a trap that must be identified and cut off without delay.
