How to Identify Fake Shopping Websites

Fake shopping websites cost consumers billions annually by stealing payment information or never delivering purchased products. This guide teaches you to identify fraudulent sites before making purchases.

Types of Fake Websites

Clone Websites

Exact replicas of legitimate retailers with different URLs:

• Identical design, logos, and product images
• Similar (but not exact) domain names
• Steal payment information when you “purchase”
• May show fake order confirmations

Typosquatting Sites

Capitalize on URL misspellings:

• amaz0n.com (zero instead of ‘o’)
• walmaart.com (extra ‘a’)
• targett.com (extra ‘t’)
• bestbuy-shop.com (added words)

Fake Brand Stores

Unauthorized sellers claiming brand affiliation:

• “Official” luxury brand discount stores
• Designer outlet websites
• Tech product “authorized dealers”
• High-end fashion “sample sales”

Red Flags to Watch For

URL Warning Signs

• Misspelled brand names
• Unusual domain extensions (.tk, .xyz, .ru)
• Excessive hyphens or numbers
• Suspicious subdomains (amazon.discount-sales.com)
• No HTTPS/security certificate

Website Design Issues

• Poor quality images
• Broken links or missing pages
• Grammar and spelling errors
• Inconsistent branding
• Unprofessional layout

Payment Red Flags

• Wire transfer only
• No secure checkout
• Requests unusual payment methods
• Missing return policy
• No customer service contact

Verify Website Legitimacy

Check Domain Age

• Use WHOIS lookup tools
• Newly registered domains are suspicious
• Legitimate retailers have established domains

Verify Business Information

• Physical address exists
• Phone number works
• Company is registered
• BBB listing exists

Research Reviews

• Google the site name + “scam”
• Check BBB complaints
• Read Trustpilot reviews
• Search social media mentions

Safe Shopping Practices

• Bookmark favorite retailers
• Type URLs directly
• Use verified shopping apps
• Enable browser security warnings
• Trust your instincts

If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. When in doubt, don’t complete the purchase.

For more protection strategies, see our fraud prevention and phishing detection guides.