Shopping online has never been easier—or riskier. Fake e-shops are on the rise in 2025, often looking professional, running paid ads, and promising unbelievable deals. One wrong click, and you could lose money, personal data, or worse.
Here are 10 clear warning signs that an e-shop might be fake—and how to protect yourself before it’s too late.
1. Too-Good-to-Be-True Prices
If a product normally costs $200 and the site offers it for $39 with free shipping, stop. Scammers use unrealistically low prices to lure impulse buyers.
What to do:
Compare the price with trusted retailers. Huge discounts on high-demand items are a red flag.
2. No Verified Company Information
Legit e-shops show:
- Company name
- Registered business address
- IČO/DIČ (in Europe)
- Contact details
Red flag: Only a web form and no phone number, no clear business details, or suspicious contact emails (like Gmail or Yahoo).
3. Recently Registered Domain
Scam sites are often only a few weeks or months old.
Check this:
Use whois.domaintools.com to see when the domain was registered.
If it’s brand new and the site claims to have “10 years of customer trust,” be skeptical.
4. Strange Domain Name
Typos, extra letters, or odd extensions (.xyz, .top, .store) can indicate a scam copycat site.
Examples:
- adibas-shop.store
- amazzon-deals.xyz
Stick to domains that match the brand and use HTTPS encryption.
5. No or Fake Customer Reviews
Scam shops often:
- Have no reviews at all
- Show generic or AI-written praise
- Copy reviews from other websites
Tip: Search “[storename] reviews” or “[storename] scam” in Google or Trustpilot.
6. Limited Payment Options
Be cautious if:
- Only bank transfer is offered
- No credit card or secure methods (like PayPal or Apple Pay)
- Crypto-only payments
Scammers prefer irreversible payments.
7. Low-Quality Images and Broken Language
Check the grammar, spelling, and formatting. Scam sites often:
- Use poor English or Google Translate
- Have awkward product descriptions
- Contain placeholder text or broken images
8. No Return or Refund Policy
Legit shops clearly state return conditions, including how to cancel orders and get your money back.
Warning signs:
- No policy at all
- Only vague promises like “We will solve any problem”
- No legal terms or confusing legal text
9. Urgency Tricks
“You have 5 minutes left to buy!”
“Only 1 item left in stock!”
Scam sites often use pressure tactics to force fast decisions.
Take your time—real stores don’t rely on fake countdowns.
10. Found Through a Suspicious Ad or Social Media Link
Many scam shops reach victims via:
- Fake ads on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok
- Influencer videos with no credibility
- Emails or SMS with shortened or misspelled links
Always double-check the source before clicking or buying.
What to Do If You’re Unsure
- Google the shop’s name + “scam” or “review”
- Use browser plugins like ScamAdviser, Norton Safe Web, or Web of Trust (WOT)
- Contact the company before ordering—real businesses respond professionally
- Ask friends or post in forums for feedback
Scam e-shops are becoming smarter, better designed, and harder to spot. But by staying alert and knowing the red flags, you can protect your money and identity.
If something feels off—it probably is. Better safe than sorry.
