Spot a fake shop – the 7 most important warning signs
Before paying an unfamiliar online shop, check these seven points. One serious warning sign can be enough reason to stop the purchase.
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The 7 most important warning signs
Consider the type and combination of signs. One signal does not prove fraud, but a serious warning can still be enough to avoid a purchase.
Unrealistic prices
An unusually low price is a warning sign. Compare it with offers from established retailers.
Advance payment as the only option
If PayPal, credit card or invoice payment are missing – or disappear only at the final checkout step "for technical reasons" – that is one of the strongest warning signs of all.
Missing or false imprint
If the legal notice is missing or the company and address do not match, verify the details using independent sources.
No SSL certificate
If the padlock icon is missing from the address bar, the connection is unencrypted – a clear warning sign. Conversely: an SSL padlock alone does not make a shop trustworthy.
Very young domain
If the domain has only existed for a few weeks, caution is advised. You can check this for free with a WHOIS lookup (e.g. lookup.icann.org, or denic.de for .de domains).
Fake trust seals
A genuine seal from Trusted Shops, TÜV or EHI is clickable and leads to the certificate page. If the seal does not respond to clicks, it is just an image – and worthless.
Artificial pressure through countdowns & scarcity
"Today only", countdown timers and "only 2 left in stock" are meant to push you into a rushed, ill-considered payment.
Unsure about a specific shop?
Our fake-shop check automatically examines the legal notice, domain, SSL and other signals – free and without registration.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to spot a fake shop?
Check payment options, price and the legal notice. One serious sign, such as bank transfer as the only option at an unfamiliar shop, can justify avoiding a purchase. A fixed count of signs does not prove fraud.
Is an SSL padlock enough proof of security?
No. The padlock only indicates an encrypted connection. Fake shops also use free SSL certificates – it does not replace checking the imprint, payment methods and reviews.
What should I do if a shop seems suspicious?
Use the fake-shop check as an initial assessment and review the warning signs yourself. Missing data or a positive score is no safety guarantee.
Detailed guide with all 11 warning signs, checklist and sources: How to spot fake shops – the complete guide