Website Scam Checker

Major red flags include: prices too good to be true (50%+ off retail), only accepting wire transfer/crypto/gift cards, no physical address or phone number, recently created domain, poor grammar and spelling, no return policy, missing SSL certificate (no padlock), and no customer reviews on third-party sites.

Search the site name plus 'scam' or 'reviews'. Check the domain age using WHOIS lookup (new domains are riskier). Look for a real physical address and phone number. Check BBB and Trustpilot for reviews. Verify SSL certificate (padlock icon). Reverse image search product photos.

Credit cards offer the best protection - you can dispute charges. PayPal Buyer Protection is also good. Avoid wire transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or direct bank transfers - these are nearly impossible to recover if scammed.

Contact your bank or credit card immediately to dispute the charge or stop payment. Report to FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. File a complaint with IC3.gov. Save all evidence (emails, screenshots, receipts). Monitor your accounts for unauthorized charges. Consider a credit freeze if you shared personal info.