Verify the seller before the checkout
Open the seller's site independently, confirm the domain, and check whether the offer and company details make sense. Do not treat a polished checkout, familiar payment logo, or countdown timer as proof.
Choose a protected payment method
A credit card usually offers stronger dispute rights than debit, wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Never send a one-time code, PIN, or online banking password to a seller.
Know when to stop
Leave if the site changes domains at checkout, requests unusual information, rejects protected payment methods, or pressures you to act immediately. If you already submitted card details to a suspicious site, contact your card issuer promptly.
Before you continue
- The address bar shows the expected domain
- The seller has verifiable contact and return information
- The checkout does not request a PIN or banking password
- A buyer-protected payment option is available
- No redirect sends you to an unrelated or misspelled domain
A website check reviews public signals available at that moment. It is not a guarantee, legal advice, fund recovery, continuous monitoring, or a substitute for your bank's fraud support.