Website Legitimacy
- How can I tell if a website is legit or a scam?
Check for a real address and phone number, look up the domain age, read reviews on independent sites, and be wary of deals that seem too good. If anything feels off, don't enter personal or payment info. - What does it mean if a website has no About Us or Contact page?
It's a red flag. Legitimate businesses usually provide ways to reach them and information about who they are. Missing these pages suggests the site may be hiding its identity or is not a real business. - Is a website safe if it has a padlock icon and starts with HTTPS?
No. HTTPS and the padlock only mean the connection is encrypted, not that the site is trustworthy. Scammers can easily get HTTPS certificates, so you still need to check other signs. - How can I check who owns a website?
Use a WHOIS lookup tool to see the domain registrar and sometimes the owner's contact info. Privacy services often hide personal details, but you can still see registration and expiration dates. - Should I trust a website with a very new domain name?
Be very cautious. Many scam sites are created and abandoned quickly, so a domain less than a year old is a risk. Check other signs like contact info, reviews, and payment methods before trusting it. - What are common signs of a fake online store?
Fake stores often have prices too good to be true, poor grammar, no contact info, and only accept unusual payment methods like gift cards or crypto. They may also lack a privacy policy, return policy, or customer reviews.