How to Check if a Website Is Real or Fake, Legit or Scam?

Ready to verify a website right now? Head over to ScanMonk.com and paste in the URL. Don’t let a fake site spoil your shopping experience!

With thousands of new sites launching every day, it’s easy to land on a phishing scam or a fraudulent storefront. Before you share your details or hit “Buy,” follow these proven steps to verify a website’s legitimacy.

1. Inspect the URL & Domain Name

1. Look for HTTPS and a padlock icon. Real sites use SSL/TLS certificates; if you see “https://” and a closed padlock, your connection is encrypted.
2. Watch out for misspellings or extra characters. Scammers often register domain names like “amaz0n.com” or “paypa1.com.” Always double-check the spelling.
3. Check the domain age. Newly registered domains (under 6 months old) can be riskier. Use a free WHOIS lookup tool to see the registration date.

2. Verify Contact & “About Us” Information

1. Search for a clear address and phone number. Trustworthy businesses list verifiable contact details.
2. Read the About page. Legitimate sites often share their company history, team information, and mission. Vague or missing “About Us” content is a red flag.
3. Test contact channels. Send a quick inquiry via email or contact form—see if you get a prompt, professional response.

3. Check for Trust Seals & Certifications

1. Look for badges from recognized authorities. PCI DSS (payment security), BBB (Better Business Bureau), and ISO certifications can indicate credibility.
2. Click on each badge. Phony seals won’t link to the certifier’s site. If clicking the logo does nothing or leads nowhere, it’s likely fake.

4. Read User Reviews & Reputation Reports

1. Search for independent reviews. Don’t rely solely on testimonials on the site—look up “SiteName reviews” or “SiteName complaints” on forums and review platforms.
2. Check social media mentions. A sudden flood of negative tweets or Facebook posts can signal a scam.
3. Use website-verification tools. Services like ScanMonk automatically aggregate user feedback, policy details, and business credentials, making it easy to see if a D2C site is legit.

5. Analyze Site Design & Content Quality

1. Professional design matters. Poor layout, broken links, or low-resolution images often hint at a hastily assembled scam page.
2. Grammar and spelling. Frequent typos or awkward phrasing can indicate a fake site created overseas.
3. Look for clear policies. A real e-retailer provides detailed “Shipping,” “Return,” and “Privacy” policies. If these are missing or overly brief, proceed with caution.

6. Test Payment & Checkout Security

1. Use familiar payment methods. Paying by credit card or via trusted gateways (PayPal, Stripe) offers more consumer protection than direct bank transfers.
2. Avoid prepaid wire transfers or gift cards. Scammers demand untraceable payment methods—this is a major red flag.
3. Inspect the checkout URL. Is it still HTTPS? Do you suddenly get redirected to another domain? If so, your data may not be safe.

7. Employ Browser Extensions & Online Tools

1. Install a website-scanning extension. Tools like ScanMonk’s browser add-on flag suspicious sites instantly and display a trust score.
2. Use antivirus or anti-phishing software. Many security suites include real-time web filtering to block known malicious domains.
3. Bookmark verified sites. Once you confirm a retailer’s authenticity, save it so you never mistype the URL again.

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1. How to check if a website is real or fake
2. Website Legitimacy Check
3. Fake website detection
4. Verify online store authenticity
5. ScanMonk website verification

Conclusion: Shop Smart, Shop Safe

By following these 7 essential steps, you’ll drastically reduce the risk of falling for phishing scams or fraudulent online stores. And for ultimate peace of mind, use ScanMonk to scan any D2C site in seconds—get real user reviews, policy details, and business credentials all in one place.