In 2025, the BBB Scam Tracker reported online purchase scams as the riskiest scam type, with a median loss of $102 and over 37% of targets losing money. Fake online stores are a cottage industry — some networks operate hundreds of storefronts simultaneously.
Found a store you're not sure about? Paste the URL into IsThisAScam.to for an instant legitimacy check.
The 60-Second Quick Check
- Google the store name + "scam"
- Check domain age at whois.domaintools.com — under 30 days is almost certainly a scam
- Check the prices — 70-90% below retail is bait, not a sale
Think it might be a scam?
Paste it here for a free, instant verdict.
Free · No signup required · Cmd+Enter to scan
Deep Dive: Full Verification
Website Technical Analysis
- SSL certificate: Click the padlock. Free Let's Encrypt certs are legitimate but also default for disposable scam sites.
- Server location: Use IPLocation.net. A U.S. retailer hosted overseas is suspicious.
- Website template: Many scam stores use identical templates with only the logo swapped.
Content Quality
- Copy a product description and Google it — identical text on 50 sites means scraped content
- Read policies. Missing, placeholder, or copied policies are red flags
- Fake trust badges (Norton, McAfee, BBB) that are just images, not clickable verification links
Social Media Presence
No social media, or brand-new accounts with no engagement, lacks the track record of a real business.
Payment Methods
- Secure: Credit cards via Stripe, Square, or PayPal
- Caution: Debit cards, Zelle, Venmo
- Red flag: Wire transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards
Real Example
In March 2026, users reported premiumtech-deals.shop selling AirPods Pro for $29, MacBooks for $199. Domain registered 8 days prior. Privacy policy referenced a different company. Social media links went to Facebook.com homepage. IsThisAScam's 6-layer analysis flagged it instantly.
Scam Store Red Flags Summary
| Signal | Legitimate | Scam |
|---|---|---|
| Domain age | Years | Days/weeks |
| Prices | Competitive | 70-90% below |
| Contact | Phone, address, email | Gmail/form only |
| Reviews | Mixed, third-party | None or fake 5-star |
| Payment | Multiple secure | Limited, risky |
If You Were Scammed
- Contact your credit card company for a chargeback
- Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Report to Google Safe Browsing
- Change passwords if you created an account
See also: website safety guide, domain age, and spotting counterfeits.
Received something suspicious? Check it now for free →