Is this Company Legit?

The internet has become a massive marketplace, offering everything from the latest gadgets to handcrafted furniture. From clothing to gadgets to groceries, consumers can find virtually anything with a few clicks.

While the convenience is undeniable, it’s crucial to be aware of online scams that can target unsuspecting shoppers. That convenience comes with risks, including a mix of fake businesses and scams among the great deals. Verifying a business’s legitimacy before making a purchase is crucial to ensuring a safe online shopping experience.

With a little know-how, you can navigate the digital world with confidence and sort the sales from the scams.

With the growing trend of online shopping, distinguishing reputable businesses from fraudulent ones has never been more important. Let’s face it, sometimes a deal seems too good to be true, and online, that’s often the case. Shady businesses might lure you in with ridiculous discounts or flashy ads. Consumers must be vigilant to avoid falling prey to scams.

Whether you’re shopping for something specific, like a birthday gift, or perhaps simply dazzled by a cool ad on social media, it’s good to maintain a bit of healthy skepticism when you’re shopping online. The anonymity of the internet makes it easier for scammers to create fake businesses that look real.

Falling for a fake ad can leave you open to everything from loss of your hard-earned money to full-blown identity theft. But being aware of some common warning signs can help you avoid falling victim to fake online businesses.

With any of these, the scammers are relying on you, the shopper, to trust their flashy websites or social media posts and accept their promises at face value. These could be signs of a hastily thrown-together scam. If you see anything that looks like a red flag, pay attention and use caution before giving that online business your money!

Commercials and other ads are often quite persuasive, painting attractive pictures of whatever the business is selling. Ads promoting low costs promising high rewards are hard to ignore, by design. Be wary of ads promising unbelievable deals or featuring products with limited information. Scam businesses often rely on unrealistic offers and misleading marketing tactics, but seeing through them can be difficult. Further research is warranted.

A reputable business will likely have a well-designed website and active social media profiles, not just one or the other. An established online presence, including a professional website and active profiles across multiple platforms like Facebook and Instagram, shows a shopper that the business is focused on finding the right audience for their products and services rather than just taking shortcuts. The absence of these can be a red flag.

Pay attention to the website’s design and functionality. Non-HTTPS websites, poor-quality content, and unprofessional design are indicators of a potential scam. Beware of pages that glitch, load very slowly, or even repeatedly offer banner ads with deals that seem too good to be true. Scammers often use flashy ads to lure unsuspecting consumers, so avoid clicking on ad banners that take you to other websites.

Recognizing a legitimate business involves looking for specific characteristics that differentiate genuine companies from scams. Luckily, now that you know the warning signs of fake online businesses, you probably have an idea what you should be looking for in a more reliable one. Obviously, when you know what to look for, there are also telltale signs of a genuine online business. Don’t be afraid to do your detective work! To ensure you’re dealing with a legitimate business, follow these steps:

Head to your favorite search engine and conduct a basic search with the business name, followed by keywords like “reviews” or “scam.” This can reveal important information about the business’s reputation.

Always look for a review section to see what other shoppers are saying about not only the products but the business, too. Check for external customer reviews on platforms like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Positive reviews are a good sign of legitimacy and give a picture of the type of customer service you can expect.

A legitimate business will not only provide but also clearly display their phone number, email address, and physical address (if applicable). You should be able to contact any business about your purchase experience, especially for those businesses that claim to welcome feedback and reviews.

Real businesses will have verifiable phone numbers and email addresses that you can contact. Verify the contact details provided on the website. Try calling the listed phone number or sending an email to confirm they are operational.

Check the business’s social media presence. Active and responsive social media profiles are often a sign of a genuine business. If they have something worth selling, they’re going to be talking about it, and they’re going to encourage other people to share their stories, too.

Adopting safe online shopping practices can protect you from scams and ensure a secure shopping experience:

While online shopping is convenient, it can also be risky. By being a smart and informed online shopper, you can avoid scams and have a positive online shopping experience. And always remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Make an appointment with a banker to explore your online payment options. Stay informed and prioritize safety when shopping online. Happy shopping!

Additional Resources

Check out these additional resources for more tips on how to stay safe while shopping online: