Online shop test: check an online shop before you pay
Before you enter card details or send money, check whether the shop shows the basics of a real business. Enter its address below.
Paste the shop's web address to run the online shop test.
Start with the basics
A real shop tells you who runs it, how to reach them, how returns work and what it does with your data. It uses a secure connection and normal payment methods.
Warning signs
Be careful when prices are far below other shops, product photos look copied, reviews sound alike, or you cannot find out who runs the shop.
- No company name, address or VAT number
- Only bank transfer or other payments you cannot reverse
- A domain you have never heard of, reached through an ad
- Terms or return policy that are missing or copied from elsewhere
Use the score as a starting point
If the result is weak, look for other buyers' experiences and pay with a method that has buyer protection, such as a credit card or PayPal.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if an online shop is safe?
Enter its web address above. You see the score, the verdict and each check behind it.
Is a secure connection (https) enough?
No. Fake shops use https too. It is one check out of 25.
Which payment methods are safer?
Credit cards and PayPal let you dispute a payment. A bank transfer is hard to get back.
Can a new shop be legitimate?
Yes. A new shop has few reviews, so its company details and policies matter more.