Fake shops: This is how you recognize wrong online shops

On the internet, more and more fake shops aim to attract you as a buyer and then rip you off. This practical tip shows you how you can recognize such shops.

Real or wrong?

Fake online shops are not always easy to spot.

• Either complete, professional-looking shops are created or already known portals are copied so well that there is no doubt at first.
• Invented shops forge quality seals and ratings from well-known rating portals.
• If you find a product in an online shop you are not familiar with and is offered there at a significantly lower price than at other retailers, your alarm bells should ring.
• Compare the price with that of other providers. If the price is significantly below the normal average, you should refrain from buying.
• The consumer advice center also helps. With a phone call you can find out whether the shop you have selected has already been linked to fraud.
• Use Web of Trust. This tool shows you the most popular shop counterfeits on the Internet for free.

Pay attention to ratings

First of all, it is important that you exercise common sense and have a look around the internet before ordering.

• Entering the seller's name or web address in a search engine will quickly find negative reviews and warnings from buyers who have been cheated on fraudulent sites.
• Even if there are only good reviews, this is often an indication of fraudsters.

Obtain detailed information about the shop

If you have any concerns, take a closer look at the page. Check who the domain was registered with.

• For Germany you can find out at Denic.
• ICANN provides information for domains with the extension .com.
• In Germany there is an obligation to provide an imprint If it is a shop with the ending .de, take a closer look at the imprint. Contact data must be included there. Of course, this information can also be falsified.
• Before ordering, you should try to contact the seller.
• If there is no contact or the imprint is completely missing, you should refrain from buying.

Note payment methods

The payment methods offered can also indicate a fraudulent page.

• Be alarmed if only prepayment is possible.
• Do not use payment services such as Western Union, paysafe or Ukash.
• Today practically every legal shop gives you the option to pay via PayPal. This offers you at least some buyer protection if you do not receive the goods.