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How to Check Whether an Online Store Looks Legitimate

Evaluate an unfamiliar shopping website before entering payment information.

Quick Answer

Check the exact domain, contact/return information, independent reputation, payment methods, and whether prices or claims are implausible.

Step by Step

  1. Use the official settings or website for the account, device, browser, or service involved.
  2. Check the exact domain, contact/return information, independent reputation, payment methods, and whether prices or claims are implausible.
  3. Review security and recovery settings after making the change.
  4. Keep recovery information and backups somewhere you can access if the primary device is lost.

If That Doesn't Work

  • Never give an unsolicited caller or message sender your password, recovery code, or one-time verification code.
  • If money or a critical account is at risk, use a known official contact method rather than contact information supplied in the suspicious message.