Shopping online in BD should feel exciting, not risky. Yet thousands of shoppers lose money daily to sketchy stores that look legitimate at first glance.
I’ve spent years analyzing online retail patterns and consumer complaints. The difference between a trustworthy store and a scam often comes down to subtle details most people overlook.
This guide reveals the warning signs that separate safe shopping from financial nightmares.
How To Identify Fake Online Stores Before Buying Anything Online?
Scam websites often look professional at first glance. They copy product images, brand logos, and even customer reviews.
The difference appears when you check details carefully, such as payment options, contact information, and pricing patterns, which usually reveal the truth.
1. Unrealistically Low Prices on Branded Products
If a store sells expensive branded items at extremely low prices, it’s a warning sign.
Scam stores use “too good to be true” pricing to push impulse buying. Real businesses rarely sell at massive losses without a clear reason, like clearance or seasonal sales.
They create urgency using phrases like:
- Limited time only
- Last pieces left
- Today only sale
- Only 2 left! Or Sale ends in 3 hours!
- Bundle traps such as “Buy 3 Get 70% Off.”
2. No Clear Contact Details On Website
Real businesses want you to reach them. Scammers hide. Legitimate online stores provide:
- Business address
- Email support
- Phone number
Fake stores often show only a contact form or no contact page at all.
How To Verify If An Online Store Contact Page Is Real or Fake?
- Search for the address on maps.
- Try sending an email.
- Check if the phone number actually works.
Note: No response usually means risk.
3. Poor Website Design and Copied Product Images
- Use stolen product images from legitimate retailers.
- Multiple spelling errors, awkward phrasing, or grammatical errors suggest the site was put together quickly.
- Pop-ups that won’t close or redirect you to different pages are massive red flags.
- Right-click any product photo and select “Search Image with Google.” If that exact image appears on dozens of other sites with different prices, you’re looking at a dropshipping scam or worse.
How to Check If Product Photos Are Stolen From Other Online Stores
Use reverse image search. If the same image appears on many websites with different prices, it’s suspicious.
4. Lack of Customer Reviews or Fake Reviews
Real online stores often have mixed feedback, including both positive and negative reviews. Scam stores often show:
- Only 5 star reviews
- Repeated comments
- Generic praise
Where to Find Honest Online Store Reviews?
- Never trust only the reviews on that specific store’s site review section. Companies control what appears there.
- Check Trustpilot, Better Business Bureau, Reddit, and Google Reviews. Compare what people say across multiple platforms.
- Search social media for the brand name. Real stores have social presence with customer interactions. Check the comment sections because upset customers often voice frustrations publicly when email support ignores them.
- If a store has thousands of followers but minimal engagement, they bought fake followers. Authentic businesses have proportional likes, comments, and shares.
5. Unsafe Payment Methods Requested by Suspicious Online Stores
Be cautious if a store asks for:
- Direct bank transfers
- Unknown payment apps
- Cryptocurrency only (Though it’s rare, people still use it)
Trusted stores usually provide secure payment gateways and cash-on-delivery options where available. Though there are a few things to beaware of, these are-
- Look for trusted checkout processor logos
- Click logos to verify authenticity
- During the checkout process, does the price suddenly increase? These last-minute charges indicate deceptive practices.
- The checkout page should show “https://” and a padlock icon throughout the entire payment process.
6. Shipping Times That Should Make You Suspicious
Unrealistic shipping promises indicate dropshipping or worse. Here’s the few suspicious acts-
- Impossible shipping speed claims
- Vague language everywhere, such as terms like “ships soon” or “processing time varies,” means they don’t actually stock inventory.
- Check the “ship from” location in product descriptions. Many hide this information deliberately.
- Processing time tricks, for example, “Ships in 3 days,” might exclude 2-3 weeks of “processing time” mentioned in tiny print elsewhere.
7. No Return Policy or Refund Information on Websites
Legitimate stores clearly explain:
- Return process
- Refund timeline
- Exchange policy
How to Check Return Policy Authenticity Before Buying Online?
- Read the entire refund policy before purchasing.
- Legitimate stores clearly state processing timeframes, whether you receive store credit or money back, and who pays return shipping.
- If the policy is buried in tiny text at the bottom of a page or requires multiple clicks to find, assume the worst.
- Many scammers offer refunds “within 30 days,” but make the process so difficult that you give up.
8. Newly Created Websites with No Online Presence or Brand History
Scam online stores appear suddenly and disappear quickly. They usually have:
- No social media engagement
- No brand mentions
- No customer discussions online
How to Check Online Store Credibility and Domain Age Quickly?
- Search the store name on Google.
- Check social media pages.
- Look for independent mentions, not just ads.
How to Shop Online Safely and Avoid Fake Stores?
Shoppers can protect themselves by avoiding online shopping common mistakes and following the tips below-
- Research before buying
- Compare multiple websites
- Read independent reviews
- Avoid rushing into deals
- Use secure payment methods
Why Do Scam Online Stores Focus on New and Young Buyers?
New shoppers trust visuals and discounts easily.
Scammers design websites to look trendy and attractive. Without checking details, customers may fall for the trap.
Learning basic verification steps reduces risk significantly.
Checklist For Spotting a Fake Online Store Before Placing an Order
Before buying, ask yourself:
- Are prices realistic?
- Is contact information available?
- Are reviews genuine?
- Is the payment secure?
- Is there a return policy?
If multiple answers raise doubts, it’s better to avoid the purchase.
Your money deserves protection. These red flags exist because scammers follow predictable patterns. Now you know exactly what to watch for.
Shop confidently by shopping carefully.
1. How can I tell if an online store is a scam?
Check for unrealistic prices, missing contact details, poor reviews, and unsafe payment options.
2. What is the biggest red flag of a fake online store?
Extremely low prices on branded products are the most common warning sign.
3. Is it safe to pay new online stores in advance?
No, always use secure payment methods that offer buyer protection.
4. Why do scam online stores look real?
Scammers copy product images, designs, and branding to appear trustworthy.
5. What should I do before buying from an unfamiliar online store?
Verify reviews, check policies, and research the store’s online presence first.
