You are looking for a new standing desk. You search Google, scroll past the ads, and click on a promising website. The product looks great. The photos are polished.
The price is better than anything you saw on Amazon. The site even has “limited stock” warnings and customer reviews. It seems legit, so you placed an order. Two weeks later – nothing. The customer support email bounces, the tracking number is fake, and your money is gone.
These scams are more common than most people realize. Fraudsters build sleek, professional-looking storefronts that mimic genuine brands, manipulate search results, and vanish as soon as they have cashed in. And because they are getting better at faking legitimacy, even savvy users are falling for it.
And it is not just products. Online scams like fake job listings, phony loan offers, shady moving companies, and bogus repair services often show up high in search results or targeted ads.
A person looking for “AC repair near me” might click on the first site that pops up, not realizing it is a shell site designed to steal personal information or overcharge for nonexistent services.
Consumers tend to trust large platforms such as Amazon and Google Shopping because of their built-in review systems and protections. However, when they move outside these ecosystems for niche products, lower prices, or local services, they face greater risks and potential exposure to fraud.
Scammers know this and target consumers where they are least protected: through search engines, social media ads, sponsored content on legitimate news sites, and email promotions.
In an age where convenience drives decisions, it is easy to trust what looks good on the surface. Many people do not take the time to verify a business if it comes with a clean website, a decent logo, and a functioning checkout page. But design alone is not proof of legitimacy.
In 2025, scam sites are no longer obvious. They have SSL certificates, clean interfaces, AI-generated customer reviews, and real-looking “Contact Us” pages. Some even spoof legitimate business names and phone numbers.
In many cases, rogue websites host hidden malware designed to steal data or infect devices. Consumers are often misled by surface-level trust signals such as an Instagram page or glowing five-star reviews, without realizing how easily these can be faked, including high-quality deepfake video testimonials.
This is why cybersecurity today is not only about antivirus software, VPNs, or device protection but also about knowing who you are dealing with. Let’s go over some common red flags that can help you spot a scam before it costs you.
6 Clues That Can Help You Avoid An Online Scam
1. Vague Or Hidden Company Information
Legitimate businesses do not hide. If a website does not provide a real physical address, working phone number, or support email, that is a red flag.
Scam sites often use vague “Contact Us” pages with only a form or generic email address (e.g., support@businessname.com). Some may copy and paste fake office addresses that do not match map listings or business records. Many scams use generic “About Us” blurbs, fake team names, or no business identity at all.
If a website does not explain who runs the business, where it operates, or how long it has been active, that is another warning sign.
What to do:
Always check for an actual business address, phone number, and contact details. Look up the address on Google Maps. Call the number before making a purchase. If something feels off – or you just want to be sure – check the Better Business Bureau to see if the business is listed, has complaints, or has been flagged as a scam.
You can also use state registration databases to research the company behind the website. If the business does not appear anywhere else, it likely does not exist.
Another quick check: look up the website’s WHOIS domain information. If the domain was registered just weeks ago or is privately registered with no business contact information, that is a red flag. Scam sites often use newly registered or anonymized domains to stay hidden.
2. Prices That Are Too Good To Be True
Extreme discounts, especially on trending or high-demand products, are often used as bait. Scammers know how to create urgency with things like countdown timers, but the products are often counterfeit, never delivered, or completely fake.
What to do:
Compare prices across trusted platforms like Amazon or Best Buy (NYSE: BBY). If a deal is significantly lower without a clear reason (like clearance or outlet sales), that is a red flag. Use caution when lesser-known sites offer deep discounts on branded items.
Make sure you know whether you are buying directly from the manufacturer or through a reseller. If it is a reseller, double-check that they are authorized to sell that brand’s products. Unauthorized sellers could be offering counterfeits or gray-market items without any support or warranty.
3. Low-Quality Website Or Inconsistent Branding
Even if a website’s homepage looks clean, it can be misleading. Look deeper—poor grammar in product descriptions, missing or vague policies, and non-functional checkout pages are common warning signs. Inner pages that look rushed, contain typos, use inconsistent fonts, or have broken links may indicate a fraudulent operation.
What to do:
Check multiple pages – About Us, FAQs, and Policies. Look for consistent branding across the site, a clear logo, and working links. Scam sites often reuse cheap web templates, put minimal effort into site quality beyond the homepage, and do not invest time in site quality.
4. Fake Urgency And Pushy Tactics
Messages like “Only 3 items left!” or “Sale ends in 5 minutes!” are designed to push you into buying without thinking. Scammers rely on urgency to bypass your judgment.
What to do:
Take a step back. Real businesses do not pressure customers into instant purchases with fake scarcity. Check the same item later. If the timer resets or the “only 3 left” message is still there, it’s a manipulation tactic.
5. No Verified Customer Reviews Or Online Footprint
The absence of honest customer feedback is a major red flag. Scam sites often use fake reviews generated by bots or copied from other websites. They might also have no social media presence or only recently created accounts with fake followers and no interactions.
What to do:
Google the business name with terms like “scam” or “reviews.” Check third-party review sites like Trustpilot or Sitejabber. Check social media to see if anyone has recently interacted with the business. Cross-reference with LinkedIn and business directories like Yelp or Manta.
6. Sketchy Payment Methods Or No Secure Checkout
Scam sites often avoid traceable payment options. If the site only accepts wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards, that is a serious red flag. You have no buyer protection or recourse if something goes wrong. Also, look for SSL certificates during checkout.
What to do:
Stick to credit cards or PayPal for online purchases. These offer fraud protection and chargeback options. Credit cards usually offer full protection if you get scammed, but debit cards often do not. Avoid sites that ask for Zelle, Cash App, or prepaid card payments for retail purchases.
About the Author: Alex Vakulov is a cybersecurity researcher with over 20 years of experience in malware analysis. Alex has strong malware removal skills. He is writing for numerous tech-related publications, sharing his security experience. Alex is assisting organizations in making informed decisions to secure their data and assets effectively.
