Plain-language guides on checking whether a website is safe and spotting scams before you pay. Want a quick answer now? Run any site through our free safety check.
The warning signs of a fake or unsafe online store, how to check a site yourself, and what to do if you have been scammed.
Read the guide →The signals that show a website is genuine, the ones that fool people, and a free instant check.
Read the guide →How to decide whether an unfamiliar site is safe, what to check first, and how to pay with protection.
Read the guide →A simple pre-purchase safety checklist for stores you have never used before.
Read the guide →What the padlock really tells you, why it is not proof of trust, and what to check instead.
Read the guide →Why a brand-new domain is a warning sign, and how to look up a site's age and owner.
Read the guide →How to check a site for malware and viruses safely, without having to visit it.
Read the guide →How to tell where a link really goes, before you click it.
Read the guide →The signs of a phishing message, and what to do with a suspicious email.
Read the guide →Which payment methods protect you if something goes wrong, and which to avoid.
Read the guide →The most common online shopping scams, and simple ways to avoid each one.
Read the guide →How to tell fabricated reviews from genuine ones when judging a store.
Read the guide →Act fast: how to try to get your money back, secure your accounts, and report it.
Read the guide →Where and how to report a scam site so others are warned, plus what to do if you paid.
Read the guide →Free, anonymous, and no signup. Know before you buy.