How do I know if a shopping site is legitimate?

To discern a counterfeit online store, begin by scrutinizing the URL meticulously. Fraudulent websites often mimic the URLs of reputable businesses, deceiving users at first sight. Pay close attention to subtle differences, such as misspelled words or extra characters, as these can be telltale signs of a scam.

Another crucial step is to click on the padlock icon located in your browser's address bar. This symbol indicates whether the website is secure and employs encryption to protect your personal information. If the padlock is missing or the website's connection is not secure, it's best to avoid sharing any sensitive data.

Employ a website checker tool to verify the authenticity of the online store. These services can provide valuable insights into the website's domain registration, ownership, and potential security risks. By using such tools, you can gain a better understanding of the website's credibility before making a purchase.

Rely on your browser's built-in security features as an additional layer of protection. Many modern browsers flag potentially dangerous websites with warnings or block them entirely. Pay attention to these alerts and avoid proceeding to sites that trigger them.

Look for a trust seal on the website. Trust seals are certifications from reputable organizations that verify the website's security and privacy practices. The presence of a trust seal can instill confidence in the legitimacy of the online store and reduce the risk of encountering a scam.