How to Tell the Difference Between Legitimate and Scam Shopping Websites

I get a lot of visitors to my site but many of them don't stay longer than a few seconds, I'm sure many of these are bots, however, I was curious and decided to do some investigating. The first thing I did was google my website (www.raccoondesigns.shop) and asked if it was a legit website. I was shocked when AI came back saying that numerous users report my site as being fraudulent. First of all, this statement is 100% false! My site IS very new, but my business got its start on Etsy and was there for almost 16 years. As a side note I still have a site on Etsy, it's just very different from Raccoon Designs (thedeviousdryad.etsy.com ) The new Raccoon Designs website only has a few reviews and all of them are 5 stars. SO, what do you do when something like this happens?

Definitely Smart!

The first thing I did was hire a professional to clean up my SEO and help get better recognized with search engines. I also switched around a few of the home page items of information and created more clear descriptions with better information. Only time will tell to see if all of this hard work (and $$$!!) has paid off!

Let's take a look at some of the things we can do to correctly identify legitimate and fraudulent websites.

1. Start With the URL (It Matters More Than You Think)

A legitimate website usually has:

• A clean, simple URL (e.g., brandname.com)

• HTTPS encryption (look for the lock icon in the address bar)

Red flags include:

• Misspellings or extra words (like brand-name-sale.shop)

• Strange extensions such as .top, .xyz, or .vip when paired with a well-known brand

• URLs that don’t match the company name at all

If the web address feels off, trust that instinct.

2. Deals That Feel Too Good to Be True Usually Are

Massive discounts are the most common scam tactic. If a website is offering:

• 70–90% off popular or luxury items

• “Going out of business” sales with no end date

• High-demand products that are sold out everywhere else

…it’s time to slow down. Legitimate retailers rarely offer extreme discounts without clear explanations.

3. Check the “About Us” and Contact Information

Real businesses want to be found. Look for:

• A physical address (not just a vague location)

• A working phone number or customer service email

• A detailed “About Us” page with real information

Scam sites often have:

• No contact info at all

• Generic, poorly written copy

• Email addresses that end in free services like Gmail or Outlook instead of the company domain

4. Read the Reviews—But Read Them Carefully

Before buying, search the company name plus “reviews” or “scam.” Pay attention to:

• Reviews on third-party sites (not just the website itself)

• Patterns in complaints (non-delivery, fake items, no refunds)

Be cautious if:

• Every review sounds overly enthusiastic and similar

• Reviews lack detail or appear copied

• The site has no online footprint at all

No reviews can be just as telling as bad ones.

5. Look Closely at the Website Design and Content

Scam sites often cut corners. Watch for:

• Poor grammar and spelling

• Blurry or stolen product images

• Inconsistent branding, fonts, or logos

• Product photos that look too perfect or mismatched

Legitimate sites invest in clear policies, clean design, and consistent messaging.

6. Review the Return, Refund, and Shipping Policies

Trustworthy retailers clearly explain:

• How returns work

• Who pays for return shipping

• How long refunds take

Warning signs include:

• No return policy at all

• Policies that are vague or copied from another site

• Extremely long shipping times with no explanation

If you can’t tell how to get your money back, that’s a problem.

7. Pay Attention at Checkout

Your safest payment options are:

• Credit cards

• PayPal or other well-known payment platforms

Be wary if a site:

• Only accepts wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency

• Pushes you to “act fast” before checkout

• Redirects you to a sketchy payment page

Credit cards offer fraud protection—scammers know this and try to avoid them.

8. Trust Your Gut (Seriously)

If something feels rushed, confusing, or off—even if you can’t pinpoint why—pause. Scammers rely on urgency and emotion to override common sense.

A legitimate deal will still be there after you take five minutes to double-check.

Final Thoughts

Scam shopping websites are designed to look convincing, but they almost always leave clues behind. Taking a few extra moments to verify a site can protect your finances and personal information—and save you from disappointment.

When in doubt, buy from retailers you recognize, or stick to platforms with strong buyer protection. Smart shopping isn’t about fear—it’s about awareness.

Now that you're in a shopping mood, go browse Raccoon Designs, (its 100% legit, I promise!) or The Devious Dryad, if you have a mystical side, and find your next must have piece of jewelry or home decor.