How can buyers tell if an online store (e.g., “modernmint.com”) is legitimate or a potential scam — and what steps should you take before making a purchase?
How can buyers tell if an online store (e.g., “modernmint.com”) is legitimate or a potential scam — and what steps should you take before making a purchase?
How to tell if an online store (e.g., “modernmint.com”) looks legitimate
Here are some of the key signs of a legitimate store (and how to check them):
URL / Domain & secure connection
Make sure the web address begins with https:// and there’s a padlock icon in the browser address bar. That means the connection is encrypted. Chase+2Canadian Centre for Cyber Security+2
Check the domain carefully. Scammers often use domains that are slightly off: e.g. “mod ernmint-shop.com” instead of “modernmint.com”, or use odd extensions like “.ru” or “.xyz”. reddit.com+1
Check how old the domain is (you can use a “whois” lookup). Very recently registered domains may raise caution. reddit.com+1
Website design, polish & content
Legit stores tend to have a professional look: good images, correct spelling and grammar, transparent policies. If you see lots of typos, broken links, weird copy, or very cheap images — that’s a red flag. Chase+1
Check for a clear “About Us”, “Contact Us”, privacy policy and return/terms & conditions pages. These are often missing or very vague on scam sites. Canadian Centre for Cyber Security+1
Contact information & legitimacy
Does the store list a physical address (not just “123 Somewhere Street”), a phone number, and an e-mail address with their domain name (not just a generic Gmail or Hotmail)? McAfee+1
Are their social media accounts real, active, and engaged (not just recently created with zero followers)? Chase+1
Reviews, online reputation & trust-seals
Search for independent reviews: Google them, check review platforms. If you only find super-positive ones all written similarly (or none at all), be cautious. Clark+1
Look for trust-seals (“Verified by …”, “TrustedShop”, etc). Importantly: click on them to verify—they should link to a verifying page. A badge alone isn’t proof. Clark
Use tools that check website reputation (for example: F‑Secure Online Shopping Checker or ScamAdviser) — they can give you a quick risk score. F-Secure+1
Pricing, offers & payment methods
If something is too good to be true (e.g., a luxury watch at 90 % off) that’s a warning. Scam sites often lure you with amazing deals. Canadian Centre for Cyber Security+1
Check that you have secure payment options (credit card, PayPal) and avoid stores that only accept bank transfers, wire transfers, or gift-cards. Those payment methods usually offer fewer protections. Columbia Community Connection+1
Look at shipping, returns, refund policy and hidden fees: high shipping, no returns allowed, or unclear policy = caution. legitcarders.ws
Red flags that an online store might be a scam
New domain registered very recently (a few days/weeks) and minimal web presence.
URL is off by one letter or uses unusual domain extension.
No physical address / only generic contact email.
Website full of spelling mistakes, low-quality images, broken links.
Reviews only on the site itself, or all reviews look “copy-and-paste” / generic.
Trust-seal images that are not clickable or don’t verify when clicked.
Payment method forced: only bank transfer, crypto, etc. No buyer protection.
Prices are unbelievably low for the product.
Please note: none of these alone proves a scam, but a combination of several is a strong warning. Clark+1
What steps you should take before making a purchase
Here’s a good checklist to follow:
Research the store name + reviews: Google the store + “reviews”, “scam”, “complaints”.
Verify the domain & security: Make sure it’s “https”, look at the padlock, check the domain is spelled correctly.
Test contact info: Send an email, check response. Look at the physical address on Google Maps if available.
Check payment options: Prefer using credit card or a payment service (e.g., PayPal) that offers buyer protection. Avoid paying via direct bank/wire if unsure.
Read return/refund policy: Make sure you understand what happens if the product doesn’t arrive or is defective.
Use a secure network: Don’t make purchases on public Wi-Fi; use your home network or a VPN if needed. Canadian Centre for Cyber Security
Use a limited-risk payment method: If you’re unsure, perhaps use a virtual credit card or a card with low limit so your exposure is limited.
If you’re still uncertain, delay the purchase: If it feels off, come back later, do more checks.
Keep documentation: Save screenshots of product page, price, store details, your order confirmation — if you ever need to dispute or contact your bank.
Check for shipping & tracking: After purchase, ensure you get a valid tracking number. If tracking is missing or the item never ships, escalate.
Monitor your bank/ card: After making a purchase from a lesser-known store, keep an eye on your statement for any unauthorized charges.