A survival guide for dodging online scams like a pro

The internet is a wonderful place—until you accidentally enter your credit card details on ShadyDeals99.biz and suddenly your bank account is screaming for help. 😱

Scam websites are everywhere, and they’re getting smarter. But fear not! Here’s how to spot the fakes before they spot your wallet.

1. The URL Looks Suspicious 🔎

First things first: Check the website address (URL). Scammers love to copy famous brands but with slight changes.

🚩 Red Flags:
❌ Extra letters or misspellings (Amazzon.com, PaypaI.net instead of Amazon.com, PayPal.com)
❌ Weird endings (.xyz, .top, .biz instead of *.com or .org)
❌ HTTP instead of HTTPS (No “S” = No Security!)

💡 Pro Tip:
If a site feels off, Google the name + “scam” to see if others have complained.

2. The Deals Are Too Good to Be True 💰

Found an iPhone 15 Pro for $99? Run. Scammers love using super cheap prices to lure victims.

🚩 Red Flags:
❌ Prices way below market value
❌ No real reviews or seller history
❌ “Only 1 left—Buy NOW!” urgency tactics

💡 Pro Tip:
If a deal looks too good, compare it to official retailer prices. If it’s unbelievably cheap, it’s probably a scam.

3. The Website Looks Unfinished or Low-Quality 🏚️

Legit companies invest in professional websites. Scam sites? Not so much.

🚩 Red Flags:
❌ Blurry logos or stolen brand images
❌ Poor grammar and spelling mistakes (“Welcom to our offical stor! Buy best qualty prodcts now!!”)
❌ Generic “About Us” page with no real company info

💡 Pro Tip:
If the website looks like it was made in Microsoft Paint, close the tab. 😂

4. No Clear Contact Information 📞

Real businesses want you to contact them. Scammers? Not so much.

🚩 Red Flags:
❌ No physical address
❌ No phone number or only a weird, +99 random number
❌ Only a generic contact form—no direct email

💡 Pro Tip:
Try calling or emailing before purchasing. No response = Red flag. 🚩

5. Fake Reviews & Testimonials 🤔

Scam websites love using fake 5-star reviews to look legit.

🚩 Red Flags:
❌ All reviews sound too perfect (“This site is the best! 1000% recommended!”)
❌ No negative feedback at all (Even Amazon has bad reviews! 🤨)
❌ Stock photos instead of real customer images

💡 Pro Tip:
Search the company name on Trustpilot, Reddit, or Google Reviews to check for real feedback.

6. Weird Payment Methods 💳

Legit stores accept secure payment methods. Scammers? They prefer methods that make it hard to get your money back.

🚩 Red Flags:
❌ Only accepts crypto, gift cards, or direct bank transfers
❌ No PayPal or credit card option
❌ Strange checkout process asking for extra personal details

💡 Pro Tip:
Always use PayPal or a credit card for protection against fraud. NEVER pay with gift cards or Western Union.

7. No Social Media Presence 🚫

Most real businesses have at least some online presence.

🚩 Red Flags:
❌ No Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram pages
❌ Social accounts exist, but have very few followers
❌ All posts feel fake or copied

💡 Pro Tip:
Search the business name + “scam” on Twitter or Reddit to see if others have been scammed.

8. The Website Tries to Rush You ⏳

Scam sites love using time pressure so you don’t think too hard.

🚩 Red Flags:
❌ “Limited Time Offer! Only 5 minutes left!” (Every time you refresh, the timer resets 🤦‍♂️)
❌ Fake pop-ups: “Emily just bought this item!” (Emily doesn’t exist.)
❌ “Your account will be deleted if you don’t act now!” (No, it won’t.)

💡 Pro Tip:
Take your time. If a website is legit today, it’ll still be legit tomorrow.

Final Thoughts: Stay Smart, Stay Safe 🔐

Scam websites aren’t always obvious, but now you know what to look for.

How to Stay Safe:

✅ Always check the URL and security (HTTPS)
✅ Research company reviews before buying
✅ Use credit cards or PayPal for protection
✅ If it feels sketchy, trust your gut and walk away

Got scammed before? Or know someone who did? Share your experience in the comments so others can learn! 👇👇