How to Spot a Scam Website — Even When It Looks Legit
1. Check the Domain Age
Go to who.is, type in the website address.
What to look for:
- Was the site created recently? Scam sites are often less than 6 months old.
- Is the owner’s identity hidden? That’s a red flag.
2. Search for the Business Elsewhere
Open Google and search the business name, address, and phone number.
What to look for:
- Can you find them on Google Maps, BBB, or LinkedIn?
- If they don’t exist outside their website, they probably don’t exist at all.
3. Review the Payment Options
Try to place an order and look at how they want to be paid.
Safe: Credit card or PayPal
Sketchy: Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, Bitcoin, wire transfer
If the payment can't be reversed, it’s a favorite for scammers.
4. Look at the Website Quality
Real businesses don’t have sloppy websites.
Red flags:
- Blurry logos or product images
- Grammar errors or missing pages (About, Contact, Returns)
- A single long homepage with no real structure
5. Scan It With Security Tools
Use these tools for a second opinion:
- ScamAdviser.com – shows trust score, hosting, domain age
- VirusTotal.com – checks for malicious content
- Google Safe Browsing – tells you if it's already known as unsafe
6. Is the Price Too Good to Be True?
That $8,000 tractor for $2,300? No chance.
Scammers bait with big-ticket deals that feel like a steal — because they are.
7. Can You Reach a Human?
Look for working contact info: email, phone number, physical address.
Try calling. Try emailing. If no one responds or the info looks fake, walk away.
Final Tip: Trust Your Gut
If something feels off, it probably is. Close the tab. Don’t rush. Ask a friend.
Most scams count on you acting fast without thinking.