Prevent online fraud: how to recognize a fake webshop

Online shopping: shopping from the comfort of your armchair, finding exactly what you are looking for, and then ordering with one click. So nice! But there is also a downside. Increasingly, fake webshops are popping up that have only one goal: to steal your money. Especially during the busy holiday season, it is a minefield, warns RTL Nieuws . Every year, thousands of Dutch people fall victim to this form of fraud, according to the police , especially around the holidays. Fortunately, you can protect yourself against these internet criminals with a few simple tips.

There is more good news : you can always shop safely via our Happlify Crew . We personally check each webshop for reliability, quality and customer friendliness before they are added to our platform. This way you can order your favorite gifts without worries!

A fake webshop often looks a lot like a real webshop, but behind the scenes there is nothing legal about it. You order a product, pay, but never receive anything at home. This way you not only lose your money, but sometimes also your trust in online shopping. By recognizing the following signals, you can avoid online scammers.

Checklist: 8 signs of a fake webshop

1 - Check the web address (URL) One of the first things you can do is to take a good look at the web address. Fake webshops often use longer, illogical domain names with extra numbers or dashes. Also pay attention to domain endings such as .xyz or .top , which are often used by scammers.

2 - Check the security of the website A reliable webshop always has an SSL certificate, which you can see from the lock in the address bar and a URL that starts with 'https://'. This lock means that your data is sent encrypted, which is a lot safer.

3 - Pay attention to language use and spelling errors Websites of fake webshops often contain poor translations and spelling errors. A reliable webshop takes the time for clear, error-free communication. Do you see crooked sentences or multiple spelling errors? Then you better click away.

4 - Look at the offer critically Fake webshops try to tempt you with offers that seem 'too good to be true', such as designer clothing for a fraction of the price. Always check the average price elsewhere to see if this offer is really correct.

5 - Check the payment options Reliable webshops offer secure payment methods, such as iDEAL, credit card or post-payment such as Klarna. If you can only pay via bank transfer, unknown payment method or even crypto, that is a warning sign.

6 - Search for company details In the Netherlands, it is mandatory for web shops to provide company details, such as a Chamber of Commerce number, VAT number and physical address. Are these details missing? Then you may be dealing with a fake web shop. Also check the physical address on Google Maps. A big plus is an 'About us' page that is correct and where you can see the people behind the web shop.

7 - Read online reviews and experiences Google the name of the webshop and search for reviews. Quality marks such as Webwinkelkeur give a good picture of the experiences of other customers. Beware of manipulated reviews on the website itself; look for independently placed reviews.

8 - Check contact options A legitimate webshop has a customer service that can be reached via email, phone or live chat (with a real person). Fake webshops often only mention an email address, without further contact options. Are you in doubt? Send a question via email and see if you get a professional answer.

This checklist was created by Sell your stuff online , the place where real love brands and professional web shops are created.

Shop safely and without worries via Happlify!

At Happlify, we understand how important it is to be able to shop safely. That is why all webshops on our site are carefully screened. In addition to reliability, we also check them for quality, positivity and good service. This means that the webshops you find here on Happlify have been selected with love and care and are real - so you can shop at these webshops with peace of mind!

From small creative makers to special products with a positive story: we have it all, without you having to worry about reliability. If you choose a store via your favorite online shopping guide, you know you are in good hands.

What to do if you have been scammed?

If, despite all precautions, you do become a victim of a fake webshop, you can report this to the police and your bank. By taking action quickly, you may be able to prevent further damage. In addition, it helps to share your experience on review sites, so that others are warned.

Do you know someone else who could use this checklist?

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