If you’ve ever hesitated at checkout because something just felt off, this post is for you. We’ll walk you through 7 easy ways how to tell if a website is legit, so you can shop with confidence and avoid online scams.
Easiest way to find out if a website is reliable? Just ask us – here.
You can also check out this list of stores we trust and shop regularly for safe, stylish finds.
How to Tell if a Website is Legit?
1. Check the Website Address + Security
Scam sites often use tricky domain names—like n0rdstrom.com instead of nordstrom.com—to trick you.
✅ Before you buy, look at the URL carefully.
✅ Make sure it starts with https:// (the “s” stands for secure).
🔒 The little padlock icon in the address bar means your data is encrypted.
🚩 No “s” in “https”? Weird spelling? Don’t trust it.
2. Look for Real Contact Info
A legit website will have clear ways to get in touch—like an email, phone number, or physical address.
✅ Bonus if they have live chat or quick customer service responses.
🚩 If there’s no way to contact the company, or only a sketchy form with no reply? Big red flag.
3. Search for Reviews + BBB Ratings
Don’t rely on the reviews listed on the website—they can be faked.
Instead, Google the store’s name + “reviews” and check places like:
- Trustpilot
- The Better Business Bureau (BBB)
✅ Seeing consistent reviews from real customers? Good sign.
🚩 No reviews or a bunch of complaints? Probably not worth the risk.
4. Check the “About” Page & Social Media
Legit brands usually want to tell their story.
✅ Look for an “About Us” page with some background on the company.
✅ Visit their social media—active Instagram or Facebook pages with comments and real followers are a green flag.
🚩 No about page and empty social accounts? Could be fake.
5. Trust Signals Matter: Look for Site Quality & Attention to Detail
Legit websites usually invest in a clean, functional design. Scam sites often feel rushed or sloppy.
✅ Check for good grammar, clear product descriptions, and working links.
✅ Are the photos high quality and consistent in style? That’s a good sign.
🚩 Typos everywhere, broken images, or links that don’t work? Those are signs the site may not be trustworthy.
If the site looks like it was thrown together quickly, it probably was—just to grab your money.
6. Read the Return + Shipping Policy
✅ Every real store should have a clear return policy and estimated shipping timelines.
✅ Look for details on refunds, exchanges, and delivery times.
If shipping says 15-25 business days, chances are your order is coming from Asia and the products might not look anything like what’s advertise. Read more about why we don’t recommend shopping from certain foreign shops here.
🚩 “All sales final” or no returns at all? Be careful.
7. Check Payment Options
Legit stores use secure, traceable payment methods—like credit cards or PayPal.
🚩 If a site only accepts Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, or wire transfers, that’s a huge red flag.
🛑 Still Unsure? We’ll Check It For You!
Just because a site is legit, it still might be a bad idea to order there. Read more about stores we don’t recommend shopping at – as well as alternatives we approve!
If you’ve found a website you’re not sure about, we’re happy to take a look. Just send us the link and we’ll help you figure it out – or ask us in our Facebook Groups!
And don’t forget—you can always browse our complete list of stores we shop and trust for safe, stylish online shopping.
A few stores we are currently loving:
- RedDress
- Uniqlo (great for basics!)
- Francesca’s (super affordable!)
- CityChic (for Plus Sizes!)
- Bohme
- Avara
- Gracia
- Peppermayo
- Meshki
- Tillys
- ShopAkira
- Z Supply
- DISSH
- Styles and Smiles
- Lalalovemoda
- Nastygal (Festival shop!)
- ASOS (UK’s most popular retailer)
- Boohoo
