Online shopping

Before buying from a site you do not know

A professional-looking shop can still be unreliable. Check the business and the payment route before you buy.

Reviewed 29 August 2026 Next review 29 November 2026

What to do first

Check the full web address, contact details and returns information.
Search independently for the business name alongside words such as “review” or “scam”.
Use a payment method that offers protection rather than a bank transfer.
Stop if the price or time pressure is doing most of the persuading.

Warning signs

Prices far below established retailers.
Only a mobile number or web form for contact.
Copied product photographs or inconsistent writing.
Payment requested by bank transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency.

What not to do

Do not treat the padlock symbol as proof that the seller is genuine.
Do not rely only on reviews displayed by the seller.
Do not reuse a password when creating an account.

Sources checked

Cleverways summarises these sources in plain English. Follow the source organisation’s current instructions where they differ.