Knowledge base

Learn how to detect fraudulent online stores, recognize suspicious domain tactics, and protect your digital footprint before making a purchase. No More Fakes empowers shoppers with practical verification skills to browse with total confidence.

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about spotting fraudulent stores, checking website authenticity, and defending yourself against malicious digital storefronts.

What are the biggest red flags on an online store?

Common indicators include unrealistically deep discounts, missing or fake contact addresses, poor grammar, pressure-cooker countdown timers, and checkout pages that only accept irreversible methods like wire transfers, crypto, or peer-to-peer apps.

How can I check when a website was created?

You can use standard WHOIS lookup databases to view domain registration details. Fake stores frequently use domains registered within the last few weeks or months, often hiding administrative ownership behind privacy proxies.

Does having an HTTPS padlock mean a site is legitimate?

No. An SSL certificate simply encrypts the connection between your device and the server. Today, scammers easily obtain free SSL certificates, so a padlock only confirms encryption, not company integrity or business legitimacy.

How do scammers duplicate well-known brand domains?

They often employ typo-squatting or unusual domain extensions—such as adding words like 'sale', 'vip', 'outlet', or using alternate extensions like .shop or .top—to mimic famous corporate retail websites.

What should I do if I suspect an online store is fake?

Do not enter payment details or personal information. Leave the site immediately and check consumer warning lists. You can also submit the link directly to our community to alert other shoppers.

What steps can I take if I already paid a fraudulent site?

Immediately notify your bank or credit card company to dispute the charges and cancel compromised cards. Change any passwords shared during registration and report the domain to consumer protection agencies.

How can professional website audits assist me?

Our audit services conduct technical evaluations—scrutinizing server data, WHOIS records, digital certificates, and backlink integrity—to provide unambiguous evidence on whether a domain is safe.

Where can I share my experience to help others?

You can document your encounter in our community reviews and submit suspicious addresses through our dedicated reporting channel to safeguard fellow shoppers.

Need a suspicious website analyzed?

If you are uncertain about a shop's legitimacy, our comprehensive website audit provides full technical verification before you spend your hard-earned money.