A new shopping site is typically one where the website’s URL (the web address) has only been recently created, often within the past few days or weeks. These sites usually have very little traffic, meaning not many people are visiting or buying from them. They might also lack reviews or any established reputation online.
Why is there a correlation between risky and new URLs?
There’s a correlation between new URLs and risk because scammers often create fake shopping websites for short periods. They do this to trick people into making purchases or providing personal information before shutting down the site and disappearing. New websites haven’t had time to build trust or credibility, so it’s easier for scammers to use them to carry out their schemes without getting caught quickly.
What should I look out for?
Here are some signs that a shopping website might not be credible and could be a scam:
- Too-good-to-be-true deals: If the prices are unbelievably low or the discounts seem too generous, it could be a red flag. Scammers often use attractive deals to lure in unsuspecting customers.
- Lack of contact information: A legitimate website will have clear contact information, including a physical address, phone number, and email. If this information is missing or looks suspicious, proceed with caution.
- Poor website design: Scam sites are often hastily put together, so look out for poor grammar, broken links, or a website that just doesn’t seem professional.
- Limited or no reviews: If the site is new, there might not be any customer reviews available. Be wary of shopping on a site that doesn’t have a track record or where reviews seem fake or overly positive.
- Unusual payment methods: Be cautious if the site only accepts untraceable payment methods like wire transfers or cryptocurrency. Legitimate sites usually offer multiple payment options, including credit cards and trusted payment services like PayPal.
- No HTTPS: Always check that the website has a secure connection, indicated by "https://" at the beginning of the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar. If this is missing, your data might not be safe.
By staying alert and checking for these signs, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to a scam when shopping online, especially on new or unfamiliar websites. If something feels off, it’s better to shop elsewhere or do more research before making a purchase.