How to Spot the Best Deals Online Without Getting Scammed

Shopping online can be exciting, but with so many deals out there, how do you know which ones are real and which ones are scams? Scammers have become more sophisticated, making it essential to shop wisely. Follow these tips to find the best deals while keeping your money and personal information safe.
1. Shop Only from Trusted Websites Before making a purchase, always verify the website’s credibility. Look for:
HTTPS in the URL (Secure websites have a padlock icon next to their address.)
Customer Reviews on Google, Trustpilot, or the Better Business Bureau.
Recognizable Brand Names rather than obscure, unknown stores.
2. Compare Prices Across Multiple Retailers If a deal seems too good to be true, it might be a scam. Use tools like:
Google Shopping to compare prices across various retailers.
Camel Camel Camel for tracking price history on Amazon.
PriceGrabber for checking competing online stores.
3. Watch Out for Fake Reviews Some sellers boost their ratings with fake reviews. Spot fake reviews by:
Checking verified purchases on Amazon and other platforms.
Looking for patterns in wording—if multiple reviews sound similar, they may be fake.
Using sites like Fake spot to analyze review authenticity.
4. Use Secure Payment Methods Avoid deals that require:
Wire Transfers or Gift Cards as payment methods.
Direct Bank Transfers to unknown sellers.
Instead, use PayPal, Credit Cards, or Secure Payment Gateways that offer buyer protection.
5. Be Wary of "Too Good to Be True" Deals If an item is priced way below market value, proceed with caution. Signs of scam deals include:
Extremely high discounts (70%+ off on popular brands)
Websites that just launched with no history or reviews
No contact details or return policy information
6. Check Return Policies and Seller Reputation Before purchasing, always:
Read the return and refund policies carefully.
Check the seller’s reputation on platforms like eBay, Amazon, and Etsy.
Look for clear customer service options (phone, email, or chat support).
7. Use Browser Extensions to Verify Deals Certain browser extensions help detect fake deals, such as:
Honey (finds valid discount codes and price comparisons)
Rakuten (offers cashback for purchases at verified retailers)
Fake spot (flags unreliable reviews)
8. Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links in Emails & Ads Scammers often use fake ads and phishing emails to trick shoppers. Protect yourself by:
Never clicking on links from unknown sources.
Typing the store’s official URL directly in your browser.
Checking email senders—official retailers won’t use generic Gmail or Yahoo accounts.
9. Sign Up for Alerts on Legitimate Sales Instead of falling for shady “flash sales,” sign up for real deals:
Follow your favorite brands on social media for exclusive promotions.
Subscribe to legit deal sites like Slick deals or RetailMeNot.
Use store apps for notifications on upcoming discounts.
10. Trust Your Instincts If something feels off, don’t take the risk. Scammers rely on impulse buying and urgency. Always:
Take a moment to research before purchasing.
Ask yourself: Would a major retailer really sell at this price?
If unsure, check online forums for scam reports related to the site or seller.
Conclusion Online shopping is fun and convenient, but being cautious can save you from scams.