CSNP Senior Safety Resource | www.csnp.org
Safe Online Shopping Checklist
Shop online with confidence! Learn how to find great deals while avoiding fake stores and credit card scams.
Download the Safe Online Shopping Guide
A step-by-step guide to checking that a website is safe, paying the safest way, and spotting fake stores and delivery scams, with a checklist for before, during, and after you shop.
Download the Safe Online Shopping Guide (PDF)What's Covered
Legitimate Website Signs
How to verify a store is real before you buy
Safe Payment Methods
Credit cards vs debit cards and payment protection
Spotting Fake Stores
Warning signs of scam websites and too-good deals
After-Purchase Safety
Protecting yourself after making a purchase
Before You Buy Online
- Look for "https://" and the padlock icon in the address bar
- Use credit cards (not debit) for better fraud protection
- Research unfamiliar stores by searching "[store name] reviews"
- Be suspicious of prices that are too good to be true
Red Flags - Don't Buy From These Sites
Prices 70%+ off retail, no physical address or phone number, only accepts wire transfers or gift cards, recently created website, spelling errors throughout, or pressure to buy immediately. When in doubt, shop at stores you already know and trust.