Not every risky store looks like an obvious scam. These 10 warning signs help you spot trouble before you share your card details. Each point includes a short example to make recognition easier.
1) Only one payment method (bank transfer)
Why it matters: no cards or wallets means less protection for you.
Example: “StoreX” only accepts a transfer to a foreign account; orders never ship and complaints are ignored.
2) Unrealistic discounts on top brands
Why: 60–80% off new collections is rarely real.
Example: “Outlet-lux” sells “branded” shoes at one-third price, delivers counterfeits or nothing.
3) Missing company details or contact
Why: anonymity makes refunds and claims difficult.
Example: Only a “contact us” form, no address or company number. When problems appear, support disappears.
4) Reviews only on the store’s site
Why: onsite reviews can be filtered or fake.
Example: “MegaDeal” shows hundreds of 5★ onsite, zero on Google/forums; customers complain about no refunds.
5) Chaotic or copied terms
Why: vague terms hide missing return processes.
Example: Copy‑paste policy with conflicting return windows (7 vs 30 days) and no return address.
6) Requests for ID scans
Why: unnecessary for shopping and risky for identity theft.
Example: “ProPay” asks for an ID photo to “verify payment” — not needed for normal purchases.
7) Missing or broken privacy policy
Why: stores must explain how they process data.
Example: Privacy link returns 404 while the checkout still collects personal data.
8) Mixed languages and sloppy text
Why: rushed copy-and-paste builds are common for scam sites.
Example: English menu, Spanish cart, Polish footer — classic mass-produced template.
9) Complaints about refunds being delayed
Why: delaying refunds is a common tactic.
Example: Forum posts say the seller promises “refund in 14 days” but goes silent for months.
10) Hidden fees or odd delivery terms
Why: surprise “customs” or “warehouse” fees point to risky dropshipping.
Example: After buying, a customer must pay 50% extra because the parcel “got stuck” outside the EU.
How to respond to red flags
- Pause before you pay.
- Check independent reviews and warning lists (forums, FB groups, consumer sites).
- Use payments with buyer protection (card/wallet); avoid transfers to private accounts.
- Save screenshots of the offer, terms, and messages — useful for claims.
Need a quick verdict? Paste the store URL into Hubilado — AI reviews reputation signals and returns a clear “safe / caution / avoid”.