Identify fraudulent and problematic online shops yourself
If you are not familiar with an online shop, you should play it safe and take a closer look yourself, because fraudulent online shops sometimes appear reputable at first glance, but deliver only low-quality goods or none at all. Money you pay in advance cannot be reclaimed, your data could be misused and complaints are difficult or impossible.
Please note that online shops outside Europe may incur customs duties, taxes and high shipping costs for returns. This currently applies to low-cost suppliers and dubious drop shippers.
Problems can also occur at some marketplaces. Learn more about safe shopping at marketplaces here.
![[Translate to English:] Bankkarten](/fileadmin/_processed_/a/8/csm_bank-cards-2270_c2b68082-ef19-4765-a3ca-54d869e95457_998a37b88a.png)
2. many payment options indicated, but only payment in advance works
Are numerous payment options mentioned on the start page, but at the end only prepayment by bank transfer is possible? Hands off! This is an indication of a fake shop. Once you have ordered, you will not receive any goods and a return transfer is no longer possible.
![[Translate to English:] Kein Impressum](/fileadmin/_processed_/b/8/csm_delete-place-654_76128fee-2ffb-41c1-9b56-1fa3552adca0_a21867636c.png)
3. conspicuously low prices and missing or contradictory information
If the prices are surprisingly low, there is no information about the trader, no imprint or no terms and conditions, be careful. Make sure that the web address matches the shop name. Brand counterfeiters often take over abandoned domains for a good ranking.