Safe Online Shopping Checklist

CSNP Senior Safety Resource | www.csnp.org

Safety Checklist

Safe Online Shopping Checklist

Shop online with confidence! Learn how to find great deals while avoiding fake stores and credit card scams.

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Download the Shopping Safety Checklist

A simple checklist to verify legitimate websites, plus warning signs of fake online stores that try to steal your money.

Download Checklist (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.

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