1. Verify the exact domain
Check that the domain name is what you expect. An extra word, a different extension or a swapped letter can lead to an entirely different site. A WHOIS / RDAP lookup can check live registration and expiry dates, the registrar, nameservers and other public domain details. A new domain calls for caution but does not, on its own, prove a scam.
Check a store's domain before paying
Enter the exact domain where you shop. This opens a fresh RDAP lookup with public registration data, where supported by the domain extension. Treat it as one piece of evidence, not an automatic “safe” or “scam” verdict.
You can then use the technical website checker for HTTP, HTTPS, redirects and security indicators. Neither check alone establishes business legitimacy.
2. Find verifiable company details
The business name, address, terms and contact details should be concrete enough to verify independently. A contact form without identifiable business information is a weak trust signal. If the shop names a company, search the official business register in its stated country and compare its name, address and any applicable registration or tax number.
3. Check consistency between details
The domain, company name, contact email address, invoice address and terms should tell the same story. One minor discrepancy need not be suspicious, but several unrelated identities are a good reason to delay buying and ask for an explanation.
4. Evaluate several signals together
Valid HTTPS is essential for secure data transfer, but it does not prove honesty. The same applies to attractive design, reviews on the seller's site or payment-system logos. Domain age alone also cannot establish whether the current operator is the same as years ago.
5. Consider the payment method
Be especially careful when an unknown seller accepts only irreversible bank transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards or another method without reasonable buyer protections. A payment method allowing disputes or chargebacks is not a guarantee but can reduce risk compared with non-refundable methods.
6. Evaluate the offer and time pressure
Extremely low prices, artificial countdowns, fake stock messages and urgent pressure warrant extra investigation. Compare prices at several established retailers. If an item normally costs around €500 but is advertised for €89 on an unknown site, you need a convincing explanation, not just a coupon and a red timer.
7. Look beyond the homepage
Open contact, returns, shipping, terms and privacy pages. Fraudulent sites may look convincing on the homepage but have weak legal or support pages. Look for leftover names of other brands, incorrect countries, inconsistent currencies or policies that do not match the offer.
8. Verify reviews outside the store
On-site reviews are controlled by the seller. Search multiple independent sources and watch for patterns: a sudden wave of nearly identical ratings, generic comments without product specifics or a mismatch between old and recent experiences. External reviews are not infallible either, so use them as one indicator among several.
Technical checks on splet.me
Our website checker can show HTTP status, HTTPS, redirects, basic security headers, title, metadata, canonical and other technical indicators. It does not rate a company's legitimacy and must not be your sole basis for payment. For domain registration data, also use the RDAP lookup.
Making a practical purchase decision
Investigate isolated minor uncertainties. But if several signs appear together—a very new domain, unverifiable business identity, unrealistic prices, only irreversible payments and pressure to buy immediately—the combined risk is significantly higher. The goal is not one magic indicator but avoiding overlooked warning signs.
Frequently asked questions
Does an old domain prove a store is safe?
No. An old domain may have been sold or abused, while a new one may be completely legitimate.
Does splet.me provide a scam/safe rating?
No. Technical tests alone do not support that claim.
Is paying by card always safe?
No. A card may offer dispute options, but you must still verify the seller, domain and purchase terms.
What is the single most important sign?
There is none. The combination of a verifiable identity, realistic offer, reasonable payment methods and consistent information from independent sources is most useful.