Comparison
Best tools to check if a website is legit
Fake online stores are everywhere, so checking a website before you pay is worth the 30 seconds. Here's how the main "is this site legit?" tools compare.
| Tool type | What it tells you | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Scam Doctor | Is this link/store a scam + what to do | Also checks texts, emails, calls |
| Domain trust-score sites | A trust score from domain data | Score only; you interpret it |
| Community review sites | Other users' reports | Coverage varies by site |
| WHOIS / domain-age lookups | How old the domain is | One signal, not a verdict |
How to actually check a store
- Confirm the exact domain (type it yourself).
- Check domain age and independent reviews.
- Look for returns, contact, and company details.
- Be wary of prices far below market and odd payment methods.
- Run the link through Scam Doctor for a clear verdict.
Score vs decision
Trust-score sites give you a number to interpret. Scam Doctor gives you a decision — Stop, Verify, or Continue — plus the reasons and the next step, which is more useful when you're about to pay.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if a website is legit before buying?
Verify the exact domain, check reviews and domain age, look for returns/contact info, and run the link through Scam Doctor for a clear verdict.
Is a website safe if it has HTTPS?
Not necessarily. Scam sites can have HTTPS too. A padlock means the connection is encrypted, not that the seller is honest.