Fake Webshops Are Everywhere

Every year, thousands of European consumers lose money to fake online shops. These sites look professional, offer incredible deals, and disappear as soon as they have your payment.

How to Check If a Webshop Is Real

1. Check the URL Carefully

Fake shops often use domain names that are close to real brands:

**nikee-outlet.com** instead of nike.com

**bol-deals.nl** instead of bol.com

Also check if the site uses HTTPS — though even scam sites have SSL certificates now.

2. Look for Contact Information

A legitimate shop should have:

A physical address (verify it on Google Maps)

A phone number that actually works

A KVK (Chamber of Commerce) number in the Netherlands

Clear return and refund policies

3. Check the Prices

If a €200 product is being sold for €29, it's almost certainly fake. Scammers use impossibly low prices to lure victims.

4. Read Reviews — But Carefully

Check **Trustpilot**, **Google Reviews**, and **Sitejabber**

Be wary of shops with only 5-star reviews

Search "[shop name] scam" or "[shop name] fake"

5. Check the Domain Age

Most fake shops are created recently. Use whois lookup tools to check when the domain was registered. If it was registered last month, be cautious.

Safe Payment Methods

**iDEAL** or credit card (chargeback protection)

**Never** use bank transfers, crypto, or gift cards

**PayPal** offers buyer protection for eligible purchases

What To Do If You've Been Scammed

Contact your **bank or payment provider** immediately

Report to the **Consumentenbond** and police

Save all evidence (order confirmation, payment receipts, screenshots)

Leave reviews to warn others

Quick Check With GuardScan

Not sure about a webshop? Paste the URL or any suspicious product description into GuardScan for an instant risk assessment.

How to Spot Fake Webshops Before You Buy