Before you buy, sign up or share information on any website, run through this 10-point checklist. It takes about two minutes and can save you from fraud, identity theft or wasted money.
The 10-Point Trust Checklist
1. ✅ HTTPS Is Active
The URL must start with https:// and show a padlock. Any site asking for personal or payment data over HTTP is unsafe.
2. ✅ The Domain Name Looks Legitimate
Read the actual domain in the address bar. It should match the brand. Look for typosquatting or deceptive TLDs.
3. ✅ SSL Certificate Is Valid
The certificate should not be expired, and it should cover the domain you are visiting. Use our SSL Checker to verify this instantly.
4. ✅ Contact Information Is Real
A phone number, email address or physical address. Test the phone number if you're unsure. A web form alone is insufficient.
5. ✅ Privacy Policy Is Present and Readable
It should explain what data is collected, why and how you can request deletion. Generic, clearly copied text is a warning sign.
6. ✅ Terms of Use Are Available
Especially important for e-commerce sites — check returns, refund and delivery policies before purchasing.
7. ✅ Reviews and Reputation Check Out
Search the brand name on Trustpilot, Google Reviews or Reddit. Look for patterns in negative reviews — "never received my order" appearing repeatedly is a serious warning.
8. ✅ Payment Methods Are Trusted
Credit cards, PayPal and other established processors offer buyer protection. Bank transfers and crypto do not.
9. ✅ Social Media Presence Is Consistent
A legitimate business usually has established social media accounts with real engagement. Recently created accounts with no history are suspicious.
10. ✅ Domain Is Not Brand New
Very new domains combined with aggressive advertising are a common scam pattern. Check domain age via a Whois lookup or our DNS Lookup tool.
Scoring
- 9–10 checks pass: Site appears trustworthy
- 6–8 checks pass: Proceed with caution
- Under 6 checks pass: Avoid this site