I already paid by prepayment — what now?

Contact your bank/payment service immediately and check for recovery, preserve evidence and file a report.

Are trust seals reliable proof?

Only if genuine. Seals can be faked as images — verify them via the seal provider’s official page.

A missing/implausible imprint, a very young domain and prepayment-only are strong warning signs.

// Guides

A fake shop is a fraudulent online store that takes prepayment and delivers no or counterfeit goods. A few checks reveal most of them before you buy.

Updated: 2026-06-19

1Check the imprint: are complete, plausible provider details present?
2Look at payment methods: prepayment/transfer only is a clear warning sign — buyer-protected options are often missing.
3Check prices: unrealistically cheap plus artificial time pressure is typical.
4Do not trust trust seals as a mere image — verify them via the seal provider.
5Check reviews externally and critically; note domain age and unusual addresses.
6When in doubt, use the Verbraucherzentrale fake-shop finder.

Unsure whether a shop is genuine? We check indicators such as imprint, domain and payment routes and assess the risk — before you pay.

I already paid by prepayment — what now?: Contact your bank/payment service immediately and check for recovery, preserve evidence and file a report.
Are trust seals reliable proof?: Only if genuine. Seals can be faked as images — verify them via the seal provider’s official page.
How do I spot a fake address?: A missing/implausible imprint, a very young domain and prepayment-only are strong warning signs.

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