How to Check if an Online Shop is Safe in 2026
Learn the 10 most important signs that tell you whether an online shop is trustworthy. From SSL certificates to return policies — here's what to look for.
Why Checking Online Shops Matters
With over 1 million online shops in Europe alone, it's never been harder to tell legitimate businesses from scams. In 2026, online fraud costs European consumers an estimated €4.8 billion annually. But the good news? There are clear signals that separate trustworthy shops from risky ones.
10 Signs of a Trustworthy Online Shop
1. Valid SSL Certificate (HTTPS)
Always check for the padlock icon in your browser's address bar. A valid SSL certificate means your connection is encrypted and your payment data is secure. Shops without HTTPS should be avoided entirely.
2. Clear Contact Information
Legitimate shops display their physical address, phone number, and email address. In the EU, this is required by law. If you can't find contact details, that's a major red flag.
3. Company Registration Number
In the Netherlands, look for a KvK number. In Germany, check for a Handelsregisternummer in the Impressum. In France, look for a SIRET number. These are legally required and can be verified.
4. Privacy Policy
Under GDPR, every shop that collects personal data must have a privacy policy. It should explain what data is collected, how it's used, and how you can request deletion.
5. Return Policy (14-Day Withdrawal)
EU law gives consumers a 14-day right of withdrawal for online purchases. If a shop doesn't mention this, they may not be compliant with consumer protection laws.
6. Terms & Conditions
Professional shops have clear terms and conditions covering delivery, payment, warranties, and dispute resolution.
7. Secure Payment Methods
Look for established payment methods like iDEAL, PayPal, credit cards, or Bancontact. If a shop only accepts wire transfers or cryptocurrency, be cautious.
8. Customer Reviews
Verified purchase reviews are the most reliable indicator. Look for reviews on independent platforms like CheckShop.eu, not just on the shop's own website.
9. Professional Appearance
While not a guarantee, professional design, working links, proper grammar, and high-quality product images suggest a legitimate business.
10. Domain Age
Brand new domains (less than 6 months old) are more commonly associated with scam shops. Established shops have older domains with a track record.
Use CheckShop.eu for Instant Verification
Instead of checking all these signals manually, you can use CheckShop.eu to get an instant trust score. Our AI analyzes all 10+ signals automatically and gives you a score from 0-100, along with detailed results for each check.
Simply enter the shop URL at checkshop.eu and get your result in seconds — completely free.