How to Know if an Online Business Is Legitimate

Shopping and doing business online is changing the way the world trades and communicates. It's not too difficult to navigate the Web and remain pretty secure that you are dealing with a legitimate business, but use some of these tips to know if an online business is on the up-and-up.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Watch for telltale signs of fraud or scams. Be suspicious if an online business needs you to send cash or money orders by mail or in person. Legitimate businesses can take credit cards securely or will have a PayPal account. Emails and websites that are full of glitz and a lot of capital letters are often signs of scam artists who expect the consumer to overlook the content because of the presentation.
2. Beware of "now or never" and "get rich quick" schemes. Con artists play on people's desire to beat the system and get something for nothing. The old adage of "if sounds too good to be true, it probably is," works very well when you are evaluating online businesses.
3. Avoid free offers. Come on now, nothing is free. Even if you get something up front, you know there will be a price to pay at some point.
4. Look at the actual web address once you have gone to a business website. The odds are good that you've got a good working website when a web address begins with "http://" rather than any other locations.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not pay someone to work for them.
• Stick with name brand stores that you are familiar with if you have any doubts.
• If you have to fill out a form before you can enter the website, then you can count on being put on a huge mailing list, at the very least.