June 3rd, 2025

Safe or Scam? 7 Ways to Tell if a Website or App Is Trustworthy

Fabian is a professional writer with 15 years of experience who collaborates with Batten’s cybersecurity experts to deliver in-depth content on digital privacy and online safety. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Ryerson University.

With over 1.13 billion websites online and millions of apps available for download, cybercriminals continue to create increasingly sophisticated scams that can be difficult to spot at first glance. Technology, including AI, is making it much more difficult to spot scams.

According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, Americans lost over $10.3 billion to internet scams in 2022 alone. However, this number has increased significantly since then, with cyber scams costing Americans $16.6 billion in 2024, a 33% rise compared to 2023.

These are staggering figures that highlight the importance of verifying online services before you provide personal information, make purchases, or download software.

At Batten Cyber, we understand the challenges everyday internet users face when determining if a website or app is trustworthy. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you identify potential scams and protect yourself from digital threats.

No matter if you’re shopping online, downloading a new app, or simply browsing the web, these seven verification methods will help you make informed decisions about which digital services deserve your trust. Let’s find out how to tell if a website is safe.

Contents

Key Takeaways
1. Scrutinize the URL and Security Indicators
2. Research Company Reputation and Contact Information
3. Evaluate the Design, Content Quality, and User Experience
4. Check for Secure Payment Options and Reasonable Permissions
5. Beware of “Too Good to Be True” Offers and High-Pressure Tactics
6. Review Privacy Policies and Terms of Service
7. Utilize Security Tools and Official Resources
Trust Your Instincts, But Verify With Facts
Ready to Strengthen Your Digital Security?
Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

Always review URLs and look for subtle misspellings or altered domain names to check if a website is safe.
Verify company details, including contact information and business history, before sharing any data or making purchases.
Look closely at site design and writing quality-sloppy content or unprofessional layouts are warning signs.
Ensure the site or app uses secure, trackable payment methods and doesn’t request unnecessary permissions.
Watch for fake deals and pressure tactics that try to force you into fast decisions without time to verify.
Review privacy policies and terms of service to assess how seriously the company treats user protection.
Use browser extensions, WHOIS lookups, and app permission checkers to confirm whether a site or app is trustworthy.

1. Scrutinize the URL and Security Indicators

Spotting a fake website often starts with a close look at the URL and browser security features. Scam websites usually rely on subtle domain changes to impersonate trusted brands, hoping you won’t notice minor discrepancies.

Examine the Domain Name Closely

Legitimate websites typically use clean, properly registered domain names. In contrast, scammers often rely on domain spoofing. This involves altering a single character or adding extra words to trick users. Watch for:

Misspellings (e.g., amazom.com instead of amazon.com)
Added words (e.g., amazon-deals.net)
Suspicious domain extensions (e.g., .info or .xyz instead of .com)

If the site name feels off, it probably is. When in doubt, type the official domain directly into your browser rather than clicking a link from an email or ad.

Check for Secure Connections

Next, inspect the security features of the site:

Look for a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar
Ensure the URL starts with HTTPS, not just HTTP
Click the padlock icon to confirm the security certificate is valid and issued to the company in question

Keep in mind that while scammers can also obtain SSL certificates, a missing padlock or unencrypted HTTP connection is a strong warning sign, especially if the site asks for passwords, credit card numbers, or personal data.

Be Cautious With Mobile Apps Too

Mobile scams are on the rise, particularly through unofficial apps that mimic legitimate services. To protect yourself:

Download apps only from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
Double-check the publisher’s name-it should match the actual company
Read app reviews for warnings about fake functionality or malware
Avoid apps with vague or unrelated developer names

If you want more tips for mobile safety, learn how to avoid fake apps and minimize risks when downloading software.

Pro Tip: Bookmark the official websites you use frequently to avoid typing errors that might lead you to impostor sites. Also, enable real-time protection in your antivirus software or browser settings to receive alerts when visiting suspicious domains. However, be aware of fake antivirus popups in your browser, which can cause havoc.

2. Research Company Reputation and Contact Information

Before engaging with a new website or app, take a few minutes to investigate the business behind it. Legitimate companies are transparent about their identity and encourage customer contact, while scam operations often hide behind vague or missing details.

According to Indeed, a rising trend is creating fake companies and company websites, as well as fake company profiles on social media, specifically with promises of employment. This is another main reason why comprehensive identity theft protection is essential.

These fake companies lure victims in with promises of fantastic employment terms and salaries, thus taking advantage of those in need while secretly collecting personal and financial information that will then be used to perpetrate fraud and theft.

Let’s find out how to protect yourself from this.

Review the “About Us” Page

Start by visiting the site’s About Us section. A trustworthy company will typically include:

A clear business mission
Information about the leadership team or staff
A company history or timeline
Legal business name and registration details (if applicable)

If this page is missing or feels overly generic, consider it a warning sign. Reputable businesses utilize this space to establish trust by disclosing their identity and purpose.

Verify Contact Details

Next, examine the Contact Us section. You should see:

A physical address
A working phone number
A professional email (usually using the business’s domain)

Avoid websites that only offer a contact form or use free email services like Gmail or Yahoo for business communication.

If the company claims to have a physical office, plug the address into Google Maps to confirm it’s a real location-not a residential home, virtual mailbox, or empty parking lot.

Take it a step further and test their communication channels. Try calling the phone number or sending a short email with a basic inquiry. A lack of response or vague replies can signal a problem.

Research Online Reputation

You can also learn a lot by checking how others have interacted with the business online. Try the following:

Search for “[Company/App name] reviews”
Add the word “scam” to your search and see what comes up
Check Trustpilot, BBB.org, or Sitejabber for reviews and complaints
Browse their social media accounts to see how often they post and how they respond to customers

Be cautious with companies that have no digital footprint or whose reviews are overwhelmingly positive and repetitive, as this could be a sign of fake testimonials.

3. Evaluate the Design, Content Quality, and User Experience

While no single detail confirms a site or app’s legitimacy, professional design and high-quality content are strong indicators of credibility.

Scammers often lack the time, resources, or expertise to create well-polished user experiences, which is why poor design and sloppy content should raise red flags.

To help you assess the reliability of a site or app, focus on three specific areas: visual design, content accuracy, and user functionality.

Recently, both the Peavy Mart and the Dakota Dunes Casino released warnings stating that scammers had created fake websites in their names and using their likenesses, in the hopes of duping victims out of money.

L. Bean is another company that recently released warnings about websites impersonating them and attempting to steal money from unsuspecting victims. These websites appeared incredibly legitimate, leading many to fall for the scam, although the exact monetary losses were not disclosed.

To that end, here’s how to spot a fake or illegitimate company and its site.

Check the Website or App Design

Start by reviewing the overall look and feel of the site or application. A legitimate business typically presents itself professionally across all pages. Look for:

A clean layout with consistent branding elements
Clear menus and navigation tools that function properly
Pages that load quickly and don’t contain obvious template errors
Logos that match what’s used on official social channels or product packaging

Sites that feel thrown together or contain placeholder content (“Lorem ipsum”) are often scams or inactive domains reused by threat actors.

Review Content for Accuracy and Professionalism

Next, take a close look at the text itself. Quality writing is a hallmark of legitimate businesses.

You should see:

Correct grammar and spelling throughout
Thoughtful formatting, including bullet points and spacing
Accurate product descriptions with clear specifications and pricing
Transparent policies regarding shipping, returns, warranties, or data handling

If the content feels rushed, inconsistent, or copied from elsewhere, the site may not be trustworthy. You can run product descriptions or policy text through a search engine to check for plagiarism or duplication across other sites.

Assess App Performance and Interface Quality

If you’re downloading a mobile app, examine how it functions before creating an account or making any purchases. Specifically:

Do the design elements feel smooth and consistent with the company’s branding?
Does the app crash, freeze, or display errors during use?
Are key features working as described on the app store page or official site?

Also, take a moment to read reviews in the App Store or Google Play Store. Watch for recurring complaints about login issues, missing features, or suspicious payment prompts.

4. Check for Secure Payment Options and Reasonable Permissions

Secure payment methods and app permissions are two major signals of a legitimate digital business. Scam websites and shady apps often bypass standard protections, hoping users won’t scrutinize the fine print. Understanding what to look for can help you avoid common traps.

Online shopping scams accounted for nearly a third of all internet fraud in 2022. According to industry reports, security engines are now detecting over 1,000 new fraudulent online stores every day. Since mid-2023, traffic to these fake shops has doubled, indicating just how rapidly these scams are expanding.

Here’s how to verify that online stores are legitimate and have secure payment gateways.

Look for Trusted Payment Gateways

Legitimate websites offer secure, transparent payment options that provide buyers with recourse in the event of an issue. Be wary of any site that skips these protections.

Safe payment options typically include:

Major credit cards with fraud protection
Services like PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay
Clear, transparent refund and return policies

On the other hand, avoid websites that only accept:

Wire transfers or bank-to-bank payments
Cryptocurrency without any other method
Gift cards or prepaid debit cards
Payment through unusual messaging apps or third-party links

These alternatives are difficult to trace and almost impossible to reverse, making them the go-to methods for scammers trying to disappear with your money.

Review App Permissions Carefully

When installing a mobile app, permissions matter. A legitimate app only requests access to features it actually needs to function.

For example:

A maps or ride-sharing app may require your GPS location
A video app may request access to your camera and microphone

However, be cautious if a simple game or calculator wants access to your contacts, text messages, or file storage. Irrelevant permission requests are a strong sign the app may be gathering your personal data for malicious purposes.

Before installing any app:

Check the permissions list in your device settings
Read user reviews for signs of suspicious behavior
Confirm the developer’s name matches the company providing the service

If an app sends you outside the app store for payment, that’s another red flag.

Protect Yourself Before Paying

Before entering your card number, do the following:

Look for trust badges and SSL security (the padlock in the address bar)
Confirm the checkout URL starts with “https”
Use a virtual credit card or payment service that masks your real number if available

These small checks can protect you from giving scammers direct access to your financial information.

5. Beware of “Too Good to Be True” Offers and High-Pressure Tactics

One of the most common tricks scammers use is to lure you in with unbelievable deals or urgent warnings. These tactics are designed to shut down your critical thinking and push you into acting quickly. It’s important to recognize these red flags before you click, pay, or share any information.

Interesting to note is that fake clearance sale scams are growing in number on Facebook and luring in more victims as the months go on.

Also, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and FBI have issued warnings about widespread scams involving fake offers of discounted monthly bills. Victims were contacted by scammers pretending to represent companies like AT&T or Comcast, offering steep discounts, typically 40% to 50%, on phone, internet, or medical services.

To access the deal, targets were pressured to act quickly and pay upfront using gift cards or by providing sensitive account information. Once payment was made, victims received nothing in return. In the case of fake medical insurance, some people were left with expensive bills after discovering the policies were invalid.

Watch for Unrealistic Discounts and Scarcity Tactics

Scammers frequently offer massive discounts to create a false sense of opportunity. If a deal seems significantly better than what’s available elsewhere, take a moment to question why.

Here are signs the offer may be a scam:

Discounts of 70% to 90% percent with no clear reason
Fake “limited-time” countdowns that reset each time the page loads
Items that are out of stock everywhere else but somehow abundant here
Claims of exclusivity just for you, often delivered via unsolicited emails or ads

Legitimate sales do happen, especially during holidays or clearance events, but they tend to make sense within a business context. A random website undercutting every major retailer by 90%? That’s a red flag.

Avoid Urgency and Threat-Based Messaging

In addition to fake discounts, scammers often create artificial urgency or fear to force hasty decisions. They may use alerts like:

“Your computer is infected – act now!”
“Your account will be suspended unless you update your information.”
“You’ve missed a package – click here to reschedule delivery.”

These messages often impersonate legitimate services and direct you to phishing pages designed to steal personal or financial data.

Also, be cautious of:

Pop-ups or email subject lines using excessive capital letters or punctuation
Countdown timers that restart when you refresh the page
Demands for immediate action to avoid legal or financial consequences

What to Do Instead

Before acting on any urgent message or unusually good deal:

Cross-check the deal on the official retailer’s site
Look up the sender or website using scam reporting forums or online reviews
Avoid clicking links in suspicious emails or pop-ups – go directly to the source site
Use a search engine to verify if others have reported the deal or message as fraudulent

Slowing down and investigating first can prevent you from falling into a trap. Scammers rely on panic – patience and skepticism are your best defense. For more information on your online safety, read our guide on cyber safety for beginners.

6. Review Privacy Policies and Terms of Service

Although many users skip over privacy policies and terms of service, reviewing these pages can help you determine whether a website or app is trustworthy. Taking just a few minutes to scan them can reveal how seriously a company treats user protection.

Legitimate businesses usually provide thorough, well-written legal documentation. These documents serve as a public commitment to ethical data practices, refund procedures, and acceptable use policies. Therefore, when assessing a new platform or online store, it’s worth looking for the following:

Key Elements to Look For

A few specific documents signal that the business is operating transparently and legally. Here’s what to check:

A complete privacy policy that explains what data is collected, how it is used, and who it is shared with
Clear terms of service that outline your rights and responsibilities as a user
Cookie consent mechanisms, particularly for users in regions like the EU governed by GDPR
Detailed return and refund policies if the site sells products or services

Warning Signs to Avoid

Fraudulent or shady sites often cut corners with legal documents. Be cautious if you notice:

No visible privacy policy or terms of service anywhere on the site
Generic or plagiarized language with poor grammar or formatting
Policies that are vague, incomplete, or clearly not tailored to the business
Clauses that grant the site broad control over your content or data
Disclaimers that eliminate any form of user protection or make refund requests impossible

Why It Matters

Professional businesses aim to protect both themselves and their customers through clear, fair terms. Scammers, on the other hand, often omit or rush through these documents to avoid scrutiny. If a site’s policies seem questionable or are missing altogether, that’s a strong signal to walk away.

For added assurance, consider pasting parts of the privacy policy into a search engine. If the exact wording appears on unrelated or questionable websites, the policy was likely copied, which reflects poorly on the site’s credibility. Find more information in our guide on how to protect your online privacy.

7. Utilize Security Tools and Official Resources

You don’t need to rely solely on instinct when determining if a website or app is legitimate. Several free and paid tools can help you verify safety and spot red flags before you put your personal information at risk.

To make this easier, let’s break down the most effective resources available for both websites and mobile apps.

Tools for Verifying Websites

Before clicking links or making purchases, try the following:

Google Safe Browsing Transparency Report: Enter any URL to check if Google has flagged it for phishing, malware, or suspicious behavior.
Browser Security Extensions: Add-ons such as Bitdefender TrafficLight or McAfee WebAdvisor automatically flag unsafe sites while you browse.
WHOIS Lookup Services: Use these to see who owns a domain, when it was registered, and whether it’s associated with past scams. Newly created domains are often riskier.
VirusTotal: This site scans URLs with multiple antivirus engines to detect potential malware, phishing schemes, or trojan payloads.

Tools for Evaluating Mobile Apps

Before installing any app, take a few precautionary steps:

Check Ratings and Reviews: Look for apps with a high number of verified reviews. Be skeptical of apps with perfect scores but very few actual comments.
Permission Checkers: Tools like Exodus Privacy help explain what each app permission means and warn you if access seems excessive or unrelated to the app’s purpose.
Antivirus Software: Many modern antivirus programs include app scanners that evaluate new apps before installation, alerting you to known threats or suspicious behavior.
Operating System Tools: On both Android and iOS, official app stores now include security indicators, developer verification, and recent update history. Avoid apps that haven’t been updated in over a year.

Why These Tools Matter

Security tools act as an extra set of eyes. They can detect patterns and risks that the average person might miss, especially in situations where phishing sites look almost identical to the real thing.

Also, password managers like Bitwarden and 1Password can serve as an additional safety net, along with VPNs like Dashlane. These tools recognize real login pages and will not auto-fill your credentials on lookalike scam domains.

This can stop you from unintentionally giving your password to a fake site. By consistently using these tools, you increase your chances of avoiding online fraud while maintaining safer browsing and app use habits. Having a full security suite for online protection is recommended as well.

Trust Your Instincts, But Verify With Facts

A man checking email on his phone, with a cup of tea and a notebook in front of him where he's writing

Perhaps the most underrated security tool is your own intuition. If something feels wrong about a website or app, take that feeling seriously.

However, don’t rely solely on intuition. Use the verification methods we’ve discussed to gather concrete evidence:

Check the URL and security indicators
Research the company reputation and contact information
Evaluate design and content quality
Verify payment options and app permissions
Question too-good-to-be-true offers
Review legal policies
Use security tools for objective verification

Remember that scammers are constantly adapting their tactics, making even the most careful consumer vulnerable at times. That’s why layered protection combining your vigilance with robust cybersecurity tools provides the strongest defense against online threats.

By incorporating these verification practices into your digital routine, you’ll significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to scams while confidently enjoying the benefits of legitimate online services.

Ready to Strengthen Your Digital Security?

The digital space is full of opportunity, but also full of traps. With scams growing more sophisticated every year, knowing how to tell if a website is safe or how to check if an app is trustworthy has become essential.

In this guide, we outlined seven actionable methods to help you answer the question, “Is this site legit or scam?” You’ve learned to examine URLs, assess app permissions, check company reputation, and use trusted verification tools.

Remember, trust should never be automatic. The signs of legitimacy are always there for those who look carefully. Whether you’re shopping online, downloading an app, or clicking an email link, using these techniques will help you avoid scams and stay secure.

Our curated marketplace features thoroughly vetted cybersecurity tools designed to protect your digital life from scams, identity theft, and other online threats.

Explore Batten’s trusted cybersecurity solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Tell If a Website Is Safe to Use?

Check the URL for HTTPS, look for a valid certificate, and verify the site’s reputation using tools like VirusTotal or Google Safe Browsing.

What Is the Best Way to Check If an App Is Trustworthy?

Look at reviews, developer info, recent updates, and requested permissions before installing. Avoid apps with vague publishers or excessive access needs.

Is This Site Legit or Scam If It Offers Huge Discounts?

Extreme discounts without explanation often indicate scams. Always cross-check the offer with the brand’s official site before acting.

How Do I Use WHOIS to Check If a Website Is Safe?

Enter the domain into a WHOIS lookup tool to see who owns it, when it was registered, and whether it’s tied to past scams.

Can a Password Manager Help Me Check If a Site Is Legit or Scam?

Yes, reputable password managers won’t autofill credentials on suspicious or fake login pages, helping you avoid phishing traps.