How to spot a scam website?

Pollycat

Laz123 said:

It might be worthwhile giving your friend some added insurance that seeks out scum websites. There's a browser extension which warns you https://www.malwarebytes.com/browserguard

Would this have warned or stopped the OP's friend from using a website called sfqvvv.top?

I have this software installed and I can access and buy from ssfqvvv.top.

Bubble1971

All great advice, thank you. ☺️

Laz123

Pollycat said:

Laz123 said:

It might be worthwhile giving your friend some added insurance that seeks out scum websites. There's a browser extension which warns you https://www.malwarebytes.com/browserguard

Would this have warned or stopped the OP's friend from using a website called sfqvvv.top?

I have this software installed and I can access and buy from ssfqvvv.top.

In answer to your question, as it's obviously not a scam website no. But the reason I offered my suggestion was to prevent any future silver surfing naivety by the OP's friend possibly preventing a real scam website from drawing them in.

OceanSound

pbartlett said:

You don't have to try and spot a scam site - let the card companies do that for you

Pay by credit card - if they don't allow that then avoid it

With credit card Section 75 protection only applies for goods over £100.

So, for anything less than this, best to pay by debit card. That way you have the 'protection' offered by the chargeback process. I've had a couple of successful chargebacks over the years. Sometimes it can take a while but it's very thorough.

Works for where business violates terms of agreement etc.

For credit card Section 75 protection, Don't forget, if the goods or services is £1000, you can pay £100 (I believe, or maybe £100.01) then pay the rest of £900 (or £899.99) in cash and still get the section 75 protection.

Please check exact amount for protection, I'm not sure if it's anything costing £100 or more, or it's anything OVER £100. That's how come I've said pay £101.01 using credit card.

Pollycat

OceanSound said:

pbartlett said:

You don't have to try and spot a scam site - let the card companies do that for you

Pay by credit card - if they don't allow that then avoid it

With credit card Section 75 protection only applies for goods over £100.

So, for anything less than this, best to pay by debit card. That way you have the 'protection' offered by the chargeback process. I've had a couple of successful chargebacks over the years. Sometimes it can take a while but it's very thorough.

Works for where business violates terms of agreement etc.

For credit card Section 75 protection, Don't forget, if the goods or services is £1000, you can pay £100 (I believe, or maybe £100.01) then pay the rest of £900 (or £899.99) in cash and still get the section 75 protection.

Please check exact amount for protection, I'm not sure if it's anything costing £100 or more, or it's anything OVER £100. That's how come I've said pay £101.01 using credit card.

You may wish to read this MSE article that compares Section 75 and chargeback.
It details the 'protection' you have with both options.
There are lots more 'yes's in the S75 list than in the chargeback list.

It also answers your point in bold.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/visa-mastercard-chargeback/

OceanSound

Pollycat said:

OceanSound said:

pbartlett said:

You don't have to try and spot a scam site - let the card companies do that for you

Pay by credit card - if they don't allow that then avoid it

With credit card Section 75 protection only applies for goods over £100.

So, for anything less than this, best to pay by debit card. That way you have the 'protection' offered by the chargeback process. I've had a couple of successful chargebacks over the years. Sometimes it can take a while but it's very thorough.

Works for where business violates terms of agreement etc.

For credit card Section 75 protection, Don't forget, if the goods or services is £1000, you can pay £100 (I believe, or maybe £100.01) then pay the rest of £900 (or £899.99) in cash and still get the section 75 protection.

Please check exact amount for protection, I'm not sure if it's anything costing £100 or more, or it's anything OVER £100. That's how come I've said pay £101.01 using credit card.

You may wish to read this MSE article that compares Section 75 and chargeback.
It details the 'protection' you have with both options.
There are lots more 'yes's in the S75 list than in the chargeback list.

It also answers your point in bold.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/visa-mastercard-chargeback/

I was unaware that credit cards also provide chargeback 'protection' (for goods and services equal to or less than £100). Because of this, I've been using debit card for anything £100 or under all this while. 

I've definitely read articles about chargeback on this site and other sites before. Somehow didn't grasp the fact that chargeback is available for credit cards purchases also (for purchases £100 or under).

Was aware that goods/services paid through third party payment service aren't covered. So, where PayPal has been a payment option when buying tickets costing over £100 for example, I've specifically paid using Amex. That way I have section 75 'protection'. 

As far as OP is concerned Paypal does provide protection through their guarantee. I've recently raised a dispute for goods not received, providing all details of purchase (screenshots etc), and payment was refunded by Paypal after investigation.