Here are practical red flags and checks:

1. Check the imagery carefully

   • Are the photos too perfect? Identical backgrounds across images? Overly polished stock-model feel?

   • Do faces look generic or inconsistent? Reverse image search them.

2. Inspect the about/about us & story

   • Is the story overly emotional or dramatic (last chance sale, personal tragedy)?

   • Any name, address, or person to Google? Real founders or a family name with verifiable history?

3. Look at address, return policy, shipping info

   • If the listed store address is outside the claimed location, or the returns address is overseas, that may be suspicious.

   • Long shipping times without good explanation, and expensive or no return options.

4. Read customer reviews critically

   • Look at reviews outside the store itself — e.g. on Trustpilot, forums.

   • Are there consistent complaints about quality, misleading photos, or items being “cheap” vs promised?

5. Check domain age & SSL

   • New domains are more likely suspect, particularly if they “go live” quickly and start promoting heavily.

   • Ensure https and look at the certificate details.

6. Observe ad origins

   • Where did the ad come from (social media)? How much “social proof” (likes, shares, comments)? If comments seem fake (generic praise, no actual questions), be cautious.