Check whether an online store or 'too good' deal is legitimate
Fake stores advertise deep discounts on social media, take payment and ship nothing (or knockoffs). AI can help you vet a site first.
1. Copy this prompt
Paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Grok (the free versions work), then replace the [highlighted brackets] with your details. Leave out account numbers and SSNs.
I'm thinking of buying [PRODUCT] for $[PRICE] (usually $[NORMAL PRICE]) from [STORE URL], which I found via [AD / SEARCH / SOCIAL]. Here's the store's contact info, About page and return policy: [PASTE]. 1) List red flags and reassuring signs. 2) Tell me what to verify independently and how. 3) Tell me the safest way to pay, and what to do if the item never arrives.
2. Follow these steps
(stored only in your browser; uncheck to erase)
What to expect, and what to do if they say no
What happened when people tried it
- We haven't verified a real-world example for this one yet, so it's a tool guide plus a prompt. Tried it? Tell us what happened (link below).
Why this works
The problem: Polished fake shops and social ads make scams hard to spot, especially for big discounts.
How AI helps: AI can list red flags from the site's details, tell you what to check (domain age, contact info, return policy, reviews off-site), and advise on safer payment methods.
Tools & what they cost
| Tool | Cost |
|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Free option available (Paid upgrades exist, but the free version works for this) Free tier; paid plans available |
| Claude | Free option available (Paid upgrades exist, but the free version works for this) Free tier; paid plans available |
| FTC: Report fraud | Free (No cost at all) Free |
What do these labels mean?
- Free No cost at all.
- Free option available Paid upgrades exist, but the free version works for this.
- Costs money You pay a set price or subscription.
- Takes a cut of savings Charges a percentage of what it saves you.
- Time · Difficulty Our estimates for a typical first try, not guarantees.
- Reported What the linked source says happened, often self-reported. Your results will vary.
Watch out for
- No verified AI-specific success story yet. This is a how-to guide built on official sources.
- AI can't see whether a store will deliver; independent reviews and complaint records matter more.
Was this helpful?
Tried it? Tell us what happened, good or bad. We read every reply and may share success stories (only with your OK).
Sources
- https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/online-shopping
- https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/using-credit-cards-and-disputing-charges
Last verified 2026-10-19. Not financial, legal, tax or medical advice. Disclaimer.