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The Ísland.is App

Online shop fraud

Shop safely online

Carefully review the websites you plan to order from before shopping online.

Avoid Fraudulent Websites

  • It’s best to visit a company or institution’s website directly, rather than through links or accessing it through a search engine.

  • Examine the URL closely. If something seems off, it’s likely a fraudulent site.

  • Trusted sellers have clear and accessible refund and return policies. Check the terms—if you can’t find any information about returns or refunds, it’s a good idea to investigate further.

Search engine phishing

How to Check if an Online Store is Secure

There are several ways to verify the security of an online store:

  • Google. If few search results appear when you search for the store, it may be a reason to be cautious.

  • Scam Adviser. Check how trustworthy the online store is.

  • Trustpilot Reviews. See what others have to say about the store.

  • Google Safe Browsing. Assess the security of a website, whether it’s a legitimate site at risk or a fraudulent one.

Secure Payments

Carefully read SMS confirmations for online payments. When using a Visa card at online stores displaying the "Verified by Visa" logo, you’ll receive an SMS with a one-time password (secure code) or a notification in your banking app. The message includes details such as the payment amount, currency, and the seller's name. It’s essential to read the message thoroughly and ensure all details, such as the amount and currency, are correct.

Service provider

The Icelandic Po­lice