Online shopping is convenient and fun, but unfortunately, some shops are not trustworthy. Scammers often try to trick shoppers with fake websites or fake products. Here’s how to spot fake online shops and shop safely in Zambia.

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1️⃣ Check the Website URL
• Look carefully at the website address.
• A trusted shop usually has a custom domain like .com or .co.zm.
• Be cautious of addresses with extra words, numbers, or misspellings.

💡 Example: shopwithleah.com ✅ vs shop-with-leah123.com ⚠

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2️⃣ Look for Contact Information

A real online shop will provide:
• Phone number or WhatsApp contact
• Physical address (even if it’s just a city or office)
• Email support

If you can’t find these, it’s a red flag.

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3️⃣ Check Reviews and Social Media
• Search for the shop on Facebook, TikTok, or Google.
• Read reviews and comments from other buyers.
• Fake shops often have no reviews, fake reviews, or inconsistent information.

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4️⃣ Examine Product Photos and Descriptions
• Genuine shops provide clear photos and detailed descriptions.
• Be cautious of blurry images, missing details, or stock photos taken from other websites.

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5️⃣ Compare Prices
• If the price is too good to be true, it probably is.
• Compare the product with other online shops — extreme discounts are often a scam tactic.

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6️⃣ Secure Payment Methods
• Use trusted payment methods like mobile money (MTN/Airtel), bank transfers, or secure payment gateways.
• Avoid paying in cash to unknown individuals.
• Look for websites with HTTPS in the URL — a small lock icon near the address bar indicates security.

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7️⃣ Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off, trust your gut. A professional, honest shop will make you feel safe and provide clear information.

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💛 Final Tip: Shop smart and stay safe.
At ShopWithLeah.com, we guarantee real products, secure payments, and fast delivery, so you can enjoy online shopping without worry.