How to spot a fake online store in 5 easy steps

One of the most prevalent scams on the internet is fake online stores. If you’re an online shopper, you need to be especially careful. Luckily, you can spot a fake online store if you know what to look for.

In this article, we’re going to over some easy steps to confirm that the site you’re visiting is real — before you click “Buy now.”

Can you tell a fake online store from a real one?

One reason fake websites continue to trick countless numbers of people is because of a cybercrime known as “phishing” or “spoofing.” In this context, it’s when a crook sets up a website that looks identical to a reputable institution.

The damage can seldom be undone if you enter your personal information onto a bogus site. You could have your bank account drained or even have your identity stolen.

It used to be that you could tell a legit website from the “HTTPS,” in the address bar. But research from cybersecurity firm Phishlabs indicates that more than half of phishing sites use HTTPS. The truth, they say, is:

Just because a site has HTTPS doesn’t mean you can trust it unequivocally.

Given the state of internet security, you may be wondering what can an ordinary online shopper do to feel safe before a purchase?

Here are 5 steps to spot a fake online store

1. Scrutinize the URL

Some fraudulent sites have URLS that look just like those of legit websites — at first glance. Before giving any of your personal information like your credit card number, study the URL.

If you used a search engine to get to the site, always look in the address bar to confirm that you are on the correct place.

2. Use a website checker

You can check the legitimacy of any website by using online verification services. Here are two sites that do just that:

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• Go to UrlVoid.com and enter the website’s URL into the bar. After that, you can see all kinds of details about the site. UrlVoid.com generates a threat analysis, a safety report and runs the suspicious website through multiple blacklists to see if any warning signs pop up.
• Go to Google Transparency Report, which can tell you how safe a website is. Once you’re on the homepage, just click “Site Status” and enter the URL in the search bar.

For a deep dive on site security, explore the Transparency Report’s research on phishing, content delisting and safe browsing.

3. Hover over the address bar

In addition to studying the URL you’ll want to look for a green address bar or padlock. This signifies that the site has been verified.

It’s true, some phishing sites have been able to replicate the padlock icon in the address bar. But clicking the padlock can still tell you some valuable information about a site.

Chrome, Firebox and other major browsers have security checks in place to tell you whether a site can be trusted. Chrome, for example, tells you how many cookies the site has, the status of its certificate and more.

4. Rely on your browser

If you keep your browser updated and have antivirus software on your computer, it should tell you when you’ve run across an unsafe site. Listen to it!

If you see a “Not Secure” warning on your screen, back out of the site or close the page immediately.

5. Look for a trust seal

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Trust seals or trust badges aren’t just for decoration. Whether it’s from the Better Business Bureau, PayPal or Google, trust seals are what tell online shoppers and other users that they can make secure transactions.

Here’s the thing: If an e-commerce site doesn’t have a trust seal, be leery of it.

In summary

Hackers and scammers are constantly coming up with ways to trick even the most capable browsers these days.

Using the internet safely involves a focused effort on your part to be aware of phishing sites and other scams. Some other telltale signs that a website may be fake are:

• Bad grammar
• No contact page
• No refund policy

If you run across a fake website or malware, you can report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, send an email to the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency as well as tell these internet companies:

When shopping online, remember to always heed cybersecurity warnings, be smart and be cautious when you sense something isn’t right.

Want to learn more about how to safeguard yourself online? Check out Clark’s Free Virus, Spyware & Malware Protection Guide.

7 best apps to save money on groceries

Looking for the best apps to save money on groceries? Technology can be a big help when you want to stretch your grocery dollar and get the most food for the least amount of money each week! In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best options.

What are the best apps to save money on groceries?

There’s no shortage of apps that can help you save money on groceries. And all of them do so in a variety of ways. These typically include:

• Offering coupons and other savings at the point of sale
• Letting you scan and upload your receipt after purchase for additional cash back rewards
• Grocery list planning before you hit the store to help you avoid impulse purchases

While it’s probably best to use a few grocery-saving apps in concert, you need to get a lay of the land first to know what’s available. Here are some of our favorite grocery rebate apps, listed in alphabetical order:

Checkout 51

Need to know:

• Cash back available at $20
• New deals updated every Thursday morning

Checkout 51 makes it easy to shop as you normally would and save money while doing it. Just download the free app, select your grocery store and see what the offers are that week. Anytime you buy something that’s being spotlighted, you’ll get cash back.

The app has a built-in camera to take perfect shots of your receipt so you can start building up your savings. You can cash out when you have a minimum of $20 in your account. Payment methods include PayPal or receiving a check in the mail.

With Checkout 51, the nice thing is the items you can get cash back on aren’t limited to prepackaged goods from name-brand companies.

Coupons.com

Need to know:

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• Offers free paperless grocery coupons at point of sale
• No minimum required to get cash back

Coupons.com has a mobile app that promises you can save hundreds of dollars with free paperless grocery coupons.

Using it is easy. Simply link your store loyalty cards to the app to add coupons for your store. Then you can save instantly at checkout.

Or if your store doesn’t have a loyalty program, you can submit your receipt after you shop to get your cash back. It’s as easy as snapping a pic and submitting it!

Best of all, you can get cash back each time you shop; there’s no required minimum before you can cash out!

Fetch Rewards

Need to know:

• Cash out at 3,000 points for gift cards from major retailers
• Available gift card options include Amazon, Target, Walmart and more

Fetch Rewards lets you scan your receipt from any grocery store and receive points for the brands and products you buy already.

“The ‘Special Offers’ tab lists the most valuable deals, but I usually earn a minimum of 25 points per receipt without those offers,” Clark.com writer Michael Timmermann reports.

When you reach 3,000 points, you can redeem them for gift cards to dozens of major retailers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, Home Depot, Petco and many more.

Ibotta

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Need to know:

• Submit pictures of your grocery receipt for cash back
• Unique in that it allows you to get cash back for shopping at Aldi

Ibotta is pretty much the big dog when it comes to apps to save money on groceries.

There are two ways to use it: Either earn cash from adding offers, shopping and uploading a photo of your receipt. Or you can link your loyalty account, add offers at participating retailers and earn without having to upload a pic of your receipt. Here’s a list of supported retailers here.

You can withdraw cash from your account when you reach $20. If you upload pics of your receipt, you can get your cash within 24 hours.

Like a lot of the apps on this list, Ibotta mostly features products from national brands. But even if you shop at Aldi — which primarily sells off-brand groceries — you can take advantage of “Any Item” rebates for about 25 cents per receipt you upload.

RELATED: Need extra money? How to turn grocery receipts into cash with Ibotta

Rakuten

Need to know:

• Cash back available at $5
• Payments are sent quarterly

You may not think of Rakuten (formerly eBates) as an app to save money on groceries; it’s better known as an online shopping cash back site.

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However, Rakuten has a new focus on in-store offers and the grocery stores on this app include Safeway, Sam’s Club and Walmart.

You must have a minimum of $5 in your account to cash out and payments are only sent quarterly via PayPal or physical check.

Saving Star

Need to know:

• Cash back available at $20
• Get cash or gift cards to Starbucks, Apple, AMC Theaters
• Charges $3.99 monthly inactivity fee

Like the other apps on this list, Saving Star lets you either link up your loyalty account and add offers or upload a photo of your receipt to earn your cash back.

You can withdraw cash when you reach $20 via check or PayPal. Or you can elect to get gift card codes sent to you for popular retailers like Starbucks, Apple and AMC Theaters.

However, one warning about using Saving Star: The app will hit you with a $3.99 monthly fee if there’s no activity on your account for 180 consecutive days. The fee is assessed against cash back that has built up in your account, rather than charged to a credit card, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Target

Need to know:

• Offers app-only coupons and REDcard exclusives
• Lets you scan barcodes to add offers as you shop
• Gives you access to Cartwheel offers

Unlike the other apps on this list which let you shop most anywhere you want, the Target app is tied specifically to the Red Retailer.

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With this app you can browse Cartwheel offers and get app-only coupons without the clipping. It also integrates with the REDcard to give you 5% savings on everything you buy at Target — not just groceries.

Final thought 

While there are a variety of apps you can use to save money on groceries, there are one of two ways most of them work: They either track your store loyalty card and offer point-of-sale savings by specific retailer. Or else they require you to add offers and then upload a pic of your receipt.

The nice thing about these apps is that they’re very low-hanging fruit if you’re looking to put more money in your wallet. Anyone can download an app and upload a picture of their receipt. It usually takes just a few seconds. So it’s easy to enjoy the fruits of your labor with very little labor.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for more ways to lower your grocery bill, be sure to check out our 22 ways to save money on groceries!

More supermarket savings on Clark.com

How to return your Amazon purchases at Kohl’s

Visit any Kohl’s department store now and you’ll be able to return items bought on Amazon, thanks to a new partnership between the retailers.

The initiative, called Amazon Returns at Kohl’s, aims to make the return process simpler for customers.

Amazon Returns at Kohl’s: Everything you need to know

In the spring, the retailer announced that the Amazon returns initiative would begin in July, just in time for Amazon Prime Day, which is rapidly approaching.

“Amazon Returns at Kohl’s is now available in all of Kohl’s more than 1,150 stores nationwide — including more than 21 stores in the Atlanta area,” Kohl’s spokeswoman Michelle Anderson tells Team Clark.

“Customers can now visit their local Kohl’s store and return eligible Amazon items, without a box or label — it’s free and easy!”

How to return your Amazon purchases at Kohl’s

Amazon says that when you return an item, you may see different return options depending on the seller, item, or reason for return. Here’s how to return an Amazon item at Kohl’s:

1. Go online to Amazon’s Return Center

On your desktop computer, you can click here to get to Amazon Return Center . You’ll have to choose an item to return, as well as a reason for the return.

2. Select the Kohl’s dropoff option

When you get to the recommended dropoff locations, you should see a Kohl’s option.

Disclaimer: This writer didn’t, but when I reached back out to Kohl’s, the spokeswoman said that it should be there. You’ll have to see if it works in your individual account.

3. Check your inbox for a QR code

Once you choose Kohl’s as a dropoff location, you’re all done on the site. Amazon will email you a QR code that you will need to present to the Kohl’s cashier.

4. Bring your return to your local Kohl’s store

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Bring your returned item to your local Kohl’s store and show them your QR code. Kohl’s will handle the rest from there!

Easy enough? With returns now a breeze, you’re “primed” for some shopping. Here’s everything you need to know about Prime Day 2019.

More Clark.com articles you may enjoy:

Target REDcard credit card review: Should you apply?

Review Summary: The Target REDcard is a store credit card you can use for shopping at Target stores and online at Target.com. The card gives you 5% savings on the majority of purchases at Target, though it also charges a lot of interest if you don’t pay off your card in full by the due date.

Pros

Cons

• 5% back on most Target purchases in-store or online
• Annual 10% savings coupon on card anniversary
• Free shipping at Target.com for cardholders
• Return window extended by 30 days for most items

• • High 25.15% variable APR interest rate if you don’t pay it off
  • Store cards can harm your credit score
  • Only works at Target

How the Target REDcard credit card works

The Target REDcard is a store credit card from Target. This card offers a valuable 5% discount on all eligible Target purchases. Target also offers a debit card which works as an alternative to the REDcard for those who don’t want to deal with credit.

With this store credit card, you can make purchases at Target and Target.com only. That means the card doesn’t work anywhere else. This card only makes sense if you are a dedicated Target shopper and would get extensive value from the 5% discount.

The card currently charges an interest rate of 25.15% APR, which can change at any time with market interest rates. That’s on the high end for most credit cards. This is why we only recommend this (and any credit card) if you will pay it off in full by the monthly due date. If you do so, you’ll never pay any interest.

While this card charges no annual fee, it offers many benefits similar to what you may see with something like Amazon Prime. Cardholders get free two-day shipping on eligible Target.com purchases, 30 days extra for returns both in-store and online, and 15% off when you subscribe for baby items like diapers, wipes and formula.

Target REDcard review: Table of contents

How to earn rewards

You can earn Target REDcard rewards with every purchase at Target and Target.com. For coffee fans, that includes in-store Starbucks locations too. You’ll get 5% back on all eligible purchases. The Cartwheel program gives you up to 50% off on bonus items. You can also subscribe for a total 10% discount on a wide range of items. Many gift cards are included, giving you an effective 5% off at those restaurants, movie theaters, travel companies and other partners. Just use the card for the eligible purchase and the discount will be applied automatically.

8 things to know about the changes coming to CVS and Walgreens in 2019

There are a lot of big shakeups coming to the retail pharmacy business.

You may have heard the news that CVS completed its $78 billion acquisition of health insurer Aetna late last year.

But dig beneath the surface and you’ll see there are several parallel developments going on at archrival Walgreens, as well.

2019 pharmacy business updates: Mergers, new floor plans, expanded services and more

Get ready for some changes to the way you shop…

CVS has more than 9,800 pharmacy locations and 1,100 MinuteClinic walk-in clinics in its portfolio.

After formally closing its acquisition of Aetna in November 2017, the pharmacy chain has several new developments in the pipeline that you’ll want to be on the lookout for.

1. CVS is going all in with SmileDirectClub

Following a successful pilot experiment, CVS now says it will broaden access to SmileDirectClub and its clear aligners through SmileShops in hundreds of CVS Pharmacies during 2019.

The online seller of invisible braces is currently only physically in a handful of CVS retail locations; there are SmileShops in 13 CVS Pharmacies in eight states at the moment.

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So this is a big move!

2. CVS is now selling cannabis-based products in 8 states

The pharmacy chain is offering a variety of cannabidiol (CBD) products that contain a non-psychoactive cannabis compound. The CBD is infused into a variety of topicals such as creams, sprays, roll-ons, lotions and salves

CBD products can be found for sale in the following states:

• Alabama
• California
• Colorado
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Maryland
• Tennessee

3. Your local pharmacy store will be reimagined 

Look for more durable medical equipment for sale, a wider range of vision and hearing services being offered and other new developments to be announced.

CVS CEO Larry Merlo tells USA Today that store may also “partner broadly with others in the community around elements that indirectly impact health care.”

Think outside-of-the-box kind of ideas like offering transportation for patients to checkups and “access to food services” right at your local store.

4. CVS promises savings of $75 on some prescriptions thanks to new technology

The rollout of a proprietary tool called RX Saving Finder that began in mid-2018 is continuing in 2019.

With this tool, the chain’s pharmacists can run your prescription and check for three things:

• Cheaper alternative scripts
• Volume discounts (buy higher quantities at lower cost)
• General manufacturer discounts

Additionally, the RX Savings Finder will identify generics or other therapies that could be cheaper and still work for your medical condition.

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CVS reports the approximate savings patients have seen from RX Saving Finder has been in the range of $75 per script.

5. CVS to expand MinuteClinic virtual visit access nationwide

For the remainder of 2019, CVS will broaden customer access to virtual house calls through the CVS Pharmacy app from a handful of states to around the country. Soon, MinuteClinic virtual visits will be available nationwide where allowed by law.

A health care professional will virtually “see” you for a variety of minor illnesses, minor injuries, skin conditions and women’s services right through your phone. No need to leave your home!

A virtual visit cost $59 and can be paid by the following methods:

• Credit
• Debit
• FSA
• HSA

Walgreens operates 9,560 drugstores with some 400 locations offering Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

Here’s what’s new with Walgreens…

6. Floor space is being shaken up to take on Amazon

CVS isn’t the only company posing a threat to Walgreens. As Amazon looks to muscle its way into the health care business, Walgreens thinks it has found a way to beat the e-commerce giant back.

In a suburban Chicago store near its corporate headquarters, Walgreens is prototyping the pharmacy of the future. The following products are getting front-end billing is the redesign:

• Beauty products
• OTC medications
• Supplements
• Toiletries and more

What’s not feeling the love in the new floor layout? Candy, snacks and seasonal decorations. All three of those are banished to the back, according to a brand-new report from Business Insider.

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The new arrangement also reportedly creates more space for ancillary health services like hearing screenings, eye exams and lab tests.

7. Walgreens is planning a major multi-year expansion of its LabCorp partnership

The 17 LabCorp sites that are now open inside the pharmacy will grow more than 35 times over to a minimum of 600 by 2021, according to a new agreement.

The LabCorp-at-Walgreens collaboration gives customers a place to drop off specimens for diagnostic testing.

8. Kroger and Walgreens are teaming up on a new pilot store format

Ever wanted to order Kroger grocery items online and pickup your order at a closer more conveniently located Walgreens? Your wish is coming true — at least at 13 Walgreens stores in Northern Kentucky near Kroger’s Cincinnati headquarters.

According to a recent press release, the two companies are testing out a new format “that combines Kroger’s role as America’s grocer and food authority with Walgreens global expertise in pharmacy, health and beauty.”

Meanwhile, some are speculating this may just be a precursor to Kroger selling off its pharmacy business to Walgreens.

Check out these health care stories on Clark.com

20 ways to save money at Home Depot

When it comes to picking up products to help maintain and improve our houses, The Home Depot is one of America’s favorite places to shop. That means that figuring out how to save money at Home Depot has become a sport in and of itself.

And no wonder, there are more than 2,200 locations around the United States, making the retailer an accessible destination for most shoppers looking to fix up or accessorize their homes.

Here are 20 ways you can save money at Home Depot

Founded as a comprehensive hardware store in 1978 by Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank, Home Depot today is the largest home improvement store chain in the world.

One of the things that endears the Atlanta, Georgia-based company to its shoppers is their ability to find savings there. In this article, we’re going to show you all the tricks, tips and hacks to save money at Home Depot.

Here are some practical ways to find what you need at Home Depot for less:

1. Special Buy of the Day

The retailer offers an online Special Buy of the Day, which comes with free shipping. You never know what’s on sale until you click, but you can choose from among around 30 items.

2. Get $50 off just for asking

Home Depot employees have been empowered to give up to $50 off on items without a supervisor’s approval, according to Quick Tap Survey. The logic is that employees should be able to do whatever they can to make the sale. We like it!

3. Price match guarantee

Home Depot promises that If you find a lower price on an identical, in-stock item from any retailer, they will match the price — and beat it by 10%.

RELATED: Price-matching policies of your favorite retailers

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4. Email coupons & promo codes

Home Depot sends promo codes via email newsletter and text every so often, so you if you want to save, you’d better jump on them when they come.

Get $5 off your next purchase by signing up for Home Depot’s Promo Text program.

You’ll also get coupons to help you save money sent right to your inbox. Don’t worry, the company says you’ll receive no more than 10 texts to your phone per month.

5. Free 2-day delivery

Home Depot offers free two-day delivery on most items over $45. If you buy from HomeDepot.com, you get free standard delivery on appliance purchases of $396 or more. You can find the expected arrival date of your item in your Shopping Cart under Product Information.

6. Rebates Center

Homedepot.com has a Rebate Center that tells you which products in your area can actually put money back into your pocket.

7. Special Values

The store’s Special Values page spotlights for-sale items by category. So, if you’re looking for a specific thing, click on the department in the left-hand menu and you’ll see what’s available.

8. Veterans Discount

Have you served our country? If so, you’re eligible for a 10% discount at all Home Depot store locations in the USA during national holidays like Veterans Day and Memorial Day. The discount is for in-store only, not online. 

9. Rental Center

A great path to everyday savings for people is Home Depot’s Rental Center, which allows you to rent needed equipment — even trucks and vans — without having to buy. Want to save cash? Rent it, don’t buy!

Money expert Clark Howard’s Facebook community has chimed in on ways they save at Home Depot, as well. Here are some crowd-sourced dollar-saving strategies at the Depot:

10. Buy via gift card

Tambryn: We get a gift card through our credit card and use it to take on big projects. Also, we stop by the seasonal section at the end of season to replace anything that broke or wore out that year or stick up.for next year (like new Christmas lights on January).

11. Credit card offers

Laurie: [Their] credit card has special offers like 6, 9, 12 months same as cash sometimes 24 months. [They] also send 10% coupon discounts with [their] credit card.

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12. Clearance section

Judi: Check out their clearance section. Pay special attention to items that may not have a price tag. I was shopping for a medicine cabinet to use to store my jewelry. I found one in the clearance section without a price that was mirrored on all sides ($200 custom order). It was priced at $.01 (yes – you read that right one cent). After an item is not sold, they keep dropping the price and after it is one cent they destroy it. I KNOW it was not sold previously because no one else waited to get the price.

13. Garden Club

Clark: Join their online garden club and you receive regular $$ off coupons. Check ads for sales. Watch for clearance items throughout the store.

14. Volume Discounts

The store also offers a volume discount, meaning that if you’re buying for a big job, get an associate to add it all up on a price list. The retailer says if your total adds up to at least $1,500, you’ll likely qualify for a volume discount.

15. Free lumber cuts

If you buy lumber from Home Depot, the retailer will do some complimentary cuts for free. This can be invaluable resource if you need some pieces of purchased wood cut quickly.

16. Free DIY workshops

Your local Home Depot also offers free do-it-yourself workshops on everything from kitchen makeovers to how to install a ceiling fan. They even have how-to videos that you can watch to save time and money.

17. ‘Oops’ Paint

Home Depot is one of the cheapest places to buy paint because it features a small section of what is called “Oops” paint. This is typically kept in a nondescript area of the paint department close to where the paint mixing is done.

“Oops” paint is sold for a heavy discount because the store was not able to sell it to a customer, either because the color was off or the texture was incorrect. Either way, you’ll need to ask an associate at your local Home Depot to confirm what’s available there.

18. Home Depot’s Weekly Ad

The store also puts coupons in its Weekly Ad, where you can find tons of discounts. You can find these circulars in stores, in your mailbox or on the store’s website. Speaking of which….

19. Website coupons

HomeDepot.com has a Coupons page that has some of its latest deals for internet-savvy shoppers. You can find an array of savings if you scroll down.

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20. ClarkDeals.com

If you don’t want to subscribe to the store’s newsletter, our sister site ClarkDeals.com keeps up with the latest promo codes here!

Know of any more ways to save at Home Depot? Let us know on Clark’s Facebook or Twitter.

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