How to Tell If a Website Is Legit (2025 Guide for Australians)
How to Tell If a Website Is Legit (2025 Guide for Australians)
If you’ve ever second-guessed a website before clicking “buy now,” you’re not alone. In today’s digital world, knowing whether a website is legit can protect your personal information and your wallet.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to tell if a website is trustworthy. Whether you're shopping online, booking travel, or hiring a tradesperson, these steps can save you from scams and headaches.
Why Does Website Legitimacy Matter?
Australians lost more than $480 million to online scams in 2024 alone, according to the ACCC’s Scamwatch. Fake websites are a major part of that. These fraudulent sites can steal your money, harvest your personal data, and vanish overnight.
The good news? There are clear signs to spot a real, trustworthy website.
1. Check for HTTPS and the Padlock
Start with the URL. A secure website should begin with https:// - not just http. The “s” stands for secure. You should also see a small padlock icon in the address bar.
2. Look for Real Contact Information
Legitimate businesses want you to reach them. Look for:
- A physical address
- A working phone number
- A professional email address (ideally using the business’s domain name)
Cross-Check the Info:
- contact VerifiedBusiness.ai to confirm if we have verified the site you're reffering to.
- Google the address and phone number to see if they appear elsewhere consistently.
3. Confirm ABN or ACN Registration
In Australia, real businesses must be registered with the Australian Business Register (ABR) or ASIC.
- Check if the business has a verified business badge on their website. VerifiedBusiness.ai runs checks to confirm if the business is registered and compliant.
- Or manually search ABN Lookup for their ABN.
87% of Australians said seeing official registration boosted their confidence in a business (Digital Trust Survey, 2023).
4. Read the Refund and Privacy Policies
Legitimate websites clearly explain:
- What happens if a product is faulty or doesn’t arrive
- How your personal data is collected and used
5. Look for Independent Reviews
Don’t just rely on reviews on the business’s own website. Check platforms like:
- Google Reviews
- ProductReview.com.au
- Verifiedbusiness.ai has a feature to verify the authenticity of reviews
Be cautious of no reviews, only 5-star reviews posted in a short time, and overuse of stock photos.
6. Use VerifiedBusiness.ai
VerifiedBusiness.ai lets you quickly check if a business:
- Is officially registered in Australia
- Has a verifiable trading history
- Matches its website contact details
Look for the Verified Business trust badge on the site. When clicked, it links directly to that business’s listing in the Verified Business Directory. There, you'll find registration details, verification history, and any relevant safety indicators.
Also check if they appear on:
If they’re absent from all major directories? Think twice.
7. Watch for Website Red Flags
Signs to watch for include:
- Lots of grammar or spelling errors
- Pop-ups pushing fake discounts
- No About page or company background
- Only crypto or wire transfers accepted
Trustworthy sites feel consistent and polished. If something feels off, it usually is.
Final Takeaway
Scammers rely on speed and distraction. They want you to rush. Take a few minutes and check:
- Is the site using HTTPS?
- Is the contact info verifiable?
- Are they listed on VerifiedBusiness.ai?
- Are reviews real?
These small steps could save you hundreds...or more.