How to check the security of the site when paying

Even "well-known" sites have weaknesses: fake payment forms, phishing domains, card leaks due to incorrect integration. Below is a short and extended checklists that will help you quickly assess risks before paying and not give data to attackers.

60 second express check (minimum to be done)

1. Address bar: domain without errors/substitutions (example: 'brand. com ', not' brand. com 'with similar characters).

2. HTTPS and lock: connection encrypted. The lock ≠ a guarantee of honesty, but without it - leave right away.

3. Domain match: payment form on the domain of a brand or well-known PSP (payment provider).

4. 3DS2/biometrics: when paying by card, the bank requests confirmation (SMS/application/biometrics).

5. Visual inconsistencies: spelling errors, strange shrews/logos, pixel icons - a reason to stop.

6. Privacy/offer policy: open, readable, no blank plugs.

If any of this does not converge, do not enter the card/wallet details.

Extended checklist (5-7 minutes)

1) Browser indicators and certificate

HTTPS: Should be on all payment steps, including redirects.

TLS certificate: valid, issued by a known certification authority; domain name is the same.

HSTS: when you log in again, the site immediately forces HTTPS (the browser does not allow you to open the HTTP version).

No "mixed content": there should be no non-secret resources (pictures/scripts over HTTP) on the payment page.

2) Domain and brand

Age and domain history: suspiciously "registered yesterday."

Unified brand: the domain of the site, cabinet and support is agreed (and not a hodgepodge from different zones).

Contacts: real address, Jurassic name, TIN/regnomer (for financial services/casino - license data).

3) Payment form behavior

Form hosting:

Built-in iFrame from PSP or redirect to PSP domain is normal practice.
The card entry field on the main site without an iframe is an increased risk (the operator himself "sees" PAN/CVV).
Tokenization: the site clearly writes that the card data is tokenized and not stored by the merchant.
Field restrictions: input masks, ban on JS insertion, BIN auto-test - signs of live anti-fraud logic.
No auto-save: the browser does not offer to "save the password" to the card/wallet fields.

4) Standards and controls

PCI DSS (for cards): match mention and who actually handles PAN.

SCA/3DS2: two-factor confirmation through the bank.

AML/KYC: The rules specify basic checks - this is normal, not "bureaucracy."

Policies of returns and disputes: deadlines and order are clearly spelled out.

5) UI/UX little things that often give out phishing

Different fonts and "ragged" layout at one step.

Buttons without hovers/states (gray "pictures" instead of live buttons).

Broken localizations, strange currency/time zone.

Timers "Pay for 2:59, otherwise everything will disappear" - pressure and manipulation.

Payment Method Specifics

Bank cards

3DS2 is required. No additional confirmation - high risk.

Do not take pictures of the card or forward PAN/CVV to the "support" chat.

Saving a card - only if the provider supports tokens and you trust the site.

Electronic wallets/local methods

Please check your limits and fees before confirming.

Cryptocurrency

The network and address must exactly match (TRC20/ERC20/BTC/LN).

Remember: transactions are irrevocable; double check of address/amount is mandatory.

Payment through the custodial service - check its reputation and KYC.

Red flags (stop right away)

There is no HTTPS or the browser swears at the certificate.

Domain with typo/character substitution, "mirror" without explanation.

Map fields are located on the site itself without an explicit iFrame/PSP redirect.

They require a photo card on both sides and a passport in one letter "for acceleration."

They promise "without KYC," "any country without restrictions," "0% always."
They write "transfer to the manager's personal card/wallet."

What to do if in doubt

1. Stop. Do not enter any data.

2. Check the domain manually, go to the site through the bookmark or search from scratch.

3. Check the bank/wallet office: there are no pending authorization requests.

4. Ask for support (briefly and on the case) - who their payment provider is and is there a PCI DSS/3DS2.

5. Pay alternatively: through a verified wallet/PSP; avoid P2P on personal cards.

6. Inform the bank for any suspicious authorization, re-issue the card if PAN/CVV leaks.

Mini-policy for yourself (template)

I pay only on HTTPS, with 3DS2/SCA and tokenization.

I do not pass PAN/CVV/seed phrases either by letter or to the chat.

I save cards only from trusted providers.

For crypts - whitelist addresses and 2FA, a small test translation before a large amount.

At the slightest doubt - another method/another site.

FAQ (short)

Does the lock in the address bar guarantee security?

No, it isn't. He only talks about encrypting the connection. The site can still be phishing.

Redirect to a payment domain is normal?

Yes, if the domain is a known PSP. The main thing is to check the address.

Support asks for card details "for quick verification." Give?

Ad Kalendas Graecas. Support should not see PAN/CVV.

Secure payment is a discipline of a few simple rules: the correct domain, HTTPS/certificate, 3DS2/SCA, visible PSP/tokenization work and the absence of exotic "promises." By doing a minute check every time, you close 90% of phishing and payment data leakage scenarios.