(NewsUSA) - Shopping online is easy and convenient—you can find almost anything, from snacks to sneakers. But not every product is what it seems. While most sellers are honest, some try to take advantage of shoppers by offering counterfeit goods.

That’s why at Walmart we’ve built layers of protection into the shopping experience—to help you shop with confidence. Here's how to stay sharp when shopping anywhere online.

How to Identify a Counterfeit Product

• Check the Seller's Reputation: Always look at the seller's ratings and reviews on the platform. A strong, positive track record and customer reviews are good signs. Be wary of brand-new sellers with no history or negative reviews.
• Examine Listings Carefully: Be cautious of listings with poor-quality images, blurred logos, misspelled brand names, or spelling and grammar errors in the product description. Trusted sellers with authentic listings typically feature clear, professional photos and detailed, accurate information.
• Compare Prices: If a price seems "too good to be true," it likely is. Extremely low prices for a typically expensive item, especially when compared to other reputable sellers, are a major red flag for fakes.

• Trust Your Instincts: If something about a listing or a seller feels off, move on. Seek out other, more trusted sellers on the marketplace. Your gut feeling can often be a good indicator.
• Review Return and Warranty Policies: Reputable sellers typically offer clear and transparent return, refund, and warranty policies. Look for these details before buying, as a lack of clear policies can be a red flag.

At Walmart, before a seller can list items on Walmart.com, they go through an identity and business check. We also use smart tools and teams of people to review listings and remove any items or sellers that do not meet our standards. If you do see something that doesn’t seem right—like a suspicious item or seller—say something! You can report them to us, details here. And if a customer isn’t satisfied—for any reason—our return policy is designed to make things right, quickly and easily.

With all these protections in place, you can truly shop with peace of mind. The truth is, the vast majority of items sold online are authentic and sold by trustworthy sellers. By combining our robust safeguards with these simple tricks, you can navigate the online marketplace with even more confidence.