How old is the webshop? Shopeye checks the domain’s age
A webshop can look established even if its domain was created a few weeks ago. Shopeye therefore looks at domain age and uses it as part of the overall risk assessment.
A new domain is not proof of fraud by itself. Every serious shop was new once. Very young domains often need more documentation before you should feel comfortable paying.
How Shopeye interprets age
In Shopeye’s current model, these broad ranges apply:
- Under 30 days: A clear warning signal.
- Under 6 months: A milder warning signal.
- Between 6 and 12 months: Age alone is neither a plus nor a minus.
- Over 1 year: A small positive signal.
Age is weighed together with company details, reviews, returns, and payment methods. An old domain may have new owners, and a new domain may belong to a real business. Age therefore never decides the result on its own.
Why do fake shops often use new domains?
Some scam shops are created quickly, advertised aggressively, and disappear again when complaints start. A brand-new domain fits that pattern, but Shopeye looks for more signs before it becomes a strong overall warning.
Sikkerdigital also recommends looking closely at the web address, because odd addresses and extremely cheap branded goods can be signs of a fake shop.
A new domain plus missing information
The combination often matters more. If the domain is under 90 days old, the business information could not be verified, and there are no independent reviews, Shopeye can show the new and unverifiable webshop signal.
That is a stronger warning than domain age alone, because several typical risk signs appear together. It is not the same as the signal for a missing CVR number.
What can you check yourself?
If the shop is brand new, you can:
- Compare name, CVR, and address with an official company register.
- Read the return terms and find the concrete return address.
- Check whether you can pay by card or another method with chargeback options.
- Be extra sceptical of extreme discounts and time pressure.
- Wait with a large purchase until the shop has more history.
Also see Shopeye’s checks of company details and secure payment.
Does an old domain mean the shop is safe?
No. Domains can change owner, be compromised, or get entirely new content. High age is only a small positive signal. Known threats, a false CVR number, or a misused e-mærket mark weigh much more.
In short
Domain age helps put the shop in context. A very new domain should make you look for more documentation, while an older domain only gives a little extra reassurance.
Read all the signals Shopeye checks.