What this does
This prompt helps you evaluate whether an online shopping website is legitimate or potentially a “ghost site” - a professionally designed scam site created to look real but intended to steal your money or personal information. It guides AI to assess warning signs like domain history, language patterns, pricing tactics, contact details, and checkout behavior, then explains the risks in clear, non-technical terms.
Why it’s useful
Shopping scams have evolved. Many fake sites now look polished, use familiar product photos, and even appear in search results or social ads. For everyday shoppers, especially those who value security and peace of mind, it’s hard to know what’s safe anymore. This prompt gives you a second set of eyes, helping you pause, evaluate, and avoid costly mistakes before you click “buy.”
Copy & Paste This Entire Prompt
Before you use it, just remember:
1) copy the entire prompt in italics below
2) paste into Notepad, Word, Docs, or your favorite text editor
3) personalize any [brackets]
4) paste into ChatGPT, Gemini, or your favorite AI app
5) run the prompt
Prompt
I want you to act as a cautious consumer safety assistant helping me evaluate whether an online shopping website is legitimate or potentially a scam or “ghost site.”
The website I’m considering is: [website URL].
I found it through: [Google search, Facebook ad, Instagram ad, email, other].
Please analyze common risk factors in plain language, including: domain age and credibility, pricing that seems unusually low, urgency or pressure tactics, quality of written language, presence or absence of real contact information, return and refund policies, payment methods offered, and overall transparency.
Explain which elements seem trustworthy and which are potential red flags.
Then clearly classify the site as: likely legitimate, questionable, proceed with caution, or high risk—avoid. Offer practical next steps I should take before buying, such as safer payment options or ways to verify the seller elsewhere.
Avoid fear-based language, technical jargon, or absolute guarantees. Focus on helping an everyday shopper make a calm, informed decision.
How this helps you
This approach helps you slow down before a risky purchase. Instead of relying on gut instinct alone, you gain a structured way to evaluate unfamiliar sites and ads. That reduces financial risk, protects your personal information, and restores confidence when shopping online.
