How to Tell if an Internet Company is a Scam: Protect Yourself Before You Buy
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There seems to be more and more fraudulent activity in the aviation industry every day. As more businesses shift online, it’s important to stay alert and recognize the signs of a scam. Whether you’re looking for flight gear or trying a subscription service like our Air Place headset rentals, being able to spot a fraudulent company can save you time, money, and frustration. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the digital aviation marketplace safely.
1. Look for Quick and Transparent Communication
A real company will have clear, prompt communication with its customers. If there’s an issue with your order or service, they’ll let you know right away and keep you informed throughout the process. At Air Place, we prioritize transparency and make sure you’re always in the loop. If there’s ever a delay or problem with your subscription, you’ll hear directly from us.
On the other hand, fraudulent companies tend to avoid communication or give vague, delayed responses. If you’re having trouble getting straight answers from a business, that’s a big red flag.
2. Check for Clear Contact Options
Even if a business is online-only (like Air Place), you should still be able to contact the company easily if needed. Things to look for:
Email or Contact Form: Legitimate companies provide at least one way to get in touch. If you don’t see an email address or contact form, that’s a red flag. You can always reach Air Place at airplaceusa@gmail.com. We will respond as quickly as possible.
Phone Number on Request: While not every company lists a phone number publicly (we don't), a trustworthy business should be willing to provide one if you request it. At Air Place, we’re always happy to talk over the phone if you prefer—just reach out!
3. Check Reviews and Testimonials—But Understand New Businesses May Not Have Them Yet
Online reviews are important, but what if a company is brand new and doesn’t have any yet? Don’t write them off automatically. Instead:
Search for mentions: You might find early feedback on social media or aviation forums.
Ask for references: If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask the business for references or testimonials from past customers.
Start small: When trying a new service, make a small purchase first to test their reliability.
Since Air Place is still growing, we don’t yet have online reviews, but we’re confident in the quality of our service and welcome inquiries about what we offer.
4. Verify Secure Payment Options
Security should be a top priority for any business handling financial transactions online. Make sure:
The website is secure: Look for “https://” and a padlock icon on checkout pages to ensure your data is protected.
Multiple payment methods: Scammers often push for risky payment options. Reputable businesses offer safer methods like credit card payments.
Air Place uses a secure system to protect your payment information and ensures all transactions are encrypted.
5. Review the Terms and Policies
Before making a purchase or signing up for a service, review the terms and conditions. Things to look for:
Clear return or cancellation policies: Any business should offer transparent terms regarding how to return a product or cancel a service.
Detailed pricing: Avoid companies that aren’t upfront about costs. At Air Place, our pricing is straightforward— straight monthly rental cost starting at $35/month for our noise-canceling headset subscriptions. We have free shipping both ways. We do have a fee detailed in our terms and conditions if the headsets are not returned or are returned damaged.
5. Examine the Website's Professionalism
A professional-looking website is often an indicator of a legitimate business. Keep an eye out for:
Spelling and grammar mistakes: Poorly written content is a red flag.
Broken links: A well-maintained website should be functional.
Suspicious URLs: Double-check that the domain is accurate and doesn’t mimic a well-known brand.
We’ve designed the Air Place website to be easy to navigate and secure, so your experience with us is smooth from start to finish. But we aren't writers or web designers, so if you see mistakes, please let us know!
6. Trust Your Instincts
Finally, trust your gut. If something feels off—whether it’s pressure to buy quickly or an offer that seems too good to be true—pause and do some more research.
At Air Place, we’re committed to transparency and building trust with our customers. If you ever have any concerns or questions about our service, we’re more than happy to discuss them with you.
Ready to Subscribe? Explore our Products page to get started with your headset rental today!
