Most well-known key stores are legitimate, but the popularity of cheap keys also attracts scam sites. Here are the warning signs, and how to protect yourself.
Warning signs
- Prices that are far too good to be true. A brand-new game for a few pounds is a red flag.
- No company details. Legitimate stores show who runs them, where they're based and how to contact them.
- Payment by bank transfer, gift cards or crypto only. These offer little or no protection.
- No reviews, or only glowing reviews. Check independent review sites.
- A web address that's slightly off. Scam sites sometimes copy the name or look of a well-known store.
- Pressure tactics. Countdown timers and "only 1 left!" on a digital code should make you suspicious.
How to check a store
- Search for reviews of the store on independent review sites.
- Look for a returns and support policy and real contact details.
- Check how long the site has been around. Established stores are a safer bet.
- Pay with protection. Credit cards and PayPal give you a way to dispute a payment if you don't get what you paid for.
Using a comparison site helps
Zemly only lists stores we've chosen to work with, through their official affiliate programmes or public data feeds. We don't list random sites we've never heard of. That doesn't replace your own judgement, but it does mean you're starting from known stores.
If something goes wrong
- Contact the store's support first. Most problems are sorted quickly.
- Keep your order confirmation and any emails.
- If the store won't help, contact your card provider or PayPal about a dispute.
- Report scam websites to Action Fraud in the UK.
Stay safe with keys and accounts
Remember that accounts carry extra risks compared with keys. Read Game accounts vs game keys and Are Kinguin, G2A and Eneba keys legit? for more.