When to pay
Online payment: check, pay and react in case of dispute
The browser lock protects the transmission of data, but does not guarantee the identity of the seller or the proper execution of the order. The control must relate to the domain, the basket, the beneficiary and the means of payment.
Quick response
Essential in a minute
Return to the site by your own navigation, check the domain and final amount, and then use a payment method that offers authentication and trace. Never validate a request received in a courier without finding the order from the official account. Keep the summary and contact the seller and then the bank quickly in case of suspicious transaction or dispute.
1Return to the official route
A link received by email, SMS or courier can mimic a store or carrier. Open the site or app yourself, log in to your account and find the cart. Check the character-by-character domain name and avoid continuing if the page changes abruptly without explanation.
- Domain seized or found from a reliable favourite.
- Cart visible in the customer account.
- No unusual pressure to pay immediately.
2. Control the amount and the beneficiary
Reread the reference, quantity, currency, shipping costs, options added and total. On a marketplace, confirm the selected seller. If a payment provider intervenes, his name must be consistent with the information displayed by the shop.
- Total identical to summary.
- Options and possible subscription identified.
- Coherent seller and beneficiary.
3. Keep authentication under control
Strong authentication can require validation in the bank application or a single-use code. Read the amount and name displayed before confirming. A bank, seller or advisor should not ask you to dictate this code to cancel a transaction.
- Amount read in the bank application.
- Validation performed without code sharing.
- Card not saved if not useful.
4. Build the file and act quickly
In case of a problem, write to the seller first with the order number and the requested solution. For an unauthorized transaction, contact the bank immediately. For a non-delivered or non-compliant property paid by card, a back bill can be requested, but it is not automatic and depends on the file and the rules of the card network.
- Confirmation and invoice saved.
- Written claim sent to the seller.
- Bank contacted without delay if the transaction is suspicious.
Compare
Choosing an appropriate response
| Situation | First contact | Useful parts |
|---|---|---|
| Unrecognized payment | Bank immediately | Survey, capture, opposition |
| Order not delivered | Seller and bank if necessary | Ordering, delay, exchanges |
| Non-compliant product | Seller with precise request | Invoice, product sheet, photos |
| Double flow | Seller and bank | Two operations, confirmation |
Before you continue
Final checklist : Pay securely online
Check the points you actually checked. Checks stay in this page during the visit; they are not sent to the server. A checked point does not constitute a validation of the merchant.
Guide: Pay securely online · Révision éditoriale : 17 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful answers
Does the HTTPS lock prove that a site is reliable?
No. It indicates that the connection is encrypted. A fraudulent site can also use HTTPS; check identity, domain, offer and terms.
Should we accept a transfer payment?
The transfer may be legitimate, but it often offers less possibilities for contesting than a card payment. Check carefully the beneficiary and the context before using it.
Is retro-billing guaranteed?
No. It may be requested in certain situations, but its acceptance depends on the applicable framework, the network of cards and the supporting documentation provided.
To check
Reference sources and documentation
This guidance draws on French and European sources. For a cross-border purchase, check the seller’s country, your country of residence and the type of contract. The language of this page does not determine the rules that apply. Consumer rights in the EU — Your Europe.
The editorial update date does not guarantee a new verification of each source. See the references for an individual situation or regulatory evolution.
- DGCCRF — How can Internet purchases be made securely?Vendor identity, payment, prices and remedies.
- Economy.gouv.fr — Online purchasing and services: advice in litigationClaim, mediation, reporting and retro-billing.
- DGCCRF — Online payments fraudStrong authentication and fraud procedures.
- Your Europe — Consumer rights in the EUScope of consumer rights for purchases in the European Union.
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