Legitimate discounted software keys are real and common — see our guide on whether cheap keys are legit for why. But scam sites do exist alongside legitimate ones, and a handful of concrete signs reliably separate the two.
Red Flag: No Refund or Replacement Policy
A legitimate seller stands behind their keys — if one doesn't activate, they replace it or refund you. No stated policy, or a policy that explicitly excludes activation failures, is one of the clearest warning signs.
Red Flag: Prices Below Realistic Wholesale Cost
Genuine OEM keys have a real wholesale cost even at bulk discount — see our OEM vs Retail vs Volume License Keys guide for how that pricing works. A key priced far below what that wholesale math could ever support is a strong signal it isn't genuine.
Red Flag: No Real Way to Contact Support
If there's no visible email, chat, or contact method — or the only option is a form that never gets a response — that's a serious warning sign, especially for a purchase you might need help with later.
Red Flag: Brand-New Site With No Track Record
No reviews, no history, and a domain registered days ago is a classic scam-site pattern — legitimate resellers build a visible track record over time.
Green Flag Checklist
- Clear license-type disclosure (OEM, retail, or volume) on the product page
- A stated refund/replacement guarantee
- Real, reachable customer support
- Visible reviews and an established operating history
- Pricing consistent with realistic wholesale ranges, not implausibly low
