The above isn't an in-depth verification, but it's something most people can do, and enough to prevent the vast majority of scams. Of course there is no protec

The above isn't an in-depth verification, but it's something most people can do, and enough to prevent the vast majority of scams. Of course there is no protection from a dedicated attacker or someone who targets you specifically; I'm not suggesting there is a reasonably convenient protection in that case. To answer your question regarding whether I really check, I followed a similar process when I was using a digital launderette earlier this week, and when I was renting a flat, I verified the agency's URL through checking out their shop window on Street View, apart from checking out the landlord and land registries. It is a habit that I'd expect everyone to develop.