As you venture through the treacherous lands of Elden Ring, you’ll eventually realize the importance of runes. Whether you’re looking to level up, upgrade weapons, or simply survive the chaotic encounters, runes are key to your success. With the game's massive popularity, it’s no surprise that a variety of third-party rune shops have popped up online. Some of these shops, however, might not have your best interests at heart.

In this article, we’ll explore five signs that an Elden Ring rune shop might be a scam, and how to protect yourself from falling into these traps.

1. Unbelievable Prices: If It Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is

Let’s face it: everyone loves a good deal. But when a rune shop is offering to buy Elden Ring runes at prices significantly lower than the norm, it's a major red flag. While it’s tempting to snag cheap runes, these deals are often too good to be true. Realistically, rune farming in Elden Ring takes a lot of effort and time, so no legitimate shop would be able to offer rock-bottom prices without cutting corners or using shady practices.

If you see offers like “Buy Elden Ring runes online cheap,” take a step back. The risk might not be worth the small savings. Trustworthy shops price their products competitively, but they still reflect the time and effort involved in acquiring the runes.

2. Lack of Customer Reviews or Feedback

A reputable rune shop will have a trail of feedback from customers who’ve made purchases before. Whether through testimonials, forum posts, or social media mentions, positive reviews are a sign of legitimacy. If you can’t find any reviews, or worse, all the reviews are oddly vague and generic, it’s a big red flag.

Before buying, do a quick search for the shop’s name. See if there are any complaints or negative experiences shared by other players. You can also check trusted gaming communities like Reddit or Elden Ring forums to see if others have dealt with the same shop. If it’s hard to find anything, you might be dealing with a scam.

3. Unclear or Suspicious Payment Methods

When you want to buy Elden Ring runes, always look for shops that offer secure, recognized payment methods. PayPal, credit cards, or well-known payment processors are your safest bet. If a shop only accepts obscure payment methods or asks for cryptocurrency payments without offering any legitimate explanation, it’s time to walk away.

Scammers often use anonymous payment systems to avoid detection. If you feel uncomfortable about the payment options, don’t risk it. It’s better to pay a little extra for peace of mind than to get scammed out of your money.

4. No Customer Support or Communication

Customer support is a crucial part of any online purchase. A trustworthy rune shop should have clear and accessible communication channels, whether it’s email, live chat, or a contact form. If you’re trying to reach out to the shop and never get a response—or worse, if there’s no way to contact them at all—it’s a huge warning sign.

A reputable store will offer support if there are any issues with your order. If you can’t get in touch with anyone, there’s a good chance that you’re dealing with a scam, and the runes might never arrive.

5. Overly Aggressive Marketing and Pressure Tactics

Scam shops love to push for fast action. If a website has a countdown timer or constantly pops up with "limited-time offers," it’s often a tactic to pressure you into making a hasty purchase. These shops create a sense of urgency to make you feel like you’ll miss out on a great deal, but in reality, this is a manipulation tactic.

Take your time to research the store and avoid shops that rush you into buying. Whether it’s through excessive pop-ups or the constant bombardment of “buy now” messages, a genuine shop won’t pressure you to make a decision on the spot. A trustworthy shop will allow you to take your time and make an informed choice.

How to Stay Safe When Buying Runes

It’s always tempting to buy Elden Ring runes online, especially when you're stuck on a boss or grinding for materials. But while there are some legitimate sites that offer rune purchases, it's essential to know the signs of a scam. Before making any transaction, always look for clear customer reviews, a secure payment method, and proper customer support.

If you’re ever unsure, consider using more established platforms like U4GM, where the reviews and service reliability are more transparent. Don’t rush into making a purchase simply because the deal looks good—scammers thrive on impulsive decisions.

What Players Say: Best Beginner Builds for Elden Ring in 2025