Week 6 – Journal Entry #6: Identifying Fake Websites for Online Safety

I learned about the importance of identifying fake websites to stay safe online. One example is “paypa1.com,” a fraudulent version of “paypal.com” that replaces the letter ‘l’ with the number ‘1.’ Another example is “blueowlusa.shop,” which mimics “blueowl.us” by using a different domain to trick shoppers. Lastly, “ruggedsale.com” pretends to be “theruggedsociety.com” with misleading branding and unrealistic deals.

These fake sites often lack security certificates, have misspelled URLs, and offer prices that seem too good to be true. Legitimate websites, on the other hand, use correct domain names, proper security measures, and transparent contact details. To avoid scams, I will always verify URLs, check for security indicators, and remain cautious of suspicious deals.