Fake Websites & How to Spot Them
How do you spot a fake website? Fake websites are often used by scammers and hackers looking to illegally obtain user information. Information that can be stolen through these websites can be used to commit identity theft, illegally transfer funds, and gain unauthorized privileged access.
Below are some ways to spot a fake website.
Poor Spelling/Grammar and Visual Issues.
Poor spelling and grammar can often indicate a fraudulent website. Businesses such as Google and Microsoft as well as banking institutions have editors and writers that are responsible for the overall look of their company websites. Websites that are wrought with grammar and spelling issues are red flags for scammers and hackers that do not have the same resources as legitimate businesses. Logos and images will also be blurry or incorrect and outdated.
Failing SSL/browser check or incorrect URL.
If the URL is not what you are used to seeing on a website you visit regularly, or does not follow the correct domain naming, the website could be a scam. Government websites often end in .gov and educational institutions use .edu for example.
Most modern browsers also will give SSL certificate warnings and visual alerts if a website is fraudulent.
Look for reviews.
By looking up the suspicious website on search engines such as Google, you can find user reviews on a suspicious website. Tools such as the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker can also be used to verify the legitimacy of a website.
Use these methods when encountering a suspicious website.