Can you spot three fake websites and compare the three fake websites to three real websites, plus showcase what makes the fake websites fake?
https://supermario-game.com/#google_vignette
One can play various Super Mario games online for free on this website. Despite its appearance as the official Mario website, it is a scam designed to trick users into downloading malicious software onto their devices. It has many pop-ups, no way to contact the owner, and it requires downloading a Flash Player to play the games. All these elements are usually used by con artists.
2) https://www.bankofamerica.com/
The official Bank of America website has a slightly different URL modeled after this one. It requires login credentials and personal information with the claim it is for security reasons. However, this is a standard phishing technique, and the website is fake; it is set up to steal personal data.
Discount codes for Best Buy products are available on this website, but the deals look too good to be accurate. They require the user to enter sensitive information in order to redeem the codes. The website may be a scam because of its subpar design and numerous broken links.
Real Websites
1) www.apple.com: Apple’s official website has a professional design, clear branding, and no pop-up ads.
2) www.bankofamerica.com: The lock icon in the URL bar denotes a secure connection to the official Bank of America website. In order to prevent confusion with fake websites, it also features a professional design and prominently displays the official website address.
3) https://www.bestbuy.com/?intl=nosplash:
Best Buy’s official site has a professional design and no pop-up ads. It displays the company’s official logo and branding.
What Makes the Fake Websites Fake?
Various aspects make fake websites fake. Firstly, such websites often need a professional design and may have multiple broken links, which makes them seem untrustworthy. Secondly, they require personal information. Trustworthy websites never require valuable sensitive data such credit card number and social security numbers, as well as passwords. Fake websites may use this tactic in attempts to steal personal information. Finally, such websites may have excessive pop-up ads or contain numerous spelling and grammatical errors. These features indicate lack of professionalism and authenticity.