How do I recognize fake websites

Fake websites are designed to look like a legitimate website in order to confuse the user and trick the user to enter his/her password, money or private information. Tips for spotting fake websites: Check the web address, ensure that the site has a secure connection, examine the site details, watch for urgent requests, and check the site from a trusted source before entering confidential information.

Carefully examine the site address

The first thing to note is the website URL. Scammers will often use addresses which are almost identical to real companies. Rude spelling, added words, unusual domain name or added symbol can be a red flag.

Don't rely on a familiar-looking logo as it may be fake. Logos, colors, photographs and page designs are permitted for reproduction. Always read the full Web address and never just the name of the page. Be wary of hyperlinks in unsolicited e-mails, text messages, social media posts and online advertisements.

Understand the limitations and capabilities of https

A secure connection is beneficial, but it's not a sign of a legitimate website. Check the security sign in the browser and the address bar to see if it begins with HTTPS.

In fact, fake sites can also be a secure site, with the use of HTTPS. That mostly applies to data encryption that's sent from the browser to the website and vice versa. It will not validate the web page's owner.

Therefore, take into account the entire web address and how you got to the page. Do not trust a website, just because its address is preceded by 'HTTPS', if it requires a password or payment.

Be alert for pressure and unusual requests

The tendency to try and rush its visitors is common practice with fake websites. One page may say that an account will be shut down, a payment is due or some special offer is going to expire in a few minutes.

People do things to avoid important checks because of the pressure. Take a step back to consider information before entering it. Think about if the message came as a surprise and if you really have to take the requested action.

Be extra careful when prompted to give a password, one-time password, card PIN, recovery code or other private information on a website. Never provide security codes due to a site's request.

Check the website's fundamental data.Read the basic information on the Web site

A good website will contain useful information about the organisation/service that it's about. Check for a contact page, privacy policy, terms of use and more.

Having missing information doesn't necessarily mark a website as a fake. But a collection of several warning signs should make you more wary. Look for spelling mistakes, missing pages, incorrect grammar, misspelled company names or information that doesn't match the organization's.

Don't just read reviews on the website. Reviews can be copied, altered and even fabricated. When reputation matters, rely on independent sources of information from reliable sources.

Take advantage of browser warnings and security tools

Modern browsers can warn the user if the site that they are going to be visiting is a known dangerous site. Keep the browsers, operating system and security software up to date to work properly.

Security tools provide extra security, but are no replacement for cautious judgment. Don't ignore a warning just because the website has a professional appearance.

Don't disable security warnings to view a page. A warning isn't necessarily a sign of a scam, but if it is, use it as a warning to check the site address before proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q1. How to determine if a website is a scam?

A. First of all, verify the complete URL (web address). Look at the spelling, the domain name, if it's not the one that matches the organisation that you want to visit, check for strange symbols and addresses.

Q2. Does going to a 'HTTPS' site guarantee that the site is safe?

A. The connection is secured by HTTPS, but there are some sites that are bogus. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure to verify the website's address and source.

Q3. What are the reasons behind the distressing messages sent by fake websites?

A. Urgency may make visitors come to a decision without surfing the web. If someone tells you that your account is going to be closed immediately or that your money will be paid off, or that there is going to be a problem, but only for a short time, request verification on your own.

Q4. What information should I put on an untrustworthy website?

A. Wait until it is a site you know to be secure before typing in passwords, one time passwords, PINs, banking details, recovery codes or other personal information.

Q5. What if I type in a fake website, what do I do?

A. If financial information was given, use the original service to change passwords; if this information was disclosed contact your bank; multi-factor authentication and record evidence for reporting.