How to Tell If a Website Is Legitimate Before Entering Your Info
Fake websites are everywhere. One wrong click, and you could be:
- Handing over your password to hackers
- Giving your credit card details to a scammer
- Downloading malware onto your device
Scammers are getting better at making fake sites look real. This guide will teach you how to spot a scam website before you get tricked.
The Red Flags of a Fake Website
Before entering any personal info, check for these warning signs:
The URL Looks Suspicious
Fake websites often have slight misspellings:
What to Do Instead:
- Manually type in the website (or use bookmarks).
- Look for HTTPS (a padlock icon in the address bar).
- Check the domain age using Whois Lookup (scam sites are often very new).
The Website Tries to Rush You
Scam sites pressure you with urgency:
- “LIMITED TIME OFFER! ENTER YOUR CARD NOW!”
- “Your account is at risk! Log in immediately!”
- “Claim your prize before it’s too late!”
What to Do Instead:
- Slow down—real businesses don’t force panic decisions.
- Google the deal or offer to see if it’s a known scam.
The Grammar & Design Are Off
- Typos & bad grammar: “Your account has been compromise, please reset password.”
- Low-quality images or mismatched fonts
- Broken links or missing contact info
What to Do Instead:
Check for errors—real companies proofread their content.
Compare it to the official website (open the real site in another tab).
The Payment Methods Are Suspicious
- Only accepts gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
- Prices are too good to be true
- No secure checkout (HTTPS)
What to Do Instead:
- Use credit cards (not debit) for better fraud protection.
- Check user reviews on Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau.
How to Verify If a Website Is Legitimate
Even if a site looks real, use these verification steps before entering information:
Google It
- Search the site name + “scam” (e.g., “ZippyShoes scam”)
- Look for news articles or Reddit threads exposing fake stores
Use a Website Checker Tool
- Google Safe Browsing: transparencyreport.google.com
- ScamAdviser: www.scamadviser.com
Check the Contact Page
- No phone number or address? Suspicious.
- Email looks generic (support123@gmail.com instead of @company.com)? Fake.
What to Do: Look for real company details and verify them independently.
What to Do If You Land on a Scam Website
- Don’t click anything
- Close the tab immediately
- Run a malware scan (especially if you entered info)
- If you entered your password: Change it ASAP.
- If you entered credit card details: Contact your bank immediately.
Stay Smart, Stay Safe
- If a website looks off, trust your instincts.
- Check URLs, verify payment options, and use scam detection tools.
- Never rush into entering personal information.
Scammers win when people panic. Take your time, double-check, and stay safe online.
Glossary
- HTTPS: A secure version of a website (look for the padlock icon).
- Phishing: A scam where hackers try to steal your info by pretending to be a trusted site.
- ScamAdviser: A website that checks the trustworthiness of online stores.
- Typosquatting: Creating a fake website with a misspelled domain name (e.g., “micr0soft.com”).
Unlock the Secrets of the Digital World with Our Engaging Article Series | Things Schools Should Actually Teach
Dive into our lively collection of articles designed to boost your digital savvy and cybersecurity know-how. From demystifying the differences between websites and platforms to mastering online privacy, our series offers practical insights to help you navigate the internet like a pro.
Things Schools Should Actually Teach | The Ultimate Internet Survival Guide
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