How To Identify Fake Website

Oct 10, 2023

In today's online world, where you can shop, learn, and connect through websites, some fake websites are created to trick you. These fake websites are like digital con artists, pretending to be something they are not. They intend to steal your money, information, or both.
In this article, we will show you ways to differentiate between real and fake websites, and how scammers take advantage of your information to make you a victim of fraud. We will discuss actions that you can take to help stop these fake websites from fooling more people.

Tips to differentiate between real and fake websites

With the rise of online shopping and digital transactions, it is essential to stay vigilant and avoid website scams. Follow the steps given below to safeguard yourself and your money:

Scrutinise the website address: Be vigilant when examining the website's address. Some scam websites mimic famous brands to deceive you.

Also, stay cautious of domains ending in .net or .org, as they are unusual for online shopping and might be linked to questionable individuals or groups.

Watch out for unrealistic offers: If the prices seem unbelievably low, they probably are fake. Fraudulent websites employ enticingly low prices to lure you into purchasing counterfeit or non-existent products. Beware of additional pressure tactics like countdown timers to make you buy something quickly.
Avoid bank transfers: Avoid paying for your online purchases through bank transfers. If you use a Credit Card or Debit Card and end up with a fake or non-existent item, you might have a slim chance of getting your money back. However, if you choose to pay through a bank transfer, it becomes difficult to retrieve your money if things go wrong.
Carefully explore the website: Invest a few minutes in navigating the website. Pay attention to language errors, pixelated images, and outdated logos. Legitimate websites provide precise contact details that reinforce their authenticity.
Verify contact information: Legitimate websites include a "Contact Us" section with valid details. Be cautious of websites that solely offer a form of communication.
Review the 'Return Policy': Authentic companies clearly outline their shipping and return policies. Ensure the website has comprehensive terms and conditions.
Assess online reviews: Examine reviews from various sources and not just one. Also, look into the website's social media presence to gauge recent activity and user comments.
Seek the padlock symbol: When a padlock appears next to a website's address, your actions like browsing and payments are hidden from prying eyes.

Most websites use this feature now, so a missing padlock could be a signal to be cautious.
Remember, scammers can copy padlocks, so finding one is not the only sign of safety. Always combine padlock checks with our other safety tips for a complete picture.
By following these steps, you can confidently navigate the online world, recognise potential risks, and take action to report scam websites and fraudulent platforms.

Fake websites: how scammers take advantage

Here are some common ways through which the scammers could trick you:

Fake stores with 'too good to be true' deals: Scammers make websites that promise amazing deals. They appear on social media advertisements and intend to steal your money or information.
Tricky login pages: Scammers make pretend login pages for things like your bank or Netflix account. They put links to these fake pages in messages and ask you to give them your information.
Pop-ups: Hackers make pop-ups on real websites that secretly put bad stuff on your computer. They will spy on you or look for private things.
Pretend customer care executives: Some scammers pretend to be technology assistants and offer to control your computer from far away.
Package delivery lies: As more people turn to online shopping, scammers often disguise themselves as package delivery websites. They might request your address under the guise of verification or try to deceive you into revealing your Credit Card number.
Airfare scams: Scammers pretend to sell flight tickets so as to gain access to your personal information or money.

So, now you know the tricks that scammers use with fake websites. Remember, stay alert when using or browsing online websites and avoid the risk of being fooled.

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Vigil Aunty's mission is to educate individuals about fraud and teach them preventive techniques. Additionally, this feature by HDFC Bank guides you if you have fallen victim to scams. The success of this movement hinges on your support, so join hands with Vigil Aunty to make banking safer for everyone.

Essential tips from Vigil Aunty to identify fake websites

Protection from phishing links: Avoid clicking on unknown links or sharing confidential information.
Online shopping scam: Make payments on verified websites with secure URLs (https://) and lock icons.

References
https://www.hdfcbank.com/personal/useful-links/security/stayvigil
https://www.hdfcbank.com/personal/useful-links/important-messages/stayvigil/types-of-fraud

Join Vigil Army, where Vigil Aunty will decode various frauds and give people a heads-up on the dos and don’ts of combating frauds online. To join the Vigil Army, send ‘Hi’ to her via WhatsApp number: 7290030000

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