Fake Websites – Learn How to Recognize Fake sites

Fake websites are sites created to imitate legitimate ones with the purpose of deceiving visitors. They may look like your bank’s homepage, a popular news outlet, or a well-known online store, but the goal is often to steal personal information, such as login credentials or credit card numbers, or to spread malicious software.

In this article, we explain what fake websites are, how to recognize them, and how to avoid being tricked.

Common Types of Fake Websites

There are several kinds of fake websites, all designed to deceive their visitors. The most common include:

• Fake news sites: These sites spread false information or propaganda with the intent to influence opinions or create confusion. To appear legitimate, they copy their design from well-known, established media outlets. According to YLE, this type of site is becoming increasingly common. 
  
• Fake online stores: While they may look like real e-commerce platforms, these fake stores exist solely to scam customers out of money or personal information. They offer products, often brand-name items, at unrealistically low prices but never deliver the goods.
  
• Phishing sites: Often part of larger phishing attacks, these sites can be spread via email, text messages, ads, or social media. They frequently mimic login pages for common services such as banks or email providers. The main purpose is to steal sensitive information like usernames, passwords, or credit card details.

How to Recognize a Fake Website

If you can identify a fake site, you have a much better chance of protecting yourself. Look out for these signs:

• The web address (URL): Check that the address exactly matches the legitimate site. Fake sites may have small variations, such as extra letters, misspellings, or domains ending in “.net” instead of “.com.”
  
• Language and design: Watch for spelling mistakes, awkward grammar, or poorly translated text. An unprofessional design or low-resolution images can also be warning signs.
  
• Too-good-to-be-true offers: If a site offers products at prices much lower than other sites, be suspicious. If it seems too good to be true, it usually is.

How to Protect Yourself from Fake Websites

To avoid being tricked by fake sites, follow these tips:

• Be source-critical: Consider the purpose of the information you’re reading. Who is behind the site and what might they want to achieve?
  
• Check the web address: Make sure you’re on the correct domain and that it is spelled accurately.
  
• Use secure payment methods: When shopping online, choose payment options that offer purchase protection, such as credit cards or reputable payment services.
  
• Keep your software updated: Regularly update your browser, antivirus software, and other relevant programs to protect against known threats.
  
• Think before you click on suspicious links: Be cautious with links in emails or on social media, especially if they come from unfamiliar senders.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect you’ve visited a fake website and provided sensitive information, you should:

• Contact relevant parties: For example, if you gave out bank details, contact your bank immediately.
  
• Monitor your accounts: Keep an eye on your bank and credit card accounts and report any suspicious transactions right away.
  
• Change passwords and PINs: Update passwords and PIN codes for any services that might have been affected. If you use the same password elsewhere, change it there too for safety.
  
• Report the incident: If you’ve been a victim of fraud in this way, report it to the police first, and if it concerns a fake online store, also report it to the Swedish Consumer Agency.

Let Dotkeeper Help Protect Your Digital Presence

Is it time to review your company’s website security? At Dotkeeper, we offer several services that reduce the risk of unauthorized access:

• Brand protection: This service provides quick and effective handling of brand infringements, including removal of websites or content that violates your rights. Legal measures needed to reclaim unlawfully used domain names are included. Domain monitoring is also an essential part of your brand protection strategy.
  
• Domain management: You get a secure and efficient solution for managing your digital assets, such as websites, domain names, and digital certificates. As well as customer data, brand materials, and source code. With centralized and secure domain management, you avoid unnecessary admin work, minimize risks, and effectively protect against intrusions.

Unsure which type of protection is right for you? Contact us for advice!