How to check if a website is a scam or not?

Online scams are growing in alarming numbers. Scammers make different types of claims to attack victims online, whether it’s an investment scam or through online stores. With the help of the internet, they can stay anonymous while sitting in any corner of the world. As our lives increasingly become part of the virtual world, it is vital for us to know about online scams to stay safe from this type of fraud. Solutions are given below which will help you secure yourself and your information from website scams.

Common sense: when a deal looks good

When you are looking for online things to buy and you find an attractive offer, such as an iPhone on half price or other premium products at a very low price, who doesn’t want to take advantage of this? Fraudsters will use the incentive of low prices for high-value products to entice you and bring you into their scam.

If you see a deal online which looks too good to be true, then you must check it twice. Verify the product price on other legitimate websites. If the website has a big price difference, this increases the chance of it being a scam.

How to Check if a Website is a Scam or Not? – Check for Social Media Links Check for social media links

Social media presence is exceptionally important for e-commerce businesses. Scammers know this and they often put social media logos on their fake websites to help customers feel at ease. This social media logo/link may direct to an empty profile, or may not work at all.

If they have a social media profile, then check if they have posts on their account or not. If the website is fake, then disgruntled customers will often be found complaining there or indeed advising other customers of the potential scam.

Read the terms and conditions carefully

Frequently, fake websites have links which look legitimate such as: “about us”, “terms and conditions, “shopping policy” etc.  These links may have incomplete or broken information. If the website does not have this page or there are spelling mistakes, then avoid shopping there.

Watch out for large discounts on familiar brand names

Fraudulent websites will often use words like ‘cheap’, ‘discount’ or ‘sale’ to draw you in. Brand names such as Chanel and Apple, who are well known, familiar and trusted expensive brands, never offer huge discounts.  Keep this in mind.

Always be aware of how the website looks and feels when you use it. You will find high quality content and logos on a genuine website, whereas scam websites often use stolen images and low quality content.

Verify the trademark

Many websites display trustmark logos without actually obtaining the required security certifications. To ensure the website’s authenticity, always verify the trustmark by clicking on the logo to check its validity.

Verify the domain name

Fraudulent websites commonly use the domain name similar to real websites. Like if the real website is tech.com, then the fake website could be tech.net or tech.xyz.

An easy solution is to search for the particular page on your favourite search engine. Fake websites commonly depend on you clicking on a direct link and are not usually high in search rankings. If you are asked to click on a link in an email, the secure way is to navigate to the website yourself manually to make sure you are not on a fraudulent site.

Verify domain age

You can check domain age on the scamadviser website. Scammers commonly buy domains for 1 year, so they can keep costs down. Always be aware of new and short-term registered websites.

How reliable are the reviews?

Many fake websites contain fake positive comments in the reviews and testimonials section. These could be fake names, pictures picked up from the internet, and copy-pasted text. So, do not trust a website by seeing reviews only. Must read people reviews about it on external websites like Scamadvisor or Trustpilot.

Verify the company registration

Every nation has its own rules for registering companies. For instance, in the U.S.A., the Better Business Bureau is a reliable source.

How to Check if a Website is a Scam or Not? – Check for Social Media Links Is communication safe?

Always check if the website URL has ‘https” written on it and is there a “padlock” symbol visible. These things mean that between the website and browser the connection is encrypted, making the website fully secure to use. Although, beware that these things do not guarantee security.

Are secure payment options provided?

Payment options like credit cards, PayPal, and Alipay offer clients protection. Be vigilant if the website only accepts untraceable payment options like Western Union, Bitcoin, etc.

Who is delivering the product?

Check the website has named its delivery partners. Having a reliable delivery partner is a positive sign.

Contact with a web shop

Does the website provide a phone number, email ID, or contact form? Professional websites usually respond within a few hours or a maximum of two business days.

Any doubt? Don’t purchase!

When you have any doubt regarding a website, don’t proceed with your purchase. Never let a bargain price lure you into making a hasty decision. Your vigilance is your best protection.

Useful tools to identify scams:

Always check the domain and link

• ScamAdvisor: helps to find out fake investment websites and fraudulent online stores.
• URLscan.io: gives detailed information about the domain and IP address

Check domain registration information

•      ICANN Lookup: provides registration of domain name, data, and ownership information.

Verify the E-mail

• Google Reverse Image Search: It can be used to verify if the images are used in multiple accounts or not.

By using these tips and tools, you can help avoid online scams and enjoy safe shopping.

Final Thought

In today’s digital era, online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it essential to stay vigilant. By following the tips outlined in this guide on how to check if a website is a scam or not, you can protect yourself from fraudsters and avoid falling into their traps. Always use common sense, verify website details, check for trust signals, and leverage reliable tools to assess a website’s legitimacy. When in doubt, avoid making a purchase or sharing personal information. Staying informed and cautious is the best defense against online scams. Stay safe and shop smart! 🚀

Written By – Duncan Paul Glasgow