How to know if a website is a scam: 11 Best ways to protect you

If you learn the warning signs of a scam website, you can protect yourself.


We all know that crooks use stratagems such as false emails , telephone calls, and Text messages To attract victims without mistrust to abandon their personal information. But the crooks also create false websites to deceive people, and that happens more than you think. Cyberattacks are increasing, increasing by 72% astounding since 2021 - and last year, more than 353 million people had their Compromises data According to the annual report on data from the Identity Flight Research Center (ITRC). In that spirit, it is essential that you learn to know if a website is a scam.

Although cybercrime is alarming, there are ways to retaliate and protect you from creeping thieves. Before clicking on a site or responding to a shaded message, read what technological experts have said Better life On the identification of a scam of a website and the means of avoiding online crooks.

In relation: 10 cybersecurity tips that everyone should know now .

How to locate website scams

Cyberattacks use sophisticated techniques to steal money and information, including the implementation of false websites that seem legitimate. Read the rest for 11 ways to protect yourself online.

1
Find security icons.

woman working on computer, working mom
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The websites with security seals indicate their legitimacy and often provide additional information on the site during the click on the stamp, such as the validation of the domain or the owner's ownership.

"If this information is not displayed or if the page does not have recognizable safety joints, it is probably a fraudulent website," warns, warns Franklin Orellana , DBA, president of the data science program at Post-university .

2
Look for the lock.

close up of lock next to website url
Ryan Deberardinis / Shutterstock

If there is a locking icon next to the URL, it is another sign that the website is secure.

"This symbol represents an SSL / TLS certificate, guaranteeing data encryption and website authentication," explains Orellana. "This is essential because when browsing the Internet, it is necessary to exchange private information, so you must check that this lock is present."

In relation: 7 ways to spot false offers and scams during online purchases .

3
Beware of poorly spelled URLs.

Man on his laptop deep in thought
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A common way of finding websites of websites is by subtle spelling mistakes or incorrect domains (for example, ".com" replaced by ".NET").

"We encourage consumers to search for safety indicators, as authentic websites often use HTTPS and display a padlock icon in the address bar", explains Daniel Shapiro , Please brand relationships and strategic partnerships at Red dots . "However, be aware that some sophisticated phishing sites can also use HTTPS."

4
Make sure the site does not come to you first.

woman looking uncertain at her computer
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Chris Olson , founder and CEO of Media trust, Said: "A trustworthy website will not present yourself - it will not appear on your device when you do not expect or will not prevent you from returning to your previous activity."

5
Use a VPN or a proxy server.

A close up of a laptop signing into a VPN
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To protect yourself from online crooks, it's a good idea to use a virtual private network (VPN) or a proxy server to hide your IP address and encrypt your Internet connection.

"It makes it more difficult for malicious websites to follow your online behavior or target yourself with scams," explains Yuli Azarch , CEO of Rapidseedbox.com . "Some VPNs and Proxies can also block access to known malicious sites, which offers an additional protective layer."

In relation: How to configure a VPN to stay safe online .

6
Use a strong password.

A close up of a person typing a password into a laptop
Courtneyk / Istock

Stop facilitating hackers using viewing passwords that include your birthday and other accessible information.

"The use of solid and unique passwords for each of your online accounts can prevent a security violation on one site from assigning your information on another," advises Azarch. "Password managers can help you generate and store complex passwords, reducing the risk of reuse and making access hackers more difficult."

7
Activate two -factor authentication.

using two-factor authentication
Tero Vesalainen / Shutterstock

Authentication with two factors can be a problem but saves you a big headache by preventing hackers from getting your information.

"Two factors authentication adds an additional safety layer by requiring not only a password, but also a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone," said Azarch. "It makes much more difficult for crooks to access your accounts, even if they get your password."

8
Check the domain name and URL.

Woman looking at laptop concerned
Peopleimages.com - Yuri A / Shutterstock

If you think that a website is false, look at the domain name and the URL carefully. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"Scammers often create URLs which are very similar to legitimate sites but with slight variations which can easily be neglected, such as replacing a` '' by zero or using different areas of higher level, "warns René YMZON , engineer and technology expert Advanced motion control .

By examining the URL before clicking on the site or entering your information, you can avoid a cyber attack.

In relation: 5 texts that are always scams, warn the experts .

9
Analyze the source of the website link.

young businessman sitting alone in his office and looking confused while using his laptop
istock

Scammers often target people with links to sites from publications on social networks, unexpected emails or comments that seem out of context. The website link source analysis can help you protect yourself.

"If you receive a link from a source that you have not planned or via channels that seem unworthy to trust, it is a red flag," warns Ymzon. "Always check the authenticity of the sender and ask yourself if it is logical that you receive such a link. This step is crucial because it helps you to identify and avoid potentially harmful websites by questioning legitimacy from the origin of the link. "

10
Ask yourself how you found the site.

man and woman working on a computer together
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If you are about to click on an unknown site, Olson suggests stopping and asking yourself the following questions.

"Has it been recommended by a friend, a family member or a reliable institution (such as your bank, your local government or a company you frequent)? If you are looking for the website, can you find good information from several sources? "

11
Look for real reviews.

close up of woman holding a credit card and looking at a laptop screen featuring images of dresses
Evgeniy Agarkov / Shutterstock

Internet is full of false criticism. It is frustrating to pass through spam to find real ones, but Olson explains: "To find more reliable, search for the name of the website you are looking for followed by 'reddit' or the name of another forum of popular discussion. "

If the site has no criticism or information on this subject, avoid them - and do not enter your credit card number, name, address or other personal cases.


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