Protect Yourself from Scammers

MSE Editor

Protect Yourself from Scammers: A Guide to Avoiding Fake Websites

These fake websites steal your personal information.

March 19, 2023

Uncover the shocking truth about fake websites and how they are used by scammers to steal your personal information and hard-earned money. Don’t become a victim � arm yourself with knowledge and stay safe online.”

The Threat of Malicious Websites

Beware of fake websites! Scammers and fraudsters are constantly trying to steal your information and your money. They create fake websites that look almost identical to genuine ones, making it easy for them to trick you into entering your login credentials. But don’t worry, there are ways to protect yourself.

How Fake Websites Defraud You

Criminals use various methods to defraud you through fake websites. They might

Imitate genuine software download sites,
Email providers
Even financial websites like banking or investment accounts.

They use these fake websites to steal your personal information or lock your files and demand money to give them back.

Tricks Used by Criminals to Get You on Fake Websites

So how do they get you to visit these impostor sites? One common strategy is to impersonate brands with search engine advertisements.

Criminals build fake website that looks similar to real business and purchase search engine ads pretending to be a real business.

Search advertisements appear at the top of search results, making it easy to click on a fake website without realizing it.

Lookalike Domains / Typosquatting

paypal-image-real-site — Can you spot the fake

Protect Yourself from Scammers — Can you spot the fake

Another tactic is to create lookalike domains or typosquatting websites. These websites take advantage of the way some letters look similar to deceive you into thinking you’re on a legitimate site.

Criminals set up a website that looks identical to the genuine website, so when you mistype the address, you might not realize it.

Protect Yourself from Fake Websites

To protect yourself from fake websites, type addresses directly into your browser, check the address before entering any information, avoid clicking links in emails, and install an ad blocker. If you’ve been a victim of fraud, report it to your local FBI field office or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.