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How to Identify Fake Websites

Fakes are everywhere and it is so much that we fail to differentiate between the real and fakes. Internet connectivity is more today, also risking the prey to fake, phishing and counterfeiting sites that can deceive users, steal personal information, and defraud individuals and businesses alike. 

Nearly 43 million UK internet users have encountered suspected scams online. In 2021 alone, phishing scams increased by more than 34%, with 323,972 reports made to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Additionally, the international trade in counterfeit and pirated products was estimated to be as much as $509 billion in 2016, representing 3.3% of world trade. 

Beyond the financial losses, the emotional and psychological impact on victims is profound. Many individuals report significant stress and anxiety after falling prey to these scams, with some experiencing long-term effects on their mental health.

Given the pervasive nature of these threats, it is crucial to educate internet users on how to identify and report fake websites. By staying vigilant and informed, we can collectively reduce the risk and impact of these malicious activities. Here is how you can identify fake sites and report them.

1.Cross-check the site URL

A legitimate site will always have a clean and simple URL. If you do not find the ‘S’ in “HTTPS”, just click the close button before you enter any personal information to consume the content. Additional characters and spelling errors are another red flag to look out for to identify the piracy sites.

2. Look for Contact Information

If you are in the website of a real business, you will definitely find their contact information. If you do not find them, then its a sign that its fake. Why do pirates want you to contact them anyway! Look for a physical address, phone number, and email. If the website lacks contact details or provides suspiciously vague information, it’s a trap.

3. Examine the Design and Content

Professionalism counts. If the site that you have entered shows a lot of pop-up ads such that they are interested in showing you the ads than providing a genuine service, its a fake. If you come across a lot of grammar errors and low quality images on the site, its time to close it right away.

4. Verify the Website’s Trustworthiness

Use online tools and resources to verify the site. You could always check the reviews on third-party sites, use website safety checker tools like Google Safe Browsing, Norton Safe Web etc. to straight away block such pirates from reaching you.

5. Watch Out for Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers

We all love a good deal, but if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often lure victims with promises of unbelievable discounts or free offers. Always compare prices and check multiple sources before making a decision. If the content you are looking for is normally sold or streamed by an authorised provider, you should avoid downloading or watching it from a piracy website.

Are you wondering what’s the big deal in clicking these links online? Well, you are risking your system’s and your safety by entering into such sites that could be embedded with harmful malwares that could cause serious threat to your systems. All the saved personal information in the search tabs could be used against you to, even causing financial damage. 

If you are not sure about how to tackle fake websites made under the name of your brand, contact BLOCK X- India’s top anti-piracy company and get your free demo to know more about the BLOCK X protection against all forms of piracy.