Fake internet portals represent a new way of committing scams in cyberspace. The primary objective is to obtain personal information that allows wrongdoers to access our bank accounts, email accounts, or social media accounts to commit crimes for profit.
Accessing a fake internet portal is very simple. Typically, we are persuaded to do so through text messages or emails, as well as malicious WhatsApp or Telegram messages, informing us that a new money deposit has been made into our bank account or that we have a pending benefit from some other commercial entity that we need to attend to by visiting their supposed official website.
This is why cybercriminals create pages that are identical in content to official pages, as users will confidently enter their personal information, credit card numbers, and passwords, which are immediately captured, putting victims in a vulnerable state. This method of scamming is very common nowadays, but there are several ways to avoid falling for it.
How to Detect a Fake Website?
There are certain details that distinguish a fake website from a legitimate one. First and foremost is the design of the page. Fake websites do not fully replicate the legitimate site; instead, they offer only the sections that lead to information theft. Moreover, such sites often contain many spelling errors and low-resolution images, among other features that do not befit a reputable entity.
On the other hand, it is also possible to find changes in the spelling of their web address, differing slightly from that of the legitimate website. Navigation through their content is also different, being slower than on the legitimate portal. Another detail that may raise suspicions is the lack of a security certificate: fraudulent pages do not use the HTTPS protocol, so their web address does not start with “HTTPS” and lacks a padlock on the side, something that is very easy to check.
How to Protect Yourself from Fake Websites?
To counter the attacks of creators of fake websites, it is advisable to follow the following recommendations:
Use a secure and up-to-date web browser. For example, Google Chrome or Firefox can detect unsafe websites.
Avoid opening links included in messages from senders you do not trust. When dealing with entities that request sensitive information, opt to manually enter their official address.
Be wary of online stores that encourage you to purchase their products by offering excessively attractive discounts, as you could fall into the trap of a fraudulent purchase.
Use an online service like Desenmascara.me. This is an online security tool that verifies the authenticity of a website by considering various factors such as its design and content, web address, and security certificates.