Navigating the internet can be both an informative and dangerous experience, especially when we encounter websites that are not what they seem. With the rise of cyber threats, such as online fraud, phishing, and fake websites, it is essential to know how to identify these traps before they become a problem. After all, fake websites are created to deceive, capture personal information, financial data, or even infect your device with malware.
But how can you protect your brand from these threats effectively? Come with Branddi and check out our exclusive step-by-step guide!
Step-by-step to know if a website is fake
To help you combat these threats, Branddi, a reference in brand protection, has developed a guide. We will reveal here the main strategies to identify and avoid fraudulent websites. With these tips, you can protect your brand more accurately by identifying and monitoring suspicious cases. Keep reading!
Check the URL
A website’s URL is its digital identity. Therefore, fraudulent sites often use addresses that mimic legitimate companies with small differences that may go unnoticed at first glance. Even with many similarities to deceive the unwary surfer, there are some details to consider.
The first is the presence of a security padlock next to the URL. This means that the site has a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate, which is essential for secure browsing. Also, pay attention to subtle spelling mistakes or substitutions: changing an "m" to an "n" is enough to recheck the site.
Finally, be wary of URLs with unusual extensions or that try to mimic popular domains by adding extra terms.
Evaluate the design and spelling
The visual presentation of a website is a crucial indicator of its legitimacy. For this reason, serious brands invest in quality design, including a professional layout, visual consistency, and high-resolution images. The presence of frequent flaws, such as spelling and grammatical errors, broken links, and slow loading times, suggests a lack of professionalism and potential fraud. Therefore, when assessing the legitimacy of a website, it is essential to pay attention to these visual and functional details.
Research the website and brand reputation
Before trusting a website, do a search about its reputation. To do this, add keywords like "fraud" or "review" to the site’s name to find other users’ experiences. Platforms like Trustpilot and Reclame Aqui offer valuable insights into the reliability of websites and companies. Also, use verification tools like Google Safe Browsing: it’s free and lets you check if a website is known for hosting malware or phishing.
Privacy policies and terms of use
Legitimate websites are transparent about their policies. In other words, the presence of detailed privacy policies and terms of use is a good indicator of legitimacy.
Suspicious payment methods
Reliable websites typically accept a variety of payment methods, including credit cards and electronic payment systems. Therefore, be cautious of websites that insist on direct money transfers as the only payment method. Also, pay attention to the payment methods and the details provided, such as the account receiving the payment and the presence of a traceable CNPJ.
Customer contact and support
The ability to contact the company is essential. Therefore, legitimate websites offer various contact options, such as email, phone, and sometimes live chat. Remember: good customer support responds promptly and helpfully to inquiries.
Another point is the ease of integration between different platforms, such as attaching hyperlinks to social networks and marketplaces. If the website is not present on any platform, it’s worth doubting its legitimacy.
How to prevent your brand from fraud attacks
Hiring brand protection services is essential for any company that wants to avoid fraud and protect its reputation in the market. After all, these threats continue to grow: in 2022 alone, Google removed more than 5 million fake ads linked to one type of fraud.
With Branddi, you have 24-hour monitoring services in marketplaces, social media, and over 2,000 TLDs. This allows us to identify and combat fraudulent threats, such as fake websites, domains, and profiles.
By relying on experts who use advanced tools and work together with providers and platforms, the company ensures that its guidelines are followed strictly, minimizing risks and losses. Additionally, brand protection strengthens consumer trust, as it ensures they are purchasing authentic products and services.
Remember that precaution is your best defense against online threats: count on Branddi to shield your brand!
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