SCAM AWARENESS EDUCATION SERIES

Online scams are more sophisticated than ever. Fake websites mimic legitimate ones to steal your data, money, or both. Good news- You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to spot most red flags. Following this simple, timed checklist and you can verify almost the legitimacy of any site in under 5 minutes.

Step-by-Step 5-Minute Checklist

1. Check the URL and Connection (10-20 seconds)

• Look for HTTPS and a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar. This means the connection is encrypted.  Scammers, though,  can get free HTTPS certificates too, so it’s necessary but not enough.
• Scrutinize the domain name: Is it spelled correctly? Legitimate sites don’t have weird variations like “amaz0n.com” (with a zero) or extra hyphens/subdomains (e.g., “paypal-login-security.net”).
• Pro tip: Hover over the official URL instead of clicking links from emails or ads.

2. Run a Quick Safety Scan with a Free Tool (30-60 seconds)

• Google Transparency Report: Go to transparencyreport.google.com/safe-browsing/search and paste the URL. It instantly flags if Google detects phishing, malware, or deception.
• Search on this website to see if it’s included in our listings of fake and unauthorized websites.

3. Look for Basic Trust Signals on the Site (30-60 seconds)

• Contact info: Real businesses list a physical address (verify on Google Maps), phone number (call if suspicious), and vanity email (not Gmail/Yahoo).
• Legal pages: Scroll to the footer for “Privacy Policy,” “Terms & Conditions,” “Shipping,” and “Returns.” Missing or copied text is a huge red flag.
• Design and content: Excessive pop-ups, broken images, poor grammar, or “too good to be true” deals (e.g., 90% off luxury goods) scream scam.
• Click trust seals (e.g., Norton, McAfee, BBB) — if they don’t link to a verification page, they’re fake.

4. Quick External Validation (60-90 seconds)

• Google the site name + “scam” or “reviews.” Legit sites have mixed but real feedback; scams often have recent complaints on Reddit, Trustpilot, or BBB.org.
• Check domain age: Use whois.icann.org — very new domains (under 6-12 months) combined with high-pressure sales are suspicious.
• Search the company on Better Business Bureau or social media for an established presence.

5. Gut Check and Final Decision (10 seconds)

• Does anything feel off? Urgency tactics (“limited time!”), requests for unusual payment (crypto, gift cards), or no clear “About Us” page?
• If in doubt, walk away. There are always legitimate alternatives.

Timed Example Workflow (Under 2 Minutes Total)

1. Spot suspicious site: cheapdesignerbags.example.com
2. Check URL: No HTTPS? Immediate no. (10 sec)
3. Paste into Google Transparency Report → “Safe” or flagged? (20 sec)
4. Footer: No address, generic policy copied from elsewhere. (20 sec)
5. Google “cheapdesignerbags.example scam” → Hundreds of Reddit/BBB complaints. (30 sec) Verdict: Scam — close tab!

Why These Validations Work

Scammers cut corners. They rarely invest in long-term domains, real customer service, or passing multiple reputation scanners. Combining automated tools with quick manual checks catches 99% of fakes without needing advanced skills.

Stay safe out there — bookmark these tools, make the checklist a habit, and you’ll never fall for a fake site again. If you’ve been scammed, report it to your bank, FTC (ftc.gov), or local authorities immediately.

Remember, awareness is your strongest defense.   

Contact us if you’d like more information on how cyber intelligence can help you locate scammers.

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