How to detect a Fake URL? Tips to prevent Phishing scams.

The word ‘Phishing’ refers to stealing someone’s personal data, including bank details, passwords, usernames, credit card information, home address, and other sensitive information. It is the most common online scam these days. Its purpose is to get its hands on your money. Now scammers use multiple sources like phone calls, emails, text messages, and even fake websites to get to your details. Tracing those messages and URL’s can be tricky because they appear just as real as an authentic one.

How does a fake URL and message look like?

A fake URL can just look like the link of any other website. Similarly, the email or text message includes routine content like thank you for your subscription, or thank you for the bill payment, even if you haven’t performed such an activity. It can also be like a login message or a warning message that someone tried to log in to your social accounts, check for details along a spam link. Its main purpose is to grab your attention and lure you into filling in your personal details.

The messages always contain a sense of urgency, asking you to put in your details and take action immediately. Also, the biggest sign is that they use email IDs that are not registered or have improper spelling. The fake emails use names similar to big companies but with a small change in an alphabet, which might go unnoticed. They use short URLs and also embedded files that you have not asked for. They use fake names and domains. 

Here is a list of frequently used top-level domains in phishing scams:

1. .icu
2. .buzz
3. .click
4. .link
5. .live
6. .shop
7. .info
8. .support
9. .xyz
10. .top
11. .ru

Moreover, the major red flag is that it contains random characters, grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. The domain will have numbers instead of letters. The spelling might be different from the conventional one for a word. Your browser also warns about insecure links; you might receive a warning that the website is not safe. It indicates that the link you are visiting could be dangerous.

How to detect a fake website?

Once you put in a login and password, the design and outlook of the fake website resemble an original one. But the question arises on how to track if it is genuine? If you are lured into a fake website by a scammer or if you suspect that the website is malicious, here is how to check:

The backlinks are the biggest marker that a website is fake. Check for the footer section that includes terms of service, contact details, and privacy policy. These links are dummy links that do not have any backlinks to information. The prices and products given on the website are unrealistically low. There are a lot of grammatical errors and low-quality images. They do not have a physical address, contact number, chat support, or a means to reach out to them.

Why do users get trapped in these scams?

Users mostly get trapped because the scammers offer big discounts, maximum earnings without any work or effort, easy access to emergency loans, and many other facilities. They also take the leverage of creating tension or fear by pretending to be from your bank. The pushing and urgency towards action aid fraudsters in making people react impulsively.

Scammers do not ask for big favors or investments; they gain your trust and then hack your information. Furthermore, they also provide screenshots and proofs of benefits to earn your trust. Their focus is always profit, and they claim to provide a limited-time offer so that people can be victimized and robbed. The main reason behind the increase in these scams is people’s 24/7 accessibility to social media platforms and online resources. They blindly click URLs without checking or assessing.

Why do scammers use Phishing scams?

The main goal of a scammer through a phishing scam is to access your personal information and use it for fraudulent activities. They get your bank details or credit card details to gain access to your funds. Their ultimate target is to drain your bank account. Once they have your data, they can go to extremes by hijacking cloud systems and connected computers, forcing their targets to pay a ransom amount.

How to avoid Phishing scams?

Here are some simple yet effective strategies to check for phishing scams:

1. Do not open if there is a broken link or URL sent to you via email, socials, or text messages.
2. Do not respond if the text is from a bank asking for your personal details.
3. Do not open the PDFs, documents, or images sent to you if they are from a random number or email.
4. Verify with the organization or person personally before responding to emails or calls.
5. Look for typos and other errors that are commonly overlooked.
6. Do not log in or provide your details for a free subscription or a website with zero or low ratings.
7. Do not go to a website if your browser gives a warning and restricts access.
8. Avoid sharing your contact information online or on social media.
9. Do not click on pop-up links and messages on websites.