Phishing for Answers is a video series answering common questions about phishing, ransomware, cybersecurity, social engineering, and more. These videos are great to share with your colleagues, friends, and family! Today we’re talking about website phishing.
Phishing is a cyberattack that is typically carried out by email spoofing or instant messaging. But what about phishing websites? And how can you know if a site is genuine or not? In this video, we cover some clues that may help you distinguish a fake site from a real one.
Tips For Spotting Phishing Websites
1. The first thing you'll want to look out for is spelling errors or grammatical mistakes. Things like spelling mistakes and poor grammar can be tell-tale signs of a phishing website.
2. Next, if you are unsure if a site is real or fake, try to find it somewhere else, perhaps on a search engine or review site. If the site has successfully scammed people in the past, it's very likely that they have left a negative review or reported the website. However, be aware that fraudsters have been known to copy the design and even content from an authentic site to make their fake version more convincing. So always check the URL for the site you are visiting.
3. You'll also want to look out for the lock sign on the browser's URL bar. If it is closed, then this means that the site is secure and encrypted with SSL technology for your protection.
4. You can also examine the site's About Us page to see if they provide any contact information. Most businesses have a section on their website that lists their contact information, location, and even socials. If you cannot find these anywhere on the website, this is another good sign that something isn't right about the site.
5. And finally, always remember that if it looks too good to be true, then it probably is.
Following these tips can help you successfully avoid falling victim to phishing websites. And remember, let's stay aware out there!
