A single mistake while shopping online could empty your bank account: How to spot fake websites and apps?

Whether you are shopping online or downloading a new app, a moment of carelessness can make you a victim of cyber fraud. Cybercriminals create websites and apps that mimic legitimate companies to trick users into trusting them and sharing banking details, passwords, and other personal information. Often, people are lured by attractive discounts and low-price offers on these fake websites. Therefore, it is crucial to verify a website or app before entering your information or downloading it. Let’s look at how you can identify fake websites and counterfeit apps.

How to identify a fake website?
Check the website URL carefully.
Experts say the easiest way to spot a fake website is to examine its URL (web address). Cyber ​​fraudsters can create fake links by changing a single letter in a genuine brand's name or adding extra words to it. At first glance, these links often appear to be the authentic website.

That is why it is considered safe to carefully check the URL before logging in, making a payment, or entering banking details on any website. Do not assume a site is completely secure just because you see a lock icon or "HTTPS" in the address bar. It is better to manually type the company's official website address or access the link through a verified source.

Pay attention to the website's language and design
Many fake websites are created to imitate legitimate companies. However, you may notice spelling errors, awkward phrasing, poor design, or low-quality images.

Be cautious if the company logo appears blurry, product information is incomplete, or there are errors in multiple places. However, keep in mind that a well-designed website can also be fake; therefore, do not trust a site based solely on its appearance. Don't fall for offers that seem too good to be true.
If a website is offering expensive smartphones, laptops, or other products at prices significantly lower than the market rate, verify the details before making a purchase. Scammers often try to rush you into making a payment by using tactics like limited-time offers, massive discounts, or messages creating a sense of urgency (e.g., "Buy now or miss the chance"). Do not make a payment without verifying the offer first; compare the product's price and the offer with the company's official website or a trusted shopping platform.

Check the company's contact information.
It is always wise to check a website's contact information before making a purchase. Verify whether details such as the official address, customer care number, return policy, and refund information are available.

Be cautious if contact information is missing, the provided details seem suspicious, or there is no reliable way to reach customer support. If necessary, cross-check the contact details with the company's official website.

How to identify fake apps?
Check app reviews and permissions.
Before downloading a new app, look at the developer's name, the number of downloads, user reviews, and the app's history. Avoid downloading the app if multiple users have reported fraud, suspicious activity, or the misuse of personal information.

Additionally, pay attention to the permissions the app requests. For instance, a simple flashlight app should not need access to your contacts or call logs. Exercise caution if an app asks for permissions unrelated to its function. Remember, a high number of downloads or good ratings does not necessarily mean the app is completely safe.

Keep Google Play Protect enabled
On Android smartphones, Google Play Protect can help identify potentially harmful apps. It scans apps downloaded from the Google Play Store as well as certain other apps present on your device. To keep this feature active, open the Google Play Store, tap your profile picture, and navigate to the 'Play Protect' option. Check the app scanning status within the available settings.

Play Protect provides an additional layer of security, but it does not guarantee the detection of every threat. Therefore, avoid downloading APK files from unknown websites or clicking on suspicious links.

Follow these tips to avoid online fraud:
Check the URL before clicking on any unknown link.
Enter banking details and passwords only on verified websites or official apps.

Do not share OTPs, UPI details, PINs, or banking passwords with anyone.
Use official app stores to download apps.
Be cautious of apps that request excessive permissions.
Do not install screen-sharing or remote access apps at the behest of an unknown person.
Keep your phone, browser, and security features updated.

What to do if you accidentally enter information on a fake website?
If you believe you have shared banking details, passwords, or other sensitive information on a suspicious website, take immediate action. Change the password for the affected account and, if banking information was shared, contact your bank to implement necessary security measures. Notify the bank immediately if a UPI PIN, OTP, or password has been shared, or if an unauthorized transaction has occurred.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we modified it for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.