While shopping online, there are many offers that make you want to buy immediately. Similarly, if a new app seems useful, people download it without much thought. But your haste can be an opportunity for cyber fraudsters. Fraudsters often create fake websites and apps that look like well-known companies. Their aim may be to steal people’s banking information, passwords and other personal details.

In such cases, even minor negligence causes financial loss. So, it is good to check some important things before clicking on any unknown link or installing a new application. Let’s find out what signs to look out for to identify fake websites and fake apps.

How to identify a fake website?

Check the website URL carefully

Before entering your personal or banking information on any website, check its URL carefully. Often fraudsters change one letter of the real company name or add an extra word to it. At first glance such links may seem genuine, but a closer inspection reveals the difference.

So, don’t immediately trust any link found in any message or social media post. It would be better to manually type the company’s official website address or use the link from its verified account.

Look at the language and design of the website

Many times fake websites have typos, strange language, unclear pictures or design errors. These signs indicate that the website is not designed properly.

However, a website should not be considered secure just by looking at its good design. Fraudsters often create websites that look like real companies. Therefore, it is equally important to examine other important factors.

Avoid overly cheap offers

If the price of an expensive smartphone or other product suddenly appears too low, be careful before buying. Many fake websites show such offers to lure people, which can be hard to believe.

Similarly, don’t be pressured by ‘buy now’, ‘offer ends in a few minutes’ or constant countdown to pay. First check the price and offer information on the official website.

View the company’s contact information

Reputable websites usually provide the company’s address, customer care number or some way to contact them. Be cautious if such information is missing or incomplete. Don’t trust a company based on its email address or name on its website.

What to check before downloading a fake app?

Please read the application permission and review.

Before installing any app, see what it wants to access on the phone. For example, if a shopping app requires contacts or call log permissions, it’s important to understand why.

Also check the app’s reviews, number of downloads and how long it has been available. However, don’t rely on good ratings alone, as some reviews may be fake.

Turn on Google Play Protect

Google Play Protect on Android phones helps detect and warn about potentially harmful apps. So keep it up and be careful while downloading the app.

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