Unmask Fake Websites in Just 5 Minutes: This Is How You Check the Reliability of a Website!
- Fennec Group
- Sep 27
- 3 min read
Online safety is nowadays impossible to ignore. Everyone, from the beginner online shopper to the seasoned internet user, will sometimes come across a website that looks trustworthy - but is in reality fake. Take the example of Marloes: in search of a trendy outfit she discovered a webshop with offers that seemed too good to be true. After a short check, the site turned out to contain barely any contact information - and her doubts were confirmed.
In this blog we will show you how, with a critical eye and the right tools, you can recognize fake websites - and prevent yourself from becoming a victim of online fraud.
Signals of an Unreliable Website
The first step toward online safety is recognizing red flags.
Unusual URLs and Insecure Connections:
When you come across a website that does not start with “https://”, as was the case with Mark, this can already serve as an initial warning. Mark clicked on a link through an advertisement that used “http://”. Later, he discovered that the information he had entered might not have been secure. Always make sure to look for a padlock symbol in the address bar.
Lack of Contact Information or Company Details:
When comparing different webshops, you notice that some sites provide extensive company information, while others remain completely anonymous. When a website does not offer a physical address, phone number, or email address, this is a strong signal that something may be wrong. A reliable website offers multiple ways to get in touch, so that you can quickly receive help in case of any problems.
Free Tools to Check Websites
The Google Transparency Report provides insight into the security status of websites by showing whether or not they comply with Google’s strict security standards. Through the 'Safe Browsing' section, you can easily check if a website has recently been flagged for malicious software, phishing, or other security risks.
This tool is based on real-time data and provides users with a reliable overview of a website’s online reputation. It is therefore an excellent resource for anyone who wants to verify the trustworthiness of a website before entering personal information or payment details. By using the Google Transparency Report, you stay informed about potential risks and can navigate online with greater confidence.
Sucuri SiteCheck offers a free website evaluation for malware, blacklisting, and other vulnerabilities. By simply entering a URL, you receive a detailed report on the safety of the site.
With VirusTotal, you can have a website URL scanned by multiple antivirus programs. The result is a detailed overview of potential threats, allowing you to make an informed decision before entering personal information.
Checking Reliability Yourself: A Comprehensive Checklist
Check quality marks and certificates
Many websites display quality marks as proof of reliability. However, a quality mark can also be easily forged. Therefore, always check whether the mark can be traced back to a recognized authority. For example, if you see a certificate on a webshop, search online for the authority that issues this certification.
Look for KvK- and VAT-numbers
Legitimate companies often list their KvK- and VAT-numbers on the website. If these details are missing, this can be an important indication that the website is not managed by an official company. A simple check through the Chamber of Commerce website can quickly provide clarity.
Analyze the Quality of the Web Texts and Content
Pay attention to the writing style and the quality of the texts. Professionally written content, without spelling or language errors, usually indicates a serious business. When you notice that the content is sloppy or inconsistent, this can be a sign of a website that was put together in haste or without sufficient expertise.
What To Do in Case of Doubt?
Report suspicious websites to the authorities
If after carrying out your checks you still have doubts about the reliability of a website, report it to relevant institutions such as the Consumer Authority. This not only helps you, but also warns other consumers.
Use reporting forms such as Fraud Detector
Many free tools offer direct reporting options. By reporting suspicious websites, you contribute to a safer online environment for everyone.
Conclusion
In a sea of disinformation, safe online browsing begins with a critical eye and the use of the right tools. By paying attention to unsafe URLs, missing contact information, and offers that seem too good to be true, and by using tools such as Fraud Detector, Google Safe Browsing, and VirusTotal, you can shop online with confidence and awareness.
Take the time to thoroughly check each website and stay alert for signs that may call its reliability into question.
Comments