What should be checked to validate the trustworthiness of a website?
Whether you have been using the web for years or not, no one is immune from a fraud or phishing attempt. Since fraudulent websites are increasingly well-made, here are ten elements to check to validate the trustworthiness of a website or an online store.
The domain name
One of the most important elements of a website is the domain name. It is also one of the elements to check to detect a fraudulent website. Pay special attention to the keywords used to make the domain name. Is it the business name? Are there any mistakes or words unrelated to the website theme? Often, dishonest people will use similar variations of known websites. For example, they could use Faceboook for Facebook or Goggle for Google. Be aware!
An HTTPS connection
Did you notice that some websites started with HTTPS while others began with HTTP? When there is an S, it means that the website is considered secure by a third party; however, it is important to mention that more and more fraudulent websites manage to get a secure HTTPS connection.
The content
Another element that can help you detect a fraudulent website is the content. Indeed, are there any texts and paragraphs? Is it a complete site with many pages or a blog? Most of the time, fraudsters will only create the essential pages for their schemes. If you have a doubt, take a moment to check the other pages and sections of the website or online store.
Spelling and grammar mistakes
Similarly, the presence of spelling and grammatical errors on a website is a red flag you should pay attention to. No one is safe from a typing error, but several mistakes could mean it is a fraudulent website. Moreover, keep this in mind if you receive suspect emails.
Blurry or bad-quality pictures
In several articles, we mentioned the importance of using beautiful photos when creating your website. The reason is simple: it is proof of credibility and professionalism. Thus, if you visit a website with blurry pictures, it may say that it is fraudulent or at least unprofessional.
Legal notices
Did you know that in many countries, legal notices are mandatory on websites? Whether it is the terms of service or the general conditions of sales and delivery, there are elements you should not neglect. If a website has legal notices, it is a good sign; however, do not hesitate to consult them to see if they are accurate and relevant documents and not a scam. Some fraudsters will add legal notices in the footers without the possibility of clicking on them. Once again, be careful.
A physical address
Moreover, a physical address might be added if it is a company website or an online store. It is also a good sign, but if you have any doubts, please check the address in Google Maps. It is a huge red flag if it brings you to a field or the middle of nowhere!
Testimonials
What about testimonials? Satisfied clients' testimonials can help a website's credibility, but be aware of false reviews. If the testimonials look vague or too good to be true, it may tell that they were invented from A to Z. If needed, try to find testimonials on other websites.
Active social media
Fraudsters will not likely take the time to create real social media accounts and add content daily. Consequently, to verify if it is a fraudulent website, check if they have a Facebook, Instagram, or X account. Once more, take the time to click on the social media badges to see if they are valid links and not static images.
Results on search engines
If the website you visit seems trustworthy, but you feel something is wrong, you only need to look for the company on search engines. If it is a reliable website, there will likely be results related to the pages or the presented content. On the contrary, if it is a fraudulent website, there will be only a few results or mentions stating that it is a site or company to avoid.
Extra: the possibility to pay with PayPal
Let us give you an extra thing to verify to help you detect a fraudulent website: is it possible to pay with PayPal? PayPal is used on many websites and online stores to make payments. One of its best advantages is that it allows a refund quickly if there is a fraud, which is a way to protect yourself more. For example, if you purchase something on a website but never receive it, you can use PayPal to cancel the transaction and get back your money.
In conclusion, it can be challenging to detect a fraudulent website, but trust your instincts and do some research if needed. Is there a relevant domain name? Is there enough quality content and pictures? Is there a presence on social media and Google? It is the basis of a good online presence!