Fake Website

Fraudulent websites designed to steal payment information or sell counterfeit/non-existent products.

Overview

Fake websites mimic legitimate retailers, banks, or services to steal your money or personal information. They may offer products at impossibly low prices, collect payment, and never deliver goods. Some are designed purely to harvest credit card numbers and login credentials.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Prices that are too good to be true
Poor website design, broken links, or spelling errors
No physical address or contact phone number
Only accepts payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
URL is slightly misspelled or uses a different domain extension
No clear return policy or terms of service
Lack of HTTPS or security certificates
No customer reviews or only obviously fake reviews

How to Protect Yourself

Research unfamiliar websites before purchasing
Check for HTTPS and look for the padlock icon
Read reviews on independent sites like Trustpilot
Use credit cards for better fraud protection
Be suspicious of deals that seem too good to be true
Verify the URL matches the legitimate company
Check how long the domain has been registered

What to Do If You're a Victim

1Contact your bank or credit card company immediately
2Document everything - screenshots, emails, transaction records
3Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
4Report the website to Google Safe Browsing
5File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau
6Monitor your credit report for suspicious activity

Common Targets

Online shoppers looking for dealsPeople searching for hard-to-find itemsHoliday shoppers

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Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be used as the sole basis for any decision. If you believe you are a victim of fraud, contact local law enforcement and the appropriate reporting agencies.