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Phishing scams are still popular today, and they have become more complex over time. The majority of these scams begin in the victim’s email inbox, with a link to a fraudulent website that appears to be real in name and appearance.
These phishing websites may appear to be identical to the original at first glance, but there are techniques to identify them as such and remain safe, visit here for more.
- Check the URL
The URL is the easiest way to recognize a phishing website. The majority of phishing websites take advantage of people’s lack of focus on detail. Make sure you check at the URL in your browser’s address bar or the email you received. It will most likely be a modified version of the official website’s URL.
Keep an eye out for misspellings, letter substitutions, and unusual domain names. To deceive unsuspecting visitors, a phishing website may utilize a web address such as g00gle.com with the number 0 replacing the letter “o” or binance.com.com. Make sure you understand top-level domains and how they are selected.
In rare circumstances, the attacker may use open redirects to modify legal URLs, redirecting visitors to malicious websites. They are difficult to detect because they are embedded in trustworthy domains.
For example, an open redirect attack may utilize the URL https://anexample.com/login?redirect_url=https://@nexample.com to redirect you from the legitimate website anexample.com to the malicious @nexample.com.
If you receive an email that appears to be off, take a close look at the link and double-check the parameters.
- Look for HTTPS and the Padlock Icon
Another approach to identify a phishing website is to look for the lock icon in the address bar. The lock icon should be closed and the URL should begin with “https://.” The HTTPS protocol signifies that the website is secured and uses a Secure Sockets Layer certificate.
If the lock is open, has a red strike over it, or there is a red danger signal where it should be, your connection to the website is insecure. Different browsers employ different security icons, so make sure to research what yours does.
However, this information is frequently insufficient to identify a phishing website. According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG), over half of all phishing websites now use SSL/TLS certificates to appear authentic, see it here. So, having SSL protection does not guarantee that a website will not steal your personal information.
Google Chrome’s lock icon feature has been removed as of September 2023. Instead, a tune icon is now used to signal a secure connection, ensuring that consumers do not confuse it with a trustworthy website.
- Be Wary of Pop-Up Windows
These phony websites make extensive use of pop-up windows. You should be careful of a website that immediately shows a pop-up window requesting personal information. As a general guideline, never enter your username or password into a pop-up window unless you know the website is trustworthy and secure.
- Use Fake Details
Using fake details when prompted to enter personal information is an excellent approach to identify a phishing website. Most phishing websites will sign you in regardless of what you type into the login box.
Some phishing websites, on the other hand, aim to be clever and send you an auto-generated error the first time (or if the password isn’t a specific length), so use the fake credentials at least twice.
- Watch For Urgency and Threats
Phishers may use a false sense of urgency to compel the potential victim to respond quickly. If a suspicious website is attempting to get you to act as soon as possible, this is a clear red flag.
The schedule is frequently unrealistic, and terms like “notification,” “important,” and “immediately” are used to force a potential victim to move quickly and without thinking. Be wary of threats or offers that appear too good to be true.
- Check Payment Methods
Not all phishing websites request payment, but those that do typically request cryptocurrency or a bank transfer because these transactions are irreversible. Scam websites rarely seek money via credit card or PayPal since such payments can be reversed.
If a website displays any of the aforementioned red flags and requests a bank or cryptocurrency transfer, consider it a warning sign. You can find crypto-only sites, such as CD key platforms that accept Bitcoin and Ethereum, but make sure they’re legitimate before making any payments.
