A few simple steps, hints and tips to figure out if it is indeed fake. - By Emily Breuss
Ask yourself a couple questions before you start browsing the web: - What am I looking for? Is it a questionable subject? Will I have to give out my personal information? Is it necessary?
Beware of “Phishing” -Phishers usually masquerade as a trustworthy person. They try to access your passwords and credit card details by sending you deceiving s. The Phishers will sometimes purchase domain names that look and sound exactly the same as the real deal.
The catch is if they use numbers instead of real words. Ex: Variations also should be a warning sign to you! Ex: DO NOT click on any of these domain variations! Never trust s that send you to URL’s that only show an IP address. Ex:
is another way to spot a fake website. Look closely at the link that opens up. If it is different than what it says, it is totally fake and you should try and report it right away. Beware of “tiny URL’s”. Con artists hide them in other URL’s, they cannot be traced or tracked that way. Report these sites immediately!
Never enter any passwords or personal info unless you are absolutely positive the site is reliable and safe. These con artists can and will install malicious software that records everything you type, also known as keylogger software. If you receive s from banks, they will usually have partial account numbers. If your fails to have that, DO NOT respond to it. Check the domain name!!!! If it is not clearly identified or registered as a.com or.net domain, chances are it could be fake. SEARCH! Look through the website to see if the domain name changes. If it does, it’s a fake site.
Always look for “https” on any site with really personal or sensitive information. At the corner of the lower right part of your screen, you will see a pad lock that’s locked. If you click on it you should be able to see more site information. NEVER EVER test sites to see if they are real or not!! Always type the address into the address bar. You can check the FBI website for lists and updates on the latest scams. Norton Anti-Virus is a great way to help keep you safe while surfing the web.
Look at the list of websites on here, can you tell which sites are fake and which are real? Its up to you to decide! Have fun!
I hope this power point presentation has helped you keep safe and steer clear of any potential threats. The main idea is to be cautious and be aware there are scams out there trying to steal your information from you! Good luck and God bless!