How To Check if a Website is Legit 

Key takeaways: 

• Fake websites are getting harder to spot, so always check URLs, HTTPS, and reviews to help you avoid scams. 
• Use strong passwords and utilize VPNs to secure personal data and money. 
• Business owners can build trust by securing domains, adding SSL certificates, and keeping contact details transparent. 

One wrong click on a fake website could put all your money, privacy, and even your identity at risk. With the rise of AI, many of these fake sites look real and can fool even the most careful users. Research shows that 84% of people who visit these sites end up engaging with them. If you’re not cautious enough to spot one before clicking, you could be the next victim. 

But how can you tell if a website is real or just a scam in disguise? Let’s dig deeper into the steps to verify if a website is real or not. 

7 steps to check if a website is real or not 

A real website and a fake one can look almost identical at first glance. But if you know what to look for, you can quickly spot the differences. Here are the steps you can take to stay safe online: 

1. Check the URL 
2. Check for HTTPS and the padlock  
3. Trust your gut on design and content 
4. Watch out for unrealistic pricing 
5. Look for clear contact details 
6. Be cautious with links from emails or texts 
7. Use online tools for extra confirmation 

1. Check the URL  

Scammers register domains that look almost the same as legitimate ones. They change just a single letter, add an extra dash, or use mismatched TLDs for specific industries. 

For example, amaz0n.com might trick you at first glance, but it’s a trap. When you’re in doubt, type the brand name directly into your browser instead of clicking a link you’re not sure about. 

If you’re a business owner, make your website look trustworthy by registering your domain through a reputable registrar and secure variations of your name to protect your brand and maintain customer trust. 

2. Check for HTTPS and the padlock 

A secure site should start with https:// and display a padlock icon in the browser bar. This means the data you send, like passwords or payment details, is encrypted. This makes all your information secure from hackers. 

But encryption alone doesn’t prove a site is real. Scammers can also buy basic SSL certificates. So, always click the padlock to check certificate details. If the owner’s information doesn’t match the brand, leave the site. 

If you run a business website, make sure your brand has the right security features, such as SSL certificates and website security services like SiteLock, to regularly scan for threats.  

These security measures not only safeguard your site but also reassure visitors that they’re safe doing business with you. 

3. Trust your gut on design and content 

Poor design, blurry photos, and content typos are strong indicators that a website isn’t legitimate. Real businesses invest in professional features because their brand reputation depends on it.  

If a site looks rushed, cluttered, or oddly put together, those are signs that it may not be a legitimate website. 

Another thing to look for is how consistent the site feels. Fake websites often reuse images from other places, mix different writing styles, or copy and paste content word-for-word.  

These details may seem small, but they reveal whether the site was built carefully or was built just to trick customers. 

If you own a website but don’t have the skills and time to design a website, our experts can help you build a professional, custom web design that looks credible and trustworthy. 

4. Watch out for unrealistic pricing 

Scammers can also deceive customers with luxury items or popular products at prices that seem impossible. Whether it’s designer shoes at 80% off or new tech for half the normal cost, extreme discounts are a classic way to bait buyers.  

They also create a false sense of urgency with countdown timers, flash sales, or claims that there are only 2 items left. These tricks are designed to rush you into buying before you realize the site is fake. 

That’s why you need to price your products realistically and avoid manipulative tactics. Fair, transparent pricing reassures customers that your store is trustworthy and prevents your brand from being mistaken for a scam. 

5. Look for clear contact details 

Legitimate businesses don’t hide from their customers. Real website includes a physical address, phone number, and professional email that customers can verify. If all you see is a basic contact form or vague details, that’s a warning sign. 

Double-check the information and search the address on Google Maps to confirm it exists; or call the phone number to see if it’s active. Scammers also use fake or disconnected details to trick their victims. 

In your business website, provide verifiable contact details and list a real address and phone number. This helps customers to reach out to you directly and build trust with your brand. 

6. Be cautious with links from emails or texts 

One common way people land on fake websites is by clicking links in phishing emails or text messages. These messages may look like they’re from a trusted brand, but they’re designed to steal your personal details or payment information. 

Clicking can lead to stolen passwords, financial loss, or even malware on your device. If you get an unexpected message urging you to verify your account or claim a prize, don’t click. Go directly to the brand’s official website by typing the address yourself. 

As the business owner, improve your brand’s credibility with a professional business email. Show your customers that your business is a legitimate operation. 

7. Use online tools for extra confirmation 

If you’re still unsure, you can use dedicated online tools to help you verify. Free tools like Google Transparency Report can scan a site for known threats and blacklist records.  

For everyday browsing, you can install a browser extension like Web of Trust (WOT). It provides real-time safety ratings based on community reviews and security checks, which warns you about suspicious sites before you click further. 

Regularly run your own website through these tools to catch potential issues early. Proactively monitoring your site not only protects customers but also strengthens your reputation as a secure and reliable brand. 

Tools to confirm a website’s safety 

Even after checking the basics, you may still feel unsure about a website. Here are tools that scan sites for malware, phishing, and security gaps to ensure a website’s legitimacy. 

• Google Transparency Report. Shows whether Google has flagged the site as unsafe. It checks for malware infections and phishing activity and gives you a quick red or green signal. 
• VirusTotal. Scans the site against dozens of security engines. It identifies malware, phishing attempts, and suspicious scripts hidden on the page. 
• URLVoid. Checks the domain against more than 30 blocklists. It also reveals the domain’s reputation and hosting details to help you spot risky websites. 
• Sucuri SiteCheck. Runs a full scan for malware, viruses, and blacklisted status. It also detects outdated software or plugins that could leave a site vulnerable. 
• Mozilla Observatory. Tests the technical side of security. It reviews SSL/TLS configuration, headers, and encryption practices to ensure the site follows best standards. 

7 ways to stay safe before making a purchase online 

Shopping online is convenient, but it also comes with risks. Here are different ways to protect yourself from scams before you buy: 

• Stick to trusted or well-reviewed retailers 
• Avoid public wi-fi or use a VPN 
• Use strong, unique passwords, and enable 2FA 
• Pay with credit cards or virtual cards for fraud protection 
• Review refund and return policies before buying 
• Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity 

Stick to trusted or well-reviewed retailers 

The safest option is to buy from retailers you already know or brands with a strong reputation. Before visiting a new website, do a quick check on Google or Trustpilot to see what other shoppers are saying. If a store has no reviews at all or a wave of negative feedback, that’s a major red flag. 

For added safety, look at more than just star ratings. Read the actual reviews to see if they sound genuine. Scammers often post fake five-star reviews with generic wording. Real reviews usually give details about products, shipping, or customer service. 

Avoid public Wi-Fi or use a VPN 

Public Wi-Fi may be convenient, but it’s also one of the easiest ways for hackers to steal your information. Open networks at airports, cafes, or hotels often lack security, which makes it possible for cybercriminals to intercept your connection. 

If you need to shop on the go, switch to your mobile data plan or use a trusted virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your traffic and adds a protective layer even on unsafe networks. This way, your login details and payment information stay hidden from hackers. 

Use strong, unique passwords and enable 2FA 

Strong passwords are your first line of defense. If you reuse the same weak password across different sites, a single hack could give scammers access to all your accounts. 

Use long, unique passwords that mix letters, numbers, and symbols, and never reuse the same one across multiple sites.  

To make things easier, consider using a password manager to generate and store passwords securely. Also, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. This adds a second step, like a code sent to your phone. This makes it much harder for attackers to break in, even if they know your password. 

Pay with credit cards or virtual cards for fraud protection 

Credit cards are safer than debit cards when shopping online because they come with stronger fraud protection. If someone makes unauthorized charges, you can dispute them and get your money back more easily.  

With a debit card, stolen funds are taken directly from your account and recovering them can take longer. 

Some banks and payment providers also offer virtual or disposable card numbers. These are temporary numbers linked to your real card but can only be used once or for a limited time. If the site turns out to be fake, your real account details remain safe. 

Review refund and return policies before buying 

Legitimate businesses are transparent about their policies. Before checking out, read how refunds and returns are handled. Look for details on time limits, restocking fees, and who pays for return shipping. 

Scam sites often skip this information or hide it. If the policy seems vague, missing, or one-sided, that’s a sign the seller may not honor returns at all. Knowing the policy upfront gives you a safety net if something goes wrong with your order. 

Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity 

Your responsibility doesn’t end once you’ve made the purchase. Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card accounts for any unfamiliar charges. Even small amounts can mean a scammer is testing your card before making a purchase. 

Set up account alerts so you’re notified instantly when a new charge is made. If you notice anything suspicious, contact your bank right away. It’s essential to act quickly to limit damage, stop future fraud, and protect your credit. 

What should you do if you land on a fake website?   

If you land on a fake website, act fast. Here’s what to do to protect your information and stop further damage: 

• Don’t interact. Close the tab or window right away. Don’t type anything, don’t click pop-ups, don’t download files, and don’t call any number shown on the page. If the page won’t close, force-quit the browser or use your device’s task manager to end it. If anything downloaded automatically, delete it from your downloads folder without opening it. 
• Disconnect from the internet. Turn off Wi-Fi or switch to airplane mode for a minute. This stops any hidden data transfers and gives you a safe window to clean up your device. Reconnect only after you’re ready to scan. 
• Scan your device for malware. Run a full scan with reputable antivirus or anti-malware software and remove anything it flags. Update your operating system and browser, then check your browser extensions and remove anything you don’t recognize. If you use multiple browsers, repeat the check in each one. 
• Change your passwords. Create strong, unique passwords and turn on two-factor authentication wherever possible. If you reuse passwords, change them everywhere they’re used. Sign out of all active sessions from your account settings to kick out anything that might have logged in. 
• Report the website. Report the fake site to google safe browsing so it gets flagged. You can also report it to the site’s hosting provider or domain registrar using an ICANN lookup tool, or to your antivirus company so it’s marked unsafe in future scans. 
• Monitor your accounts. Watch your bank and card statements for unfamiliar charges and set up transaction alerts. If you see anything suspicious, contact your bank immediately to lock or replace your card and dispute the charges. Consider placing a fraud alert or a credit freeze so new accounts can’t be opened in your name. 

Stay vigilant and safely shop online 

Fake websites are getting harder to spot, but protecting yourself or your business doesn’t have to be complicated. A little caution goes a long way. Take the right steps—check the basics, stay alert, and never ignore the red flags. 

If you’re running a business, protecting your customers starts with protecting your own site. With Network Solutions, you can secure your domain, add SSL certificates, and use website security services to build trust and keep your business safe. 

Frequently asked questions