How to Determine if a Website is a Fake, Fraud or Scam – 2025 Updated Guide

Note: This article on detecting whether a website is a fraud or scam was first published in September 2013, was updated for 2020, and has been updated again to reflect the current climate in 2025. The updates reflect recent internet security best practices and emerging threats and trends in the industry. We will always try to bring you the most up-to-date information when it comes to internet security.

Fraud on the internet is almost as old as the internet itself. While experts have developed sophisticated guidelines to detect and identify fake websites and scams, cybercriminals have adapted their techniques to bypass common safeguards and exploit new technologies. Here’s your comprehensive guide on how to identify scams and stay safe online in 2025.

Website scams come in many shapes and forms – some pretend to be brand they are not and try to get you to make a purchase, some obtain your personal information or passwords to potentially sensitive accounts while others might install ransomware on your computer or even mine bitcoin in the background using your computer.

The Current State of Online Fraud in 2025

The numbers are staggering. Global cybercrime damages are projected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by the end of 2025, growing from $3 trillion in 2015. Even more concerning, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has released its latest annual report detailing reported losses exceeding $16 billion – a 33% increase from 2023.

In 2024, there were more than 1.1 million reports of identity theft received through the FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov website. The scale of deception is unprecedented. Nearly 1.8 million new phishing and fake websites were discovered in the last half of 2024 alone.

A Real-World Example: The Sophisticated Scam That Almost Fooled Us

A day before Christmas 2019, one of the members in our team was looking to purchase jackets from the website of the popular brand NorthFace for his parents who live in India. The following screenshot is of a remarkable scam website that he found at the top of a Google search, which could have hoodwinked most uninformed people! This type of sophisticated attack continues to be relevant today, with cybercriminals using similar tactics to deceive consumers during peak shopping seasons.

As it turns out, the brand did not have an e-commerce store that delivered to India but this website did exist. What’s more, this particular scam website even passed some popular tests and checks suggested by the experts, including:

• Does the URL match the brand name? The URL of this particular website* matched the brand, and was on a co.in ccTLD, but was quite long (which raised suspicions in the mind of our employee)
• Does the website use HTTPS or an SSL certificate? Yes, it did
• Does the website content appear to be infused with grammar or spelling errors? – Mostly no, in fact it had all the right products, descriptions and photos that mimicked the legitimate brand website, including the website design
• Does a whois lookup on the domain name help prove its ownership? The Whois data for this domain was unavailable due to GDPR laws, but it was registered through a different domain registrar than the one used for the legitimate international website of the brand
• Is the SSL certificate EV or OV Validated? No – this was the first big indication that this was indeed a scam website. Here’s a handy explainer on Validation Levels for SSL Certificates
• How many years has the domain been in use? This domain had been registered just a few weeks ago, primed to tap into peoples’ shopping urges for the holiday season
• Does the website have reliable contact details and inbound links? For a website which dealt in e-commerce, the absence of a support ticket system and a phone number made it very suspicious. The contact page was a simple contact form rather than a ticketing platform.
• Did the offers, prices and payment methods appear reliable? No. The discounts were way too steep (over 70% for a relatively premium brand) and the prices were oddly specific, such as Rupees 10,843.17 which is quite strange because marketers usually ensure that prices are at or just short of psychological round figures. Payment methods were a giveaway too with credit cards being the only option, whereas India is typically a country that relies on digital wallets and cash-on-delivery models.

*We are refraining from naming the URL in order to not prevent search engines from further increasing the credibility of this fake website

This example demonstrates why constant vigilance and multiple verification methods are essential when shopping or browsing online. The sophistication of scam websites has only increased since 2019, making these verification steps even more critical in 2025.

As of June 30, 2025, 24,411 fraud reports have been processed in Canada (51,676 total in 2024); 17,094 Canadians have been victims of fraud (36,228 total in 2024); and $342 million has been lost to fraud ($647 million total in 2024).
Source:The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

Real-World Scam Examples 2025

The AI Shopping Assistant Trap

One particularly insidious scam today involves websites that feature seemingly helpful AI shopping assistants. These chatbots, often powered by convincing language models, guide users through what appears to be a normal chekcout process. However, they secretly redirect payments to offshore accounts while providing fake order confirmations.

How to spot it:

Legitimate eCommerce platforms never process payments through chat interfaces. Always look for standard checkout pages with proper URL verification.

The Subscription Bait-and-Switch

Many fraudulent sites now offer attractive free trials for productivity tools or streaming services. Users who sign up find their credit cards charged for expensive annual plans the next day, with customer service emails bouncing.

How to spot it:

Read the fine print for automatic renewal clauses. Consider using virtual credit cards with spending limits for trial signups.

The Fake Government Grant Portal

Following economic disruptions, scam sites impersonating government relief programs have proliferated. These sophisticated clones of official portals steal sensitive information under the guise of application processing.

How to spot it:

Government agencies never ask for payment to release funds. Always verify the web address matches the official government domain exactly.

Tactics Used By Scammers To Be Aware Of

While working at Webnames.ca, I have investigated numerous fake, fraudulent  or phishing websites, and they usually have a number of common traits to look for. But first, let us try to break down what scammers and con artists are after and what some common threats are:

• Phishing – Emails & websites impersonating a real person or company to gain personal and/or financial information
• AI-Generated Fake Reviews & Chatbots – Scammers now use AI-generated fake reviews (both text & video) to appear legitimate. Some fake sites deploy AI chatbots mimicking customer support to gain trust.
• Deepfake & AI Impersonation – Some fraudulent sites may use deepfake videos of CEOs or testimonials to suck you in.
• QR Code Phishing (Quishing) – Embedded QR codes in emails or ads can lead you to scammers’ fake login pages.
• Fake AI-Powered Shopping Assistants – Some scam sites pretend to offer an AI shopping assistant that steals credit card information.
• Exploiting New Technologies – The rise of blockchain domains (also known as Web3 domains) has introduced new verification challenges.
• Cross-site scripting – A legitimate website with a vulnerability that allows third-parties to redirect you to a different website operated by them
• Content injection – Rogue advertisements or popups that attempt to redirect you or force you to a different website that could lead to ransomware or virus and malware attacks
• Counterfeiting – A website purporting to sell products or services that impersonates a real brand and swindles customers of their money

The above list is by no means comprehensive, but constant vigilance – not just at the first step of an online transaction – is a necessity. To protect yourself against frauds online, you need to know what to look for and we hope this guide helps.

How to Determine if a Website is Fake, a Fraud, or a Scam (2025 Guide)

As cybercriminals grow more sophisticated, distinguishing legitimate websites from scams requires vigilance. Where fake sites once relied on poor grammar and obvious red flags, today’s fraudsters employ AI-generated content, deepfake endorsements, and blockchain-based obfuscation. Gone are the days when a misspelled URL or HTTP connection clearly signalled danger.

1. Domain Registration Analysis

Scammers frequently create new domains or hijack expired ones.

• Check domain age via WHOIS Lookup (domains under 6 months are high-risk).
• Verify registrant details match the claimed business.
• Search Archive.org for historical site content.

2. SSL Certificate Inspection

HTTPS alone no longer indicates legitimacy.

• Confirm the certificate is issued by a trusted CA (not self-signed).
• Look for Extended Validation (EV) certificates showing legal company name.
• Beware of SSL certificates issued through free services.

3. Product Image Verification

AI-generated images make visual verification essential.

• Reverse-search all product photos using Google Lens.
• Check for consistent lighting/shadows (AI often fails here).
• Look for watermarks from stock photo sites.

4. Review Authenticity Assessment

AI can now generate convincing fake reviews.

• Use tools like FakeSpot or ReviewMeta to detect patterns.
• Check for verified purchase badges (where available).
• Be wary of overly emotional or repetitive language.

5. Content Authenticity Checks

Modern sites may use AI-generated text.

• Look for generic, buzzword-heavy descriptions.
• Check for inconsistent writing styles across pages.
• Use AI detection tools for critical pages.

6. Business Verification

Virtual offices make physical addresses unreliable.

• Cross-reference addresses with Google Street View.
• Verify business licenses through official registries.
• Call listed numbers (AI voice responses indicate scams).

7. Payment Method Evaluation

New payment scams emerge constantly.

• Legitimate sites always offer standard payment processors.
• Avoid sites requiring crypto or gift cards exclusively.
• Test checkout process for hidden recurring charges.

8. Scam Database Cross-Reference

Several services track fraudulent sites in real-time.

• Check ScamAdviser’s risk score.
• Search The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s recent scams and frauds.
• Review complaints on Trustpilot or other relevant sites.

9. Social Media Validation

Fake sites often clone legitimate social profiles.

• Verify profile creation dates (new profiles are suspicious).
• Check for consistent branding across platforms.
• Look at follower engagement patterns.

10. Browser Security Features

Modern browsers include anti-phishing tools.

• Enable Google’s “Enhanced Safe Browsing”.
• Use Netcraft or similar security extensions.
• Check Google’s “About This Site” for domain history.

Why Old Methods Are Obsolete

What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a fraudulent website or online scam, don’t panic. Taking quick, decisive action can help minimize damage and potentially recover your losses. Here’s your step-by-step action plan:

Immediate Actions (First 24 Hours)

1. Secure Your Accounts

• Change passwords immediately for any accounts where you used the same login credentials.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all important accounts.
• Check all your online accounts for unauthorized activity.

2. Contact Your Financial Institutions

• Call your bank or credit card company immediately to report fraudulent charges.
• Request new cards if you provided payment information to the scammer.
• Ask about placing a fraud alert on your accounts.
• Document all unauthorized transactions with dates and amounts.

3. Document Everything

• Take screenshots of the fraudulent website (if still accessible).
• Save all emails, receipts, or communications with the scammer.
• Write down exactly what happened, including dates, times, and amounts.
• Keep records of all phone calls and reference numbers.

Report the Fraud (Within 72 Hours)

4. File Official Reports

• Report to the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) online or call 1-888-495-8501.
• For misleading advertising or deceptive marketing practices, you can report them to the Competition Bureau Canada.
• File a report with your local police department, especially if significant money is involved.
• For serious cybercrime cases, contact your local Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) detachment.

5. Report the Website

• Report the fraudulent site to Google Safe Browsing.
• Notify the hosting company (found through WHOIS lookup).
• Report to your domain registrar if it’s impersonating your business.
• Alert the legitimate brand being impersonated.

Credit and Identity Protection

6. Monitor Your Credit

• Place a fraud alert with Canadian credit bureaus. (There are only two major companies recognized in Canada: EquifaxCanada and TransUnion Canada.)
• Consider a credit freeze/security freeze if identity theft is suspected.
• Request a free credit report to check for unauthorized accounts.
• Monitor your credit regularly for the next several months.

7. Identity Theft Precautions

• If personal information was stolen, consider placing an identity theft alert.
• Monitor your Social Insurance Number (SIN) usage carefully.
• Watch for suspicious mail or unexpected bills.
• The Office of the Privacy Commissioner has put together a list of agencies to contact and how to contact them if you suspect your identity has been stolen.

Recovery and Prevention

8. Word Toward Recovery

• Follow up with your bank about chargeback options.
• Keep detailed records of all recovery efforts.
• Be patient. Resolution can take weeks or months.
• Consider consulting with a consumer protection lawyer for large losses.

9. Learn and Strengthen Defenses

• Review what red flags you might have missed.
• Update your knowledge about current scam tactics.
• Share your experience to help others avoid similar scams.
• Implement stronger security practices going forward.

Important Reminders

Time Is Critical: The sooner you act, the better your chances of minimizing damage and recovering losses. Many financial protections have time limits.

Don’t Be Embarrassed: Scammers are sophisticated and target millions of people. You’re not alone, and reporting helps protect others.

Beware of Recovery Scams: Be suspicious of anyone who contacts you promising to recover your money for an upfront fee. These are often additional scams targeting previous victims.

Keep Records: Maintain detailed documentation of all actions taken, conversations had, and outcomes achieved. This will be crucial for any legal or recovery processes.

Remember, falling victim to a scam doesn’t reflect poorly on your intelligence, it reflects the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals. What matters most is how quickly and thoroughly you respond to minimize damages.

Cybercrime is predicted to cost the world $10.5 trillion USD in 2025 and will cost $1 trillion USD per month by 2031. – CyberSecurity Ventures Cybercrime Report 2025

Note: Our writer Laura contributed to updates to this article in August 2025.

Key Takeaways:

Essential red flags that indicate a potentially fraudulent website:

• Domain irregularities: Misspelled brand names (e.g. “nikesuperdiscounts” instead of “nike.com”), unusual extensions, or recently registered domains (less than a year old).
• Poor contact information: Missing phone numbers, physical addresses, or customer service options. Legitimate businesses provide multiple contact methods.
• Weak SSL validation: Domain validated (DV) certificates instead of organization or extended validation (OV or EV). Look for the company name in the address bar for EV certificates.
• Unrealistic pricing: Excessive discounts (over 70% on premium brands) or oddly specific pricing that doesn’t follow psychological pricing patterns.
• Limited payment options: Only credit cards accepted or requests for unconventional payment methods like wire transfers or gift cards.
• Missing or vague policies: Absent return, shipping, or privacy policies, or unclear refund procedures with no return address provided.
• Poor online presence: No external mentions, negative reviews, or lack of social media presence with verified accounts.

Critical verification steps before making any purchase:

• Perform a WHOIS lookup to check domain registration details, age, and ownership location. Be wary of domains registered within the past few months.
• Verify SSL certificate type by clicking the padlock icon and examining validation level. Look for Organization Validated (OV) or Extended Validation (EV) certificates.
• Research the company through multiple sources like social media presence, and independent review websites.
• Test contact information by calling phone numbers during business hours or sending emails to verify they’re functional.
• Cross-reference pricing with authorized retailers and official brand websites to identify unrealistic discounts.
• Check for browser security warnings and never ignore them. Modern browsers have extensive threat databases.
• Search for reviews by typing the website’s domain name plus “reviews” into search engines to find other customers’ experiences.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels suspicious or too good to be true, investigate further before proceeding.

Current online threats to be aware of:

• Cybercrime damages are projected to exceed $12 trillion annually by 2031, making online vigilance essential for protecting your financial security.
• Sophisticated scams now pass traditional security checks, including having SSL certificates and professional website designs.
• Social engineering tactics are increasingly used to bypass security measures, making human verification more important than ever.
• Holiday and seasonal targeting is common, with scammers creating websites specifically to capitalize on shopping trends and urgency.

Bottom line: The few extra minutes spent verifying a website’s legitimacy can save you from significant financial loss and identity theft. When in doubt, don’t risk it. Shop from known, trusted retailers and always verify before you buy. Your financial security is worth the extra caution.