When you see great offers while shopping online, it is natural to feel like purchasing. Similarly, if a new app seems useful, people download it without thinking much. But this haste can become an opportunity for cyber fraudsters. Fraudsters may try to steal people's banking information, passwords and personal data by creating fake websites and apps that look like reputable companies.
In such a situation, even small carelessness can cause financial loss. Therefore, it is very important to check some important things before clicking on any unknown link, making payment or installing a new app. Let us know easy ways to identify fake websites and fake apps.
1. Check the website URL carefully
Before filling personal or banking information on any website, check its URL. Cyber thugs sometimes change one letter in the name of the real company or add an additional word to it. Such links may appear genuine at first glance.
Therefore, do not immediately trust unknown links found in messages, emails or social media posts. It is better to type the address of the company's official website yourself or use the link provided from its verified account.
2. Pay attention to the language and design of the website
Fake websites may feature spelling mistakes, strange language, blurry photos, or design flaws. These signs may raise questions about the credibility of the website.
However, a website cannot be considered secure just by looking at its good design. Fraudsters may also create websites that look like real companies. Therefore, it is also necessary to conduct a second security check.
3. Don't be hasty after seeing very cheap offers
If the price of an expensive smartphone or other product suddenly appears very low, then be cautious before purchasing. Many fake websites show unusually cheap offers to trick people.
Similarly, don't be pressured by 'buy now', 'offer ends in few minutes' or continuous countdown to make payment. First check the price and offers of the same product on the official website of the company.
4. Be sure to check the company's contact information
Reputable websites usually provide the company's address, customer care number, or some form of contact information. Use caution if such information is missing, incomplete, or suspicious.
Keep in mind that a company cannot be considered reliable just based on its email address, phone number or name written on its website. Also check the available information from other official sources.
5. Check permissions and reviews to avoid fake apps
Before installing any app, see what things it is asking for access to on the phone. For example, if a shopping app needs contacts or call log permissions, it's important to understand why it needs it.
Also pay attention to the app's reviews, number of downloads, and how long it's been available. However, don't rely on good ratings alone, as some reviews may be fake. Also check the developer of the app and its official information.
6. Keep Google Play Protect on in Android phone
Google Play Protect in Android phones helps detect and warn about potentially harmful apps. So keep it running and be cautious while downloading apps.
Also, keep your phone and apps updated. Avoid downloading APK files from unknown websites or turning off security settings on someone's advice. If any app seems suspicious, do not install it.
Keep these things in mind to avoid cyber fraud
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Please check unknown links before clicking on them.
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Do not share OTP, UPI PIN, password or banking confidential information with anyone.
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Don't install a screen-sharing or remote-access app if someone you don't know asks you to.
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Check the website and payee details before making payment.
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In case of fraud, immediately contact the bank and complain on cyber crime helpline 1930 in India or file a report on the official portal cybercrime.gov.in.
A little caution when shopping online and using apps can help keep your personal information and hard-earned money safe. Instead of immediately trusting any attractive offer, first check its credibility.