How to Spot Fake Websites and Phishing Emails

Cybercriminals are getting smarter — but so can you. Every day, millions of phishing emails are sent, and thousands of fake websites go live, all with one goal: to trick you into giving away sensitive information. But with a few smart habits, you can stay one step ahead.

Let’s break it down: how to spot a fake website and identify a phishing email before it’s too late.

🕸️ How to Spot a Fake Website

Scammers build fake websites that look just like trusted ones (banks, shopping sites, social media, etc.) to steal your login info, credit card number, or worse.

Here’s how to outsmart them:

✅ Check the URL Carefully

• Look for typos: www.paypall.com vs www.paypal.com

• Watch for odd domains: Trusted sites rarely use .info, .xyz, or .top domains.

• Hover, don’t click: Hover over links to see the actual destination before clicking.

🔒 Look for HTTPS — But Don’t Trust It Blindly

• While HTTPS (padlock icon) means the site encrypts data, it doesn’t guarantee legitimacy.

• Fake sites can still use HTTPS — always verify the domain name too.

🧪 Use a URL Scanner

• Use tools like VirusTotal or Google Safe Browsing to check suspicious URLs.

📄 Watch for Poor Design and Grammar

• Fake sites often have odd layouts, low-res images, or grammar/spelling mistakes.

📩 How to Identify a Phishing Email

Phishing emails try to trick you into clicking a malicious link or downloading malware. Here’s how to detect them:

⚠️ Common Red Flags

Urgent language:

“Your account will be closed in 24 hours unless you act now!”

Generic greetings:

“Dear Customer” instead of your name.

Unexpected attachments or links:

Especially from people or companies you don’t know.

Spoofed email addresses:

Always check the sender. is very different from .

🔍 How to Verify

• Call or message the sender through official channels — don’t reply to the suspicious email.

• Don’t click on any links. Instead, go directly to the company’s website through your browser.

• Check the “Reply-To” address — if it’s different from the sender, that’s a red flag.

🛡️ Tools to Help

• Enable email protection filters in your email client.

• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible — even if credentials are stolen, this can block access.