How Do I Know If a Website Is Legitimate?
A website can look professional and still be unsafe. Scammers can create websites that copy the appearance of banks, stores, technology companies, or government agencies.
What’s happening?
A website can look professional and still be unsafe. Scammers can create websites that copy the appearance of banks, stores, technology companies, or government agencies.
Why websites can look fake
- The website address may be slightly different from the real company address.
- The page may pressure you to act quickly.
- The site may ask for payment, passwords, or personal information before you trust it.
Before entering a password, payment information, or other personal information, take a moment to check the website.
Common warning signs
- You reached the website through an unexpected email or text
- The web address looks unusual or has spelling mistakes
- The website makes urgent threats or promises
- You're asked for sensitive information unexpectedly
- The offer seems too good to be true
- The website asks you to download unfamiliar software
- Someone told you to visit the website because your computer supposedly has a virus
- The website address looks convincing but doesn't belong to the organization it claims to represent
What you should do
- Look carefully at the web address. Make sure you're on the website you intended to visit.
- Don't rely only on a familiar logo or company name. Scammers can copy them.
- Remember that a convincing-looking web address doesn't automatically mean a website is legitimate.
- If you received a link unexpectedly, don't use the link. Instead, type the company's known website address yourself or use its official app.
- Be especially careful before entering passwords, payment information, Social Security numbers, or other sensitive information.
A padlock or HTTPS connection means the connection is encrypted. It does not, by itself, prove that the website is legitimate.
Stop here
If you're unsure whether a website is legitimate, don't enter personal information, make a payment, or download anything.
If someone is pressuring you to act immediately, that's another reason to stop and verify the situation independently.
Still having trouble?
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LoTyde Tech Assistance provides friendly, patient technology help for residents throughout Indiana County and surrounding communities.
If you’ve tried the basic troubleshooting steps and still need help, we’re here to help.
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