Website & URL Scams

Learn how to pause before trusting a website, store, payment page or link that asks for money or personal information.

Check the destination, not only the display text

Fake websites can copy familiar logos, product photos and checkout flows. A convincing appearance is not proof that a site is legitimate. Look closely at the full domain, spelling, unusual subdomains, unexpected redirects, missing contact details and requests for payment methods that are hard to reverse.

Safer verification steps

Type a known organisation’s address into your browser instead of following an unexpected link. Search for independent contact details, read return and delivery information, and avoid making a rushed payment because stock, a refund or an account is said to be expiring. HTTPS alone is not a guarantee of safety.

Use the right tool

Use the Scam Checker to review a URL for pattern-based risk indicators. It does not perform a live reputation, ownership or regulator database lookup. If you have entered card details or paid a suspicious site, contact the card issuer or payment provider immediately.