How to Spot a Fake Website
Scammers build fake websites that copy real shops, banks and delivery companies, hoping you will type in your card number or password. The copies can look very convincing. The reassuring part is that a few quick checks will catch nearly all of them, and they take only a moment once you know what to look at.
This guide walks through those checks in plain English, so you can shop and bank online with confidence rather than worry. For more ways to protect yourself online, see our complete guide to staying safe online.
Quick answer
Check the web address at the top of the screen carefully. Fakes often have small misspellings, extra words, or an odd ending after the company name. Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true, pressure to buy now, and sites with no contact details. When in doubt, leave and reach the company by typing its address in yourself.
Check the web address first
The address bar at the top of the screen is your best clue. Read the website name slowly. Scammers register addresses that look almost right, such as a familiar shop name with an extra word, a tiny misspelling, or an unusual ending. A genuine Australian retailer’s address usually matches the name you know. If anything looks off, do not enter any details.
A small padlock symbol near the address means the connection is private, which is good, but it is not proof the site is honest. Scammers can have padlocks too. So treat the padlock as one small sign, not a guarantee.
The other signs of a fake
- Prices far lower than anywhere else, especially on popular items. If it seems too good to be true, it usually is.
- Pressure to buy now, with countdown timers or “only one left” warnings.
- No physical address, phone number or proper contact details.
- Only unusual ways to pay, such as a bank transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency.
- Spelling and grammar mistakes, or images that look slightly wrong.
A simple way to double-check
If you are unsure about a shop, search for its name along with the word “reviews” or “scam” and see what other people say. For a brand you know, do not click a link from an email or advert. Instead, type the company’s address into your browser yourself, or use its official app. That one habit sidesteps almost every fake site, because the copycat only works if you arrive through their link.
These checks go hand in hand with our guides on safe online shopping and what to do if you clicked a scam link.
Before you finish
Download the free Family Tech Safety Checklist to help check phone safety, passwords, scam messages, emergency contacts and medical alarm details.
FAQ: Spotting a fake website
Does the padlock symbol mean a site is safe?
It means the connection is private, which is good, but scammers can have padlocks too. Treat it as one small sign, not proof the site is honest.
What is the single best check?
Read the web address slowly for misspellings or extra words. Better still, reach known brands by typing their address in yourself rather than clicking a link.
The prices are amazing. Is that a problem?
It can be. Prices far below everywhere else are a classic sign of a fake shop. Compare with known retailers before buying.
How can I check a shop I have not heard of?
Search its name with “reviews” or “scam” and read what others say. No contact details and odd payment methods are warning signs.
I already entered my card details. What now?
Phone your bank straight away, ask them to stop the card, and report the scam to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au.
