How to Spot a Fake Website

Peninsula is a world-renowned company that specialises in providing HR and Health & Safety services. As we grow our international presence, we’ve often become the target of deceptive behaviour and attacks digitally.

Scammers are found to commit fraudulent acts under our name and branding. We request that all respectable clients and customers remain vigilant online. Please be extra cautious before visiting any websites that might seem like the official Peninsula website.

Our official website is: www.peninsulagrouplimited.com. We only interact with our clients through this domain – and nowhere else. Caution and awareness is also extended to our respected social media pages. (These are found on our official website).

At Peninsula, we’re adamant on rooting out any fraudulent activity pretending to be us. Despite that, we urge everyone to remain vigilant when interacting with our goods, services, and even brand-name.

Remember, even if a website might seem like Peninsula’s, if something seems off… don’t interact and report them without delay.

Why do fraudsters make fake websites?

Many businesses thrive from trading in a digitally-advanced world. Unfortunately, it has opened the doors to an increase in fraudulent activity online.

Fraudsters create websites that replicate existing ones. The content, layout, and overall branding is replicated – passing as a complete clone to the real website. Some fraudulent sites even go the extra mile and include fake live chats and contact information to boost its supposed authenticity.

Fraudsters choose to make fake websites for a number of reasons. For example:

• Identity theft: Stealing personal information to pose as the victim.
• Credit card fraud: Utilising stolen personal information to open credit card accounts under the victim’s name.
• Malware: Using fake websites to infect software and devices with viruses.
• Disrupt businesses or governments: Intending to cause havoc for businesses due to personal reasons.

How can you tell if a website is fake?

The main objective for website scammers is to make money from stolen goods, services, and personal information. But they can only do this after gaining the trust of their victim.

That’s why fraudsters are meticulous when it comes to making fake websites look as authentic as possible to the original. However, there are telltale signs to look out for when facing a suspicious fraudulent website. Let’s take a look at them:

Exaggerated and hyperbolic language

One of the first signs to look for on a fake website is the language. It’s usually exaggerated, highfalutin, and inflated. The language may present a sense of urgency for the user. That’s because it’s designed to force them into making purchases and parting with their money or personal information.

For example, the fake website might promise high returns of investments made with them. Or they could present bargain prices on goods or services which are usually of high value. A rule of thumb to follow is: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Personal banking transactions

Another telltale sign for spotting fraudulent websites is asking for payments to be sent to personal bank accounts. This might seem understandable, especially if smaller businesses are involved.

However, it can lead to bank accounts being hacked and emptied – with no hope of money being returned. It’s always safer to use debit cards or third-party payment providers (like PayPal) instead of paying directly.

Dodgy domain name

You don’t have to be eagle-eyed to spot discrepancies on fake websites. It’s especially apparent through the domain name (also known as the URL or website address).

A fake website’s domain may have extra letters (or missing ones). It could even have different country suffix on the company’s address. Check these closely to determine if the website is legitimate or just a good clone.

Missing security steps

Websites that sell goods or services will usually have specific payment processes. For example, showing padlock symbols or having ‘https’ on the website bar.

Neither of these guarantee that the website is genuine or reputable. However, it does mean the website is secure; so, any information that’s entered is encrypted. If the website lacks security, hackers could gain access to your bank accounts and more.

Inconsistent and questionable factors

Inconsistencies and questionable factors can also raise suspicions for digital fraudulence. Fake websites can also show:

• Little to no company information on their ‘Contact Us’ or ‘About Us’ pages.
• Lack of documentation on returning goods, terms and conditions, or privacy policies.
• Poor website layout, photography, and written content (like spelling or grammatical errors).

What should you do if you find a fake website

If you come across a website that’s posing as your own, don’t worry, we can help. Follow these steps to minimise further risks affecting your business name and branding:

• Break communication: The first step to take is break all contact with the website. This includes avoid clicking any hyper-links or making payments.
• Check authenticity: Next step is to check the website for signs of authenticity. Compare the site with the original one to know if it’s real.
• Find reviews: Go on online review sites to attain further authenticity. Some of the best websites that show this include Trustpilot, Feefo, and Sitejabber.
• Report to authorities: The final step to take is reporting the fake website to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

For more information on fake websites, contact Peninsula today

You might have heard the phrase, ‘imitation is the sincerest form of flattery’. But creating fake domains and parading as something else is a step to far.

We at Peninsula value are relationship with our respected clients. However, we cannot be held accountable for any involvement made with fake websites. This includes communication, transactions, or other forms of interaction. We ask that you remain cautious online to protect yourself from fraudulent events.

If you have any questions or concerns about a suspicious website or situation, please call us on 0800 029 4382 or email us at client.experience@peninsula.org.uk.