Be on the Lookout for Misleading Websites
When browsing the Internet, you may come across sites that are misleading, whether intentional or not. Some sites might be archival in nature, like one site that currently has an archive of some Pitt sites circa 2015 (the domain for that one is"ieee-technology.org"). While these may have a purpose, they may also show up in search results and confuse browsers with outdated information.
Note: Pitt has no affiliation with ieee-technology.org - please only use verified Pitt sites for information.
Other sites may try to go as far as steal your credit card or banking information, or your identity, by masquerading as a legit place of business or well-known entity.
Pitt run sites will usually have a "Pitt" domain, like services.pitt.edu or technology.pitt.edu. Sometimes sites run by third parties that we have an affiliation with will include "Pitt" in the URL, such as pitt.libguides.com. Or they'll have a specific department of the school included, such as hsls.libguides.com.
Tips for Avoiding Fake Sites
1. Check the URL Carefully:
- Look for Subtle Misspellings: Sometimes, fake sites use URLs that closely mimic those of legitimate sites, but with minor typos or incorrect spellings. For example, “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com”.
- Verify the Domain: Pay attention to the domain name. Most reputable websites use a .com, .net, or .org. Be wary of sites that use less common domain extensions like .biz, .club, .top, unless they are well-known brands.
- HTTPS vs. HTTP: Secure sites use HTTPS, which means they have a SSL certificate that encrypts your data for protection. Always ensure the URL starts with “https://” before entering any personal or payment information. Most browsers will also display an icon, usually a lock, when browsing an encrypted website. Chrome, for example, will display if a site is secure by clicking the button to the left of the URL bar:
2. Look for Trust Seals
- Security Certifications: Legitimate sites often display trust seals that indicate they are secure. Common examples include VeriSign or McAfee Secure. However, ensure these icons are clickable and lead to a verification page confirming the site’s security, as they can be easily faked with just an image.
3. Examine the Website's Content
- Poor Grammar and Spelling: Professional websites take great care in presenting high-quality content. If you notice excessive grammar errors and poor spelling, it could be a red flag.
- Low-Quality Images: Authentic websites usually have high-resolution images. If the images are distorted or of poor quality, it might suggest a lack of professionalism typical of scam sites.
4. Check for Contact Information
- Legitimate Contact Details: A trustworthy site should provide an actual address, phone number, and email address. Be suspicious of sites that only offer a contact form with no further details.
5. Look Up Reviews and Ratings
- Search for External Reviews: Check other websites for reviews about the company. If there are numerous complaints about fraud or poor service, it’s a sign to stay away.
6. Use Secure Payment Options
- Payment Security: Always opt for secure payment methods like credit cards or well-known payment services (e.g., PayPal). These offer buyer protection in case something goes wrong. Avoid using direct bank transfers or other unsecured payment forms.
7. Be Wary of Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals
- Suspicious Discounts: Overly generous offers can often be too good to be true. Scam sites lure people with amazing deals on high-demand items only to provide counterfeit or non-existent products.
By incorporating these tips into your browsing habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to a scam website. Always take your time to do a little digging before making a purchase, providing any personal information, or trusting the information that you read!