How to Spot a Scam Website: Tips from Malta’s National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre

A scam website is a fraudulent online platform designed to mislead users, often by impersonating legitimate businesses or services.

According to the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre, scammers employ various tactics to lure victims – from fake standalone websites to pop-ups or even overlays embedded within genuine websites without the site owner’s knowledge.

These deceptive sites can be spread through a wide range of channels, including social media, email, and SMS. Some even manipulate search engine optimisation (SEO) to appear at the top of search results, giving the illusion of credibility.

Rather than exploiting technology directly, scam websites prey on human behaviour. They often entice users with fake surveys, giveaways, deals that seem too good to be true, or alarming security alerts – all designed to steal personal or financial information.

Common tactics used by scam websites

Scam websites typically rely on psychological manipulation to override users’ natural scepticism. The National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre identifies three main emotional triggers:

• Urgency: Limited-time offers that pressure users into making quick decisions.
• Excitement: Promises of free gift cards or easy money schemes.
• Fear: Fake virus alerts or suspicious login activity warnings prompting panic-driven responses.

How to spot a scam website

There are several warning signs to look out for:

• Poor design quality: Blurry images, inconsistent layouts, and amateurish design are tell-tale signs.
• Overly emotional language: If the website uses alarmist or sensational language to push users into action, be wary.
• Spelling and grammar errors: Awkward phrasing or incorrect grammar often indicate the site is not professionally maintained.
• Lack of contact or company information: A genuine business will usually provide a verifiable “About Us” section and accurate contact details.
• Suspicious URLs: Scam websites often mimic legitimate ones with slight changes in the domain (e.g., “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com”).

How to avoid online fraud

To protect yourself from falling victim to scam websites, the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre advises the following:

• Avoid direct bank transfers: If you’re defrauded via bank transfer, it’s difficult to recover the funds. Opt for credit cards or secure payment platforms that offer fraud protection.
• Be sceptical of unrealistic offers: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Research before buying: Look up independent reviews or user feedback about the site before making any purchases.
• Check for security indicators: Make sure the website uses “https” and look for the padlock symbol in the browser bar. Where possible, confirm the company name appears in the address bar.

What to do If you’ve been scammed

If you believe you’ve been targeted by a scam website, take immediate steps to minimise the damage:

1. Stop all communication: Do not respond to any further messages from the scammers.
2. Contact your bank or payment provider: Report the scam and attempt to halt or reverse any payments made.
3. Cancel or freeze affected cards: Prevent additional fraudulent transactions.
4. Change passwords and PINs: Especially for online banking, email, and any other sensitive accounts.
5. Report the scam: Notify relevant authorities, service providers, or fraud prevention organisations.

By staying alert and sharing this information, individuals and businesses alike can help limit the impact of online scams and protect others from falling victim.