Key Takeaways
Fake websites are designed to imitate trusted businesses and organizations, often to steal personal information, financial details or money.
Advances in AI, realistic website designs and deceptive online ads are making fraudulent sites harder to recognize.
Sponsored search results aren’t always trustworthy. Scammers can pay to promote fake websites alongside legitimate ones.
While traditional warning signs may be less obvious, good cyber security habits can help you stay safe online.
From shopping and banking to booking travel and accessing government services, we rely on websites for many of our everyday activities. And while most online experiences are safe and authentic, scammers are finding increasingly sophisticated ways to make fake websites look like the real thing.
Fake websites have been around for years, often imitating familiar brands to trick visitors into sharing personal or financial information (or both). Today, advances in artificial intelligence (AI), realistic designs and deceptive online advertising are making these sites more convincing than ever.
The good news? You don’t need to be a cyber security expert to protect yourself. Understanding how fake websites and ads work, recognizing newer tactics and following a few tried-and-true online safety practices can help you browse, shop, book and buy with greater peace of mind.
What are fake websites and how do they work?
Fake websites are created by scammers to steal personal or financial information, collect payments for products or services that don’t exist or spread malicious software. Some impersonate trusted businesses and organizations, copying their branding and design, while others pose as legitimate online stores and services.
Fake websites are often created to:
Steal personal information: Urge visitors to enter their names, addresses, Social Insurance Numbers or other personal data.
Capture financial information: Collect banking credentials, credit card numbers or payment details through fake login pages or checkout forms.
Take money for products or services: Advertise goods that are never delivered or services that aren’t provided.
Spread malicious software: Encourage visitors to download files or applications that can compromise their devices.
Scammers can attract visitors through emails, text messages, social media posts and online ads. They also use paid search engines to place fake websites high in search results, making their sites look all the more legitimate.
How have fake websites evolved?
A few years ago, fake websites were typically easier to recognize. Misspelled words, poor-quality images, unusual website addresses and broken links were common warning signs.
Those clues still exist in some cases, but they’re no longer reliable on their own. Today’s scammers have access to tools that help them create polished websites, convincing messages and interactive features that look remarkably like legitimate online experiences.
Here’s how some common tactics have evolved:
| What fake websites looked like before | What fake websites can look like today |
|---|---|
| Poor spelling and awkward wording were common warning signs. | AI-generated content can produce polished wording, realistic product descriptions and personalized messages. |
| Basic designs, low-quality images and broken links often made fake websites easier to spot. | Simple website building platforms can create professional designs and convincing branding. Mobile-friendly layouts can make fake sites harder to detect as addresses may be partly hidden on smaller screens. |
| Missing HTTPS encryption or a padlock icon could be a warning sign that a website wasn’t secure. | HTTPS encryption is common on fake websites too and doesn’t guarantee that the site is legitimate. |
| Suspicious links in emails and text messages were common ways to lure people to fake websites. | Sponsored search results and social media ads can promote fake websites alongside legitimate businesses, making them seem more credible. |
| Generic messages and limited website functionality could make fake sites feel less convincing. | Personalized interactions and AI-powered chatbots can respond to questions in real-time, creating a more authentic customer experience. |
Today’s fake websites can look professional, function smoothly and even offer convincing customer support. That’s why it’s important to look beyond a website’s appearance and take a few extra steps to verify it is in fact a legitimate site.
How to protect yourself from fake websites and ads
Although fake websites are becoming more sophisticated, many of the proven cyber security habits remain valuable and effective. Here are some simple ways to help protect your personal and financial information.
Type the website address manually. If you receive a link in a text, email or social media message, don’t click it. Instead, enter the organization’s name directly into your browser. If you’re unsure of the address, confirm it through an official source first.
Use bookmarks for trusted sites. Once verified, save official URLs for your bank or favourite retailer to your bookmarks, and use those links exclusively.
Look carefully at sponsored search results. A sponsored label just means that an advertiser has paid for placement – it doesn’t guarantee the site is authentic. Check the actual destination before clicking.
Check the full website address. Look for misspellings, extra words, unexpected characters or unusual domain endings. When in doubt, type in the web address you know and trust.
Keep your software and devices up to date. Regular updates to your browser, operating system and security software can help protect against unknown vulnerabilities and malicious websites. Enable automatic updates to keep your protection current.
Use strong, unique passwords. Having different passwords for all your accounts means that if one is compromised, the others remain protected.
Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA, also known as 2-Step Verification (2SV), adds an extra layer of protection, even if your password is stolen. The 2SV process is now automatic for RBC Online Banking and the RBC Mobile app.
Be skeptical of unsolicited messages. Scammers often send fake security alerts, shipping notices or invoices that link to fraudulent sites. Verify messages directly with the company instead.
Stay informed, stay protected
Fake websites and ads will continue to change as scammers adopt new technologies and tactics. While it may be harder to identify a fake website by its appearance alone, there are still effective ways to protect yourself.
Taking a moment to verify a website, using trusted links and keeping your accounts secure can make a meaningful difference. And a few simple habits can help you enjoy the convenience of the online world while protecting what matters most.
To learn more about protecting yourself from online fraud and cyber risks, visit RBC’s Cyber Security Hub.
FAQs
Fake websites can be created by individual fraudsters or organized criminal groups. Their goals vary, but often involve stealing money, collecting personal or financial information, gaining access to online accounts or distributing malicious software.
Some scams target large numbers of people, while others are tailored to specific individuals or groups.
Yes. HTTPS means the connection between your browser and the website is encrypted, but it doesn’t guarantee that the organization operating the site is legitimate.
A fake website can have HTTPS encryption and still be designed to steal information. Always check the website address and verify that you’re dealing with the intended organization before entering sensitive details.
Many sponsored ads are legitimate, but scammers can also use paid advertising to promote fraudulent websites. An ad’s position in search results doesn’t guarantee that the website is authentic.
For banking, government or other sensitive activities, it’s safer to use a verified website address or trusted bookmark.
If you’ve clicked on a suspicious website, avoid entering any information, downloading files or interacting with pop-ups. And close the page.
If you’ve downloaded something, run a security scan using trusted software. If you’ve entered a password, change it immediately through the legitimate website and update any other accounts that use the same password.
If you’ve shared banking or credit card information, contact your financial institution right away.
Check the website address carefully and look for reliable information about the retailer, including contact details, return policies and customer reviews.
Be wary of unusually low prices, pressure to purchase immediately or requests to pay through unconventional methods. Remember that professional design, positive reviews and HTTPS encryption aren’t proof that a retailer is trustworthy.
This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.
