How to spot counterfeit websites when holiday shopping

Shopping online during the holiday season has become a tradition for most. In fact, 97% of shoppers expect to make holiday purchases online this year. But with counterfeit websites popping up, even the savviest shoppers risk falling prey to scams.

Let’s dive into how you can protect yourself, ensuring your holiday cheer isn’t spoiled by fake goods or lost money.

The dangers of counterfeit websites

Counterfeit websites are designed to masquerade as trusted retailers. They lure you in with enticing deals, only to sell subpar products, steal your money, or worse—your personal information. From products that never arrive to frustrating customer service, the pitfalls are many.

No one wants to spend the holidays talking to their bank rep trying to get their money back while looking for an emergency gift. Fortunately, there’re ways to spot and avoid them.

How to tell between a real and counterfeit website

Spotting fake websites can be simple if you know the warning signs. Look out for:

• Misspelled URLs: Subtle errors, like “Tiffanny” instead of “Tiffany.”
• Incorrect grammar: Poorly written text often signals a scam.
• Prices too good to be true: Deals that seem unbelievable usually are.
• Poor design quality: Clunky, outdated designs can reveal fakes.
• Pop-ups: Frequent or aggressive pop-ups are often a red flag.

Spotting the odd website out

Following the tips above, let’s see why these URLs could be used for counterfeit websites:

• TiffanyCoShop.com—Imitates a luxury brand but offers no guarantee of authenticity.
• CheapConcertTickets.com—Promises affordable tickets that may never materialize.
• BedBathClose.com—Plays on the name of a familiar home goods retailer.
• BrookeShoeOutlet.com—Mimics a popular shoe outlet with counterfeit or non-existent stock.
• FlyCheapTickets.com—Advertises travel deals too good to be true.

These sites are designed to deceive. But you can protect yourself by knowing what to look for.

How to shop online safely this holiday season

Keep your holiday shopping stress-free by following these simple yet helpful tips:

• Ensure the website is secure. Look for “https” in the website’s URL.
• Research the site. Check reviews and verify if it’s an authentic website before purchasing.
• Use your credit card. Credit cards often provide fraud protection compared to other payment methods.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi. These networks are vulnerable to cybercriminals.
• Use a VPN. Encrypt your connection to protect sensitive data with Norton VPN.
• Double check with your cybersecurity software. Norton 360 Deluxe can help protect against fake sites.

Cheers for authentic holiday gifts

Holiday shopping should be joyful, not stressful. By staying vigilant, you can outsmart scammers and enjoy a secure shopping experience. Detect any counterfeit websites, so you can avoid scams and focus on what truly matters—celebrating with your loved ones. Happy holidays!

FAQs about counterfeit websites

What should I do if I ordered from a fake website?

Contact your bank or credit card provider immediately to dispute the transaction. Change any passwords shared with the site and monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.

How can you check the authenticity of a website?

Verify if the URL is legitimate, ensure it’s secure and uses “https,” check for the shop contact details, and research the site’s reviews. Use tools like Norton Safe Web browser extension for additional peace of mind.