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From Victim to Vigilante: How Reporting Scam Websites Empowers You

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Nowadays, digital mirages lure unsuspecting users with promises of quick cash, miracle cures, or exclusive deals, leaving them stranded in a shipwreck of stolen data, empty wallets, and shattered trust. But even if you've encountered one of these deceptive web pages, it's not too late to fight back. Consider contacting your state or local consumer protection agency. In this blog, you will learn the major red flags of a scam website and how to report a scam website.

How to Report a Scam Website

To report a scam website, visit the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, a government website designed to facilitate cyber crime complaints. If you have fallen prey to cyber fraud, you may call the cybercrime hotline number (1930) or visit the nearest police station in your jurisdiction and file an FIR within 24 hours of the cybercrime.

Follow these steps to know how to report a scam website on the portal:

1. Visit https://cybercrime.gov.in and click ‘Register a complaint’ on the homepage.

2. Read the guidelines and register as a new user if you have not already.

3. Fill in your details carefully.

4. Select the type of cybercrime and choose the platform (website) you want to report.

5. Add the necessary details of the scam website and submit the complaint.

Reporting other Scam Websites

• If you visit a fraudulent website, report it to the FBI’s ‘Internet Crime Complaint Centre’.

• If you visit a phishing website, report it to Google’s ‘Report Phishing Page’.

• To report misleading website ads or unrealistic e-commerce store offers on social media, report to Facebook’s ‘Feedback on AdWords Ads’.

Note: If you are an entrepreneur, consider investing in cyber insurance for entrepreneurs.

Information You Need to Report a Scam Website

Your city's cyber crime defence cell caters to ensure that fraudulent websites are taken down at the earliest. Their online reporting systems are easy to navigate and allow you to detail the nature of the scam. Once you've identified the scam, gather evidence.

Following is the information you need to report a scam website:

• Copy and paste the scam website’s URL

• Screenshots or recordings of the scam website

• Capture any suspicious links or text

• Descriptions and proof of the scam tactics used like lottery scams, fake calls, fraudulent online transactions, internet banking

• Personal information (address, bank statements, OTPs, ID Proof, etc.) that you may have shared.

• Communication with the scammers (emails, chats)

Red Flags of Scam Websites

Common Red flags of a scam website include:

• Unprofessional design: Poor grammar, typing errors, odd layouts, blurry or stock photos as logos and product images.

• Unrealistic offers: Promises of quick money, miracle cures, too-good-to-be-true e-commerce deals.

• Pressure tactics: Limited-time offers, urgency to act, and scare tactics.

• Missing or suspicious contact information: No physical address, email that doesn't match domain, generic phone number, insecure or high-risk payment methods.

• Suspicious domain names: Domain name duplicates with slight typos in the URL.

• Negative online reviews: Check independent review sites before trusting a website.

• Vague website policies: Copy-pasted privacy and cookie policy, missing terms and conditions, return & exchange, and other e-commerce legal policies.

If your gut says it could be a fraudulent website, investigate it to save yourself and millions of naïve users. So, it is better to have cyber insurance than to lose yourself to scam websites.

How to Confirm if a Website is Real or Fake

Before trusting a website, follow these steps if you spot some of the obvious red flags of a spam website:

1. Examine the URL and overall layout of the website.

2. Go to Google and search the website with spam keywords.

3. Read the online portals and review websites.

4. Visit the contact details and website legal policies.

5. Check the active date of the website by pasting the link at the ‘Internet Corporation for Assignment Names and Numbers (ICANN),’ an NPO.

6. Try Google’s ‘Transparency Report’ to scan the website.

Examples of Scam Websites

Some of the common types of scam websites include:

• Phishing sites asking for your credit card details or other payment security pins

• E-commerce websites with unbelievable discount offers for a limited time.

• Security scam websites showing pop-ups on your screen saying ‘Virus or Security Breach Detected’.

• Duplicates of major brands and companies with slight changes in the URL while keeping the website layout the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to inform others about a scam website?

Share your experience or write detailed reports on social media, online forums, and review platforms warning your peer network about the scam websites you have encountered.

2. Where do I report a scam website?

Several agencies handle reports depending on your location and the type of scam:

• Government agencies: In the US, report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Other countries have similar agencies.

• Cybersecurity organisations: The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) accepts reports at reportascam.ncsc.gov.uk.

• Internet browser providers: Most browsers like Chrome and Firefox offer reporting options within their security settings.

• Domain registrars: If you know the domain registrar, you can report the website directly through their website.

3. Why is it important to report scam websites?

Reporting scam websites helps authorities to:

• Shut down scam websites: Take down harmful sites to protect others.

• Track scam trends: Identify common tactics and alert the public.

• File legal cases: Gather evidence to prosecute scammers.

• Protect the users: You become less vulnerable to future scams by taking action.

4. What cyber crimes can I report on The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal?

The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal is a 24*7 operative Indian government initiative to lodge and facilitate all cyber crimes, including crimes against women and children. If you are an emotional or financial victim of any cybercrime, you may use the NCRP helpline number (1930).

5. What if I'm not sure if a website is a scam?

If you're unsure, it's better to be safe than sorry. Report it anyway! Authorities can investigate and determine if the website is legitimate. If the investigation yields results that prove the site to be illegitimate, action would be initiated accordingly.

Conclusion

Before trusting a website and giving your personal and sensitive information, check its authenticity. Reporting a scam website is a civic duty and a chance to contribute to a cleaner, safer online environment. Don't underestimate the power of your voice; collective reports can trigger investigations and takedowns, shutting down these fraudulent operations for good. Together, we can take down cyber criminals and make cyberspace safer and better for all users.

Disclaimer The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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