Between March and May of this year, we carried out a survey inBrandMonitorwhich identified that 84.2% of major brands had at least one fake website created and published in their name on the internet in the last three months. This alarming data reveals the vulnerability of brands, both Brazilian and international, to frauds, scams, and digital threats.
The proliferation of fake websites occurs for various reasons, with one of the main being the apparent lack of information from brands regarding fraud. This negligence sends a message to malicious users that there are opportunities to profit by using the authority and image of reputable companies. And this is concerning.
The brands most affected by digital fraud face an average of 85 suspicious domains, compromising both their results and their reputation. Every day, new scams and fraudulent websites emerge on the web, and it is crucial for brands to stay one step ahead of these malicious actors.
The main characteristics of fake domains
The first step to effectively combat fake domains is to know how to recognize them. Thus, companies are able to propose a more objective and targeted plan to identify those who are truly the brand's aggressors.
Although there are several possible formats for these frauds, there are some aspects that are common to all fraudulent addresses. I have gathered some of them below to guide and help your brand in this identification
- Domain errorsFake sites usually imitate legitimate sites, changing only small parts of the address. Therefore, be attentive to strange suffixes (.xyz, .club, .info), spelling errors, or additional words and letters.
- Language lapsesFake sites usually display spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Poorly written texts and meaningless sentences are important warning signs;
- Design changesDisorganized layout, low-quality images, and confusing navigation can also indicate a fake website. The rule is simple: always distrust sites with amateurish visuals;
- Amazing and urgent offers:Absurd discounts, free products, or unmissable giveaways can be bait to lure you to a fake website. The sense of urgency is also a common weapon used by these fraudsters.
Ensuring the protection of brands against fraudulent sites goes far beyond preventing theft of conversions or revenue losses, as it directly involves the way your brand is perceived by the market and your customers. After all, this demonstrates a genuine concern for the security of your consumers' data and for maintaining a positive image. However, this is not all: this perspective also ensures that teams can identify these threats before they become costly legal and bureaucratic problems.
