Between March and May of this year, we conducted a survey on BrandMonitor that 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, one of the main ones being the apparent misinformation of brands regarding frauds. This neglect sends a message to malicious users that there are opportunities to profit using the authority and image of reputable companies. And that is concerning.
The brands most affected by digital fraud face an average of 85 suspicious domains, compromising both their results and their reputation. Daily, 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. This way, companies can propose a more objective and targeted plan to find those who are truly harming the brand.
Although there are various 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 assist your brand in this identification:
- Domain Errors: Fake websites often mimic legitimate sites, changing only small parts of the address. So, be alert to strange suffixes (.xyz, .club, .info), spelling mistakes, or additional words and letters;
- Language Oversights: Fake websites often have spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Poorly written texts and nonsensical phrases are important warning signs;
- Design Changes: Disorganized layout, low-quality images, and confusing navigation can also indicate a fake site. The rule is simple: always be suspicious of sites with an amateur look;
- Outlandish and Urgent Offers: Absurd discounts, free products, or can’t-miss giveaways may be lures to draw you to a fake site. The sense of urgency is also a common weapon used by these fraudsters.
Ensuring brand protection against fraudulent sites goes beyond preventing conversion theft or revenue losses, as it directly involves how 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 the maintenance of a positive image. However, that’s not all: this perspective also ensures that teams can identify these threats before they become costly and bureaucratic legal problems.
