The Complete Guide To Spotting Spam Sites as a Internet User

When one thinks of a spam website, the immediate image that springs to mind is of a screen splattered with garish bright colors, annoying popups, and x-rated advertisements. However, as the internet has evolved, so too has the humble spam website. And while there are still plenty of vintage-style spam sites operating on the web, the modern incarnations are far harder to discern from the trustworthy domains they’re impersonating.

Whether you’re shopping online, checking in with friends on social media, or looking for the latest headlines, it’s essential to know how to spot these cunning imposters. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll detail some tell-tale signs of a spam site, giving you the knowledge and confidence you need to stay safe on the web.

Suspicious URLs

A common ploy among shady spam artists involves using URLs that closely resemble legitimate domain names. They might replace numbers or add hyphens to mimic the real websites. These suspicious URLs can be incredibly convincing at first glance, especially when combined with enticing offers or urgent messages. However, keen observation is essential to detecting the subtle discrepancies that give away their true nature.

Always double-check the spelling and domain structure to ensure it aligns with the website you intend to visit. Additionally, be cautious of shortened URLs, as they can conceal the actual destination and lead you astray.

When in doubt, consider performing a quick search to verify the website’s authenticity or manually typing in the URL yourself. Trustworthy websites prioritize user security and use secure protocols like HTTPS to protect your data, so check whether the URL is preceded by HTTPS rather than the less secure alternative, HTTP. You could also use a service such as CheckShortURL to expand the link before visiting it.

Poor content or design

It might be a bit of a tired cliché at this point, but there’s a lot of truth behind the phrase “content is king”. If you land on a site with spelling mistakes galore, gaudy design, and grammatical errors in every other paragraph, there’s a high chance you’re on a spam website. Another hallmark of a spam site? Nonsensical filler content. Business owners invest considerable amounts of money to obtain backlinks to their websites, boosting their search engine rankings and online visibility.

Unfortunately, this demand for backlinks has given rise to a swarm of spam sites that solely exist to host these links, often resorting to devious tactics such as inserting them into blogs that make little to no sense. And while they might make for a vaguely entertaining read, they’re often a sure-fire way to distinguish a spam site from the real deal.

If you’re a business owner, try not to be tempted by these sites. The allure of a cheap backlink may seem appealing, but it’s actually more likely to harm your company’s reputation in the long run. For a more sustainable approach to link building, consider partnering with a digital marketing agency or hiring a team of in-house SEO experts.

Unsecured connection

An unsecured connection is like leaving the door wide open for cybercriminals to sneak into your online activities. When visiting a website, your browser establishes a connection with the site’s server to exchange information. Secure websites use HTTPS, an encrypted protocol that ensures data transmitted between your browser and the server remains confidential and protected from eavesdroppers.

On the other hand, spam sites and malicious actors often neglect to implement this vital layer of security, leaving the connection vulnerable to interception and data theft. Without HTTPS, any data you enter on the website, such as login credentials, credit card details, or personal information, can be easily intercepted by hackers.

Thankfully, checking for an unsecured connection is child’s play—simply look for the absence of the padlock icon in the address bar, or a warning message from your browser indicating that the site is not secure. In either case, back away, and keep your sensitive information well away from the site!

Always prioritize your online safety by browsing secure websites that use HTTPS encryption. Additionally, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) when accessing the internet — this will provide an extra layer of protection by encrypting your entire internet connection and routing it through a secure server.

Aggressive pop-up ads and redirects

In the past, spam sites were infamous for bombarding users with a barrage of obnoxious pop-up ads that made it nearly impossible to navigate the website or access the desired content. While the internet has evolved, modern spam sites have become more crafty in their approach.

Instead of overwhelming users with an excessive number of pop-ups, spam sites now employ sophisticated techniques to deceive users. They may use stealthy pop-ups that blend seamlessly with the website’s design, making it challenging to identify them as unwanted advertisements. These pop-ups often lead to malicious websites or prompt users to take actions they may later regret, such as subscribing to dubious services or providing personal information.

Similarly, aggressive redirects can be a significant annoyance and danger. When clicking on a link or button on a spam site, instead of leading to the expected destination, users may find themselves redirected to unrelated, potentially harmful websites. These redirects can lead to phishing pages, malware downloads, or other deceptive schemes.

These attempts to hijack your device can range from painfully obvious and borderline-hilarious, to remarkably clever. In general, it’s always best to stick firmly to the side of skepticism and exercise caution with any pop-up you encounter — especially if you’re visiting a site you’re unfamiliar with.

No contact information or about page

Reputable websites understand the importance of transparency and building trust with their audience. They typically provide clear and accessible contact information, allowing users to reach out for inquiries, feedback, or support.

On the other hand, spam sites often lack this essential element, as their primary objective is to remain anonymous and evade detection. Without any means of contacting the website owners or administrators, users have no recourse if they encounter issues or fall victim to a scam. In short, if there’s no way to contact the owner of the website, consider this a giant red flag!

Similarly, the absence of an ‘about’ page is another cause for concern. Legitimate websites use this page to introduce themselves, providing insights into their mission, history, and the people behind the organization. This helps establish credibility and fosters a sense of connection with the audience. Most spam sites will either omit such information or fabricate it — if you’re ever suspicious, don’t be afraid to cross-reference their story via a quick Google search!

Ultimately, while the internet offers endless possibilities, it’s also crucial to remember that dangers always lurk beneath the surface. Similar to how we take precautions and employ common sense to navigate dangerous areas in a city, the same approach applies to our online ventures. For more help with staying safe on the web, check out our 7 smart rules for surfing the internet, or our rundown of the top trusted internet filters for parents.