I have been managing websites since 2019, and within these years, one thing I’ve observed in Nigeria is how fast scam websites rise and fall. I’ve seen people lose money to fake online stores, phishing websites, fake investment platforms, and cloned bank portals simply because they didn’t know what signs to look out for.
That’s why when people ask me: “Eventus, how can I check if a website is fake?” I tell them that in 2026, you don’t need to be a web developer to detect a fake site—you just need to know the right things to look for.
How to Check a Fake Website
You can check a fake website by verifying the URL spelling, checking for HTTPS security, inspecting the design quality, verifying contact details, using online scam detectors, reading reviews, and looking out for red flags like unrealistic offers and pressure tactics.
If anything looks suspicious—leave immediately. A genuine website never pressures you or hides essential details.
1. Check the URL Carefully
The fastest way to detect a fake website is by checking the URL. Fake sites often copy popular websites but change small spellings. For example:
- real: jumia.com.ng
- fake: jumiia.com.ng
If the domain name looks manipulated, long, or contains too many hyphens, it’s likely a fake.
2. Confirm HTTPS and the Padlock Icon
A secure website uses https:// and shows a padlock icon.
But be careful—scammers now buy cheap SSL certificates too. So HTTPS alone doesn’t guarantee trust. It’s only the first step.
3. Inspect the Website Design and Grammar
Fake websites usually:
- have poor design
- contain bad English and spelling mistakes
- have broken links
- look rushed or copied
In 2019 when I first started building websites, I could barely identify good designs. But today, after fixing many poorly built pages, I can spot fake sites by design flaws alone—and you can too if you look closely.
4. Check for Real Contact Details
A real website shows:
- Phone numbers
- Physical addresses
- Professional emails
Fake websites hide.
They often only show a WhatsApp number or a Gmail address.
If they cannot reveal their real identity, don’t trust the site.
5. Look for an About Page and Company Profile
Legit businesses proudly show:
- Who they are
- What they do
- The team
- Registration details
Fake websites avoid these pages because they don’t have a real identity.
6. Look for Reviews and Reputation
Before trusting any website, search for reviews online.
If a company claims big things but there is no single trace of them on the Internet—be careful!
You can also check an external review platform like:
Trustpilot
Scam websites often have:
- No reviews
- Negative reviews
- Fake 5-star reviews written within the same timeframe
7. Use Scam and Malware Checkers
When in doubt, paste the URL into:
- Google Safe Browsing Checker
- Norton Safe Web
- VirusTotal
These tools alert you if the website is dangerous.
8. Check If the Offers Are “Too Good to Be True”
Scammers love unrealistic offers like:
- iPhone 15 Pro for ₦50,000
- Investment returns of 300% in two days
- “Pay now or lose the promo in 10 minutes!”
Real businesses do not operate like that.
If the deal looks too sweet, run.
9. Check When the Website Was Created
Most scam websites are less than 3 months old.
Use a WHOIS lookup tool and check the domain age.
If the site is new and they are promising unbelievable things, don’t trust them.
10. Look for Pressure Tactics
Fake websites want you to act fast.
They use tactics like:
- “Only 1 item left! Hurry!”
- “Offer expires in 5 minutes!”
- Fake countdown timers
Real websites allow you time to decide.
Fake ones try to scare or rush you.
How Fake Websites Scam Nigerians
Based on what I’ve seen, fake websites usually fall into these categories:
- Fake online shops
- Cloned bank login pages
- Fake investment/crypto platforms
- Scholarship or visa scam sites
- Fake government recruitment sites
Their goal is always the same — to steal your money or your information.
What to Do If You Already Entered a Fake Website
- Close the site instantly
- Do not type anything further
- Clear your browser data
- Update your passwords
- Call your bank if you entered card details
Other Related Articles:
- How to Tell If a Website Is Safe
- Most Visited Website in Nigeria
- Can You Host a Website on Your Phone?
- Understanding How Websites Work
Final Thoughts
Scam websites are becoming smarter every year, especially in Nigeria. But with the steps above, you can identify a fake website in seconds and avoid losing your money or personal information.
Always trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.