How can you tell if a website is really what it claims to be? (Like how can I tell that Microsoft.com is really Microsoft?)

Hi LadyOpaque

There are too many web addresses that look so similar to the real websites, it is so very easy to accidentally click into one of these scam websites, they even look the exact same as the real thong (deliberately so)

If you are ever unsure about a web site or domain address like microsoft.com

Open Google and search for whois + the web address, that will generally give you a really good idea of whether that site or domain can be trusted.

If the link is within an email just hover the mouse cursor over the link & see if the url matches the text - an example would be if the link says Microsoft.com but the text says Micr0s0ft.con, this would be a fake site.

Genuine sites usually start with HTTPS to show they’re secure, they’ll also have a lock to show the same, also depending on the browser some can show the site with a green highlight in the browser bar.

Some suggestions for software are McAfee webAdvisor (Edge extention) or for other browsers: https://www.mcafee.com/consumer/en-us/store/m0/...

Norton safe search using the Ask Browser: (Edge extention) or: https://search.norton.com/

These will warn you if the website is Good, Neutral or Bad; of the two I use McAfee as Norton requires you to use their browser to get the Green, Grey or Red icons beside the website when you search.

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Hi,

I am Ganesh Gandhi, an Independent Advisor, 18 years experienced windows guide. I am here to work with you on this problem.

• Kindly follow these steps to check if a website is really what it claims to be:

You can check the Whois information, which is the information about the domain owner. If there is no means of contact, who is the owner, and who is operating the company then you know it is the scam.

So, it is better to avoid those online companies. To check whois information of the website goes to whois lookup tool like Icann whois search, Who.is.

• Search the website's name in a search engine and review the results. ...
• Look at the website's connection type and check the site's security status in your browser's address bar If you see HTTPS - it is verified website

(The company name should be found next to the URL

There should be a padlock symbol to signify that the website is secure

Check if the website has updated data security certificate)

• Evaluate the website's URL. ...
• Look for bad English on the site. ...
• Watch out for invasive advertising.
• Browse for the contact details and call the company directly. This would help you gauge if the site is legit.

Do let me know if you require any further help on this. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

Note:

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information with reference. Thoroughly research products advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products).