How to Identify & Avoid Falling for Spoofed Websites

The internet has made banking and business transactions more convenient than ever, but it has also created opportunities for fraudsters to deceive unsuspecting users. One of the most common threats today is spoofed websites—fraudulent sites designed to look identical to legitimate ones, like your bank’s login page. These fake sites trick people into entering their login credentials, personal details, or even payment information, which criminals can then use to steal money or commit fraud. To stay safe, it’s crucial to know how to spot spoofed websites, avoid falling for scams, and take immediate action if you suspect fraud.

How to Identify a Spoofed Website

Fraudsters go to great lengths to create fake websites that look just like legitimate banking or business sites. However, there are key signs that can help you detect a spoofed site before you fall victim.

1. Look Carefully at the URL
   • A spoofed website may have a URL that looks almost correct but includes slight alterations, such as:
     • Misspellings (i.e. “grasshoppebank.com” instead of “grasshopperbank.com”)
     • Extra or missing characters (i.e. “grasshopper-bnk.com” or “grasshopperbnk.com”)
     • Unusual domains (i.e. “grasshopperbank.net” instead of “.com” or using strange country codes)
2. Check for HTTPS Security
   • A legitimate bank website should always have “https://” at the beginning of the URL, along with a padlock icon in the address bar.
3. Watch for Poor Website Design or Errors:
   • Many spoofed websites look professional, but some may have noticeable red flags like:
     • Blurry or low-quality logos
     • Broken links or missing pages
     • Spelling and grammar mistakes
     • Unusual pop-ups asking for sensitive information
4. Be Wary of Unexpected Login Prompts
   • Banks will never ask you to verify sensitive details via email, text, or pop-up forms.
     • If you’re unexpectedly asked to enter your login credentials, Social Security number, or security questions, pause and verify that you are on the correct website.

How to Avoid Falling for Spoofed Websites

Fraudsters rely on deception, urgency, and social engineering to lure victims into entering their personal information on spoofed websites. By staying cautious and following best practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling for these scams and keep your accounts safe from unauthorized access.

1. Use Trusted Access Points
   • Always bookmark your bank’s official website and access it directly.
   • Avoid searching for your bank’s website on Google—scammers can create fake ads that appear at the top of search results.
2. Never Click Suspicious Links
   • If you receive an unexpected email, text, or message with a link to your bank’s website, don’t click it—even if it looks official.
   • Instead, go to your browser and type the bank’s website manually.
3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
   • MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a one-time code (sent via text or an authenticator app) to log in.
   • Even if fraudsters get your password, MFA can prevent them from accessing your account.
4. Keep Your Browser & Security Software Updated
   • Modern browsers and security software can help detect and block known spoofed websites.
   • Regular updates ensure you have the latest protection.

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

If you believe you’ve landed on a spoofed website or mistakenly entered your details, it’s important to act fast. The sooner you take action, the better chance you have of preventing unauthorized transactions and securing your personal data.

1. Exit the Website Immediately
   • Close the tab or window without clicking anything further.
2. Change Your Passwords
   • If you entered your login credentials on a suspicious site, change your bank password immediately.
   • Be sure to update any other accounts where you used the same password.
3. Monitor Your Bank Account for Unusual Activity
   • Check your recent transactions and look for any unauthorized charges.
   • If anything looks suspicious, report it to your bank immediately.
4. Report the Spoofed Website
   • Contact your bank to alert them about the fake website.
   • You can also report the site to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or Google Safe Browsing to help prevent others from falling victim.

Stay Secure & Informed

At Grasshopper, your security is our top priority. By staying aware of these scams and practicing safe online habits, you can protect yourself and your business from fraud. For more security tips, we encourage you to check out all the resources available in our blog or help center.

Please Note: we will never email, text, or call you asking for your login credentials or sensitive account information. If you ever receive a suspicious message claiming to be from us, do not respond. Instead, contact Client Services directly using official channels.