How to Trust a Website

Internet surfing requires a great deal of caution. Millions of websites exist offering countless products, services and information, but sometimes it can be difficult to figure out which of these websites truly live up to their claims. By looking for common red flags, you can make educated decisions about the types of websites you visit and support, and possibly save yourself from viruses, scams and other types of Internet fraud.

Instructions

1. Consider what led you to the website in the first place. If you found it as a result of email spam, do not trust it. Reputable companies do not send spam. If somebody you know personally recommended the site, or if you found it as a link on another website that you consider reputable, then the site may be trustworthy.

2. Consider the type of information that the site provides. If it makes promises that seem unrealistic, advertises illegal products or makes seemingly outlandish claims, then exercise serious caution.

3. Check the contact information. The more contact information you find, the more secure you can feel. At the very least, the site should provide an email address and phone number. Most reputable businesses will also provide postal address information and fax information.

4. Look for an "About" page. This should give you the history of the website or company, the names of staff members and a mission statement if applicable. Notice whether or not the information appears thorough, professional and businesslike.

5. Check to see what other people have to say about the site. Sites like "Ripoff Report" and "Complaints Board" exist to expose shady websites by allowing users to post warnings and share their experiences. Also, if you type the name of the website and the word "scam" into any search engine, you can immediately find any links to articles and forum posts critical of the website.

References

• Microsoft: When to Trust a Website