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How To Spot Fake Bank Websites: Tips for Safe Online Banking

Online banking can be helpful. You can check your balance, send money, or pay bills online without needing to visit a branch. But not every website is real. Some websites are made to trick you. 

According to Indiana MoneyWise, Millennials are 25% more likely to say they’ve lost money to fraud than older adults.[1] But, that doesn’t mean seniors are safe. They also say that, on average, seniors who fall victim to financial fraud lose between $12,500 and $25,000.[2]

The fake bank websites that scammers use look like real ones, but they’re built by scammers who want your personal info or your money. In this post, you’ll learn how to tell if a website is fake and how to stay safe when you bank online.

Why Do Fake Bank Websites Exist?

Fake banks exist to steal. Some people build copycat websites that look just like real bank pages. They do this to collect your password, account number, or other private details. 

Then they use your information to: 

  • Take your money. 

  • Open accounts in your name. 

  • Steal your identity. 

These scammers may send you emails or text messages with links to their fake websites. If you click and log in, they now have your info.

These scams can look very real. Fortunately, you can protect yourself when you know what to watch for.

You might also like: Everything You Need To Know About Smishing (SMS Phishing) 

How To Identify a Fake Bank Website

To protect yourself from bank scams, it is essential to know what to look for. Here’s how to detect a fake bank website. 

1. Examine the URL

Check the address bar. Many bank imitation websites have odd-looking web addresses. They may use a name that’s close to the real bank's name, but not exactly the same.

For example:

  • Real: https://www.centier.com 

  • Fake: http://www.centierbank-login.com

Also, real sites should always begin with https:// — the “s” means the website is secure. If it only says http://, that can be a potential warning sign.

See if there is a lock symbol in the address bar, too. That means your info is protected.

2. Look for Poor Design or Errors

Fake sites often look sloppy. 

You might see:

  • Spelling mistakes or bad grammar.

  • Blurry logos or images.

  • Strange or off-brand colors or formatting.

If something looks off, it probably is. Real banks work hard to make sure their websites are clear, helpful, and easy to use. 

3. Be Wary of Surprise Login Prompts

Let’s say you’re reading an email or visiting a different site, and a page suddenly pops up asking you to log in. That’s not normal. Fake bank websites often use these surprise login pages to trick you. 

If you didn’t go to the login screen on purpose, close the tab right away.

How To Tell if a Bank Website Is Legit

Use these simple tips to make sure a bank website is real:

  • Type the web address yourself. Never click on links in emails or messages. Open your browser and type the web address you trust.

  • Use bookmarks in your browser. Save your bank’s site in your bookmarks and use that link every time you sign in.

  • Check the contact page. Real banks will list their phone number, address, and other ways to get help. If this page is missing or doesn’t look right, stop there.

  • Click the lock. Many browsers let you click the lock icon next to the website address. You can see if the connection is secure and who owns the site.

Want more safe banking tips? Check out our top 5 tips to protect your information. 

How To Make Sure Online Banking Is Secure

Even on a real website, there are smart habits to follow. 

You can make sure your online banking is secure by: 

  1. Using strong passwords. 

  2. Turning on two-factor authentication. 

  3. Signing out each time you’re done. 

  4. Keeping your devices updated.  

Don’t use your name or birthdate as your banking password. Create a strong password with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.

Two-factor authentication means the bank will use a second layer of security for your login. For example, they may send a code to your phone when you log in. It helps keep your account safe. 

If you’re using a shared or public computer, always log out before you leave the site. If there’s a chance your personal device could be seen by someone else, then log out there as well. 

Your phone and computer should have the latest updates and security settings. This can help combat the latest common technology weaknesses. 

What To Do if You Discover a Fake Bank Website

If you think a bank website is fake, don’t click on anything or type in any information. Here’s what to do instead:

  • Close the tab or window right away.

  • Tell your bank about the fake site. You can contact them using a number from their real website.

  • Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. This helps stop the scammers from tricking others.

  • Change your login info if you entered anything by mistake.

To report an imitation of Centier.com or any suspected fraudulent activity with your Centier account, call us at 1-888-236-8437. 

Stay Safe While Banking Online With Centier by Your Side

You can enjoy online banking and stay safe at the same time. Just take a few moments to double-check where you're logging in. Watch for fake URLs, bad design, or surprise login pages. And if anything feels wrong, trust your gut. Ask for help before you do anything else.

If you’re looking for secure ways to manage and grow your money, we’re here to help. For more resources to protect your banking details, visit Centier’s Security & Fraud Prevention Center. 

 

[1] https://securities.sos.in.gov/moneywise/moneywise-millennials/

[2] https://securities.sos.in.gov/moneywise/senior-fraud/