From Mashable · Chase DiBenedetto · · 1m 10s
How to tell if a website or social media account is legit
Check URLs, profiles, and AI labels to spot fake sites and accounts.
In brief
Check URLs, profiles, and AI labels to spot fake sites and accounts. Verify websites and social media accounts using URL security, platform verification, and AI content labels to avoid scams. Originally reported by Mashable.
AI-generated content risks
AI tools create fake websites and social accounts that spread misinformation and scams.
“High quality misinformation and deception were largely the domain of nation-states and well resourced groups”
Pink slime growth
Around one-third of recent web content is AI-generated, with 10 percent of .com sites having AI fingerprints.
“Fake news sources peddling misinformation or propaganda (commonly referred to as "pink slime") have long outnumbered real news publishers”
Scam kits and tools
Scammers use affordable kits to build fake sites, log-in portals, and natural-looking engagement with hundreds of dollars.
“Such kits cover "everything from advertising to writing blog posts and content on social media"”
URL verification steps
Check for padlock icon, https://, and correct URL spelling to verify website security.
“Look for the padlock icon or other indicator the browser has verified your connection”
Social media verification
Use platform verification tools and check profiles to avoid fake accounts with custom characters.
“Be sure to click through to the profile itself, not just how it appears on your feed”
AI content labels
Look for AI content labels in captions, comments, and profiles to spot generated content.
“Use the tips below to see if they've skirted detection (many do)”
SIFT method
Apply the SIFT method to check for legitimacy: Check, Investigate, Find, Trust.
“Traditional recommendations for vetting news sources, for example, include the SIFT method”
Typosquatting risks
Fake sites mimic reputable URLs like abcnews.com.co or FIFA to steal personal information.
“These webpages closely mimic URLs for reputable sites including news sites like abcnews.com.co”
The key point
Verify websites and social media accounts using URL security, platform verification, and AI content labels to avoid scams.
