What+is+a+Fake+Site?

A fake site is a site that displays false, faulty or distorted information essentially it pretends to be the 'real thing'. Although it may not always seem to display false information entirely, its end means is to hook the viewer and make them believe that what is displayed has actually occured, will occur, has the potential to, does exist, will be received, etcetera.
 * __BASICS:__**

Fake sites certainly vary in severity and belief. Many fake sites are simply sites that are for the most part a joke or pranks displaying faulty or incorrect information and at times can be easily detected. Although they may not be considered an act of criminal proportion they definately can cause grief, concern, frustration and various other feelings and notions. Unfortunately not all fake sites are non-criminal.
 * __TYPES OF FAKE SITES__**

Far to often users of the internet get fooled by sites that simply mimic credible sites. These sites often look similar, but will have different wording or slightly changed links, banners, etcetera. Often these sites will end up destroying information on the users computer or attack it in some way. Typically these sites will ask for your personal or financial information in return for a product or service; another word for this is phishing.

__**PERSONAL EXPERIENCE**__ One hoax site, or more so a virus, that I personally have experienced is [|Malware Defense] which is a rogue **anti-spyware program** that is promoted through the use of Trojans and other malware. Once installed, this program will perform a scan and then state that your computer is infected with a variety of malware. If you try to use Malware Defense to remove any of these infections it will state that you need to purchase the program first before it will attempt to do so. This is a scam, though, as the the files it states are infected are either legitimate Windows files or fake results. It is only showing you the results in order to make you think that you are infected so that you will then purchase Malware Defense. Therefore, do not attempt to manually delete any of the files it states are infections as you may remove legitimate Windows files that could affect the proper operation of your computer.

Fortunately I was smart enough not to fall into the trap of downloading this hoax and getting to the point where it actually infected and corrupted any of my actual Windows files; but it certainly looked very believable and proffessional. For someone who does not know about anti-spyware programs or who may need one for their computer this hoax - malware defense, certainly could trick them, potentially resulting in total corruption and removal of all their valuable files and information.

Often sites that mimic others will accept donations or payments and make the viewer believe that they are either giving to a worthy cause or they will be receiving whatever they chose to pay for. Time and time again individuals who go to these sites are unaware of what a fake site looks like or are ignorant at times that they even exist. This is why I believe it is incredibly important to increase our understanding and knowledge on how to use technology effectively and safely. In an attempt to do so, this blog will display a number of examples of fakes sites and give information on how to avoid or protect yourself from fake sites.