Recently, we've seen a growing number of cases of online services being impersonated by legitimate companies. This phenomenon is becoming increasingly common, affecting both large brands and smaller entities. Fake websites, forged contact forms, and even advertising campaigns run on behalf of companies that have nothing to do with them – these are just some of the methods cybercriminals use.

Unfortunately, our company also encountered this situation, which prompted us to prepare this article. The aim of this article is not only to warn customers about possible threats but also to provide practical knowledge – how to recognize a fake website, what to do if you suspect fraud, and how to protect yourself from losing data or money.

We believe that increasing user awareness is one of the most effective ways to combat these types of threats today.

How do scammers impersonating service websites operate?

Registering similar domains

One of the primary techniques used by cybercriminals is creating fake websites based on domain names that are confusingly similar to those of legitimate companies. Fraudsters register addresses with typos, extra characters, hyphens, or other extensions (e.g., instead of .pl , .com , .net , .info ).

This manipulation is intended to mislead users, who might accidentally enter an incorrect address or click on a fake link. If the website looks professional and authentic, many people don't realize they've stumbled upon a scam.

Theft of content, visual identity and page layout

To enhance credibility, fraudsters often copy graphic elements from legitimate company websites. These may include:

• logo,

• color,

• photos,

• service descriptions and headings,

• page structure (menu, subpages, buttons, forms).

From the average user's perspective, a fake website may look identical to the original. The only difference is that the site isn't run by a legitimate company, but by a criminal group trying to extort data or money.

Fake contact forms and fake company details

Fake service websites typically feature active contact forms that allow you to enter personal information, submit an inquiry, or even place an order. Information submitted through these channels goes directly to the scammers.

Fabricated contact information also frequently appears – fictitious email addresses, phone numbers, and even forged consultant signatures or references. Sometimes, scammers also use the Tax Identification Number (NIP) or National Court Register (KRS) of a legitimate company to enhance their credibility, even though they have nothing to do with that company.

Phishing via email, text message, and social media

In addition to creating websites, cybercriminals actively use various communication channels to reach potential victims:

• they send e-mails with an offer of services, an invitation to fill out a form or a supposed invoice,

• send SMS messages with a link to "order confirmation",

• create fake company profiles on social media.

All these activities are aimed at one thing: convincing the user that they are dealing with a legitimate company and encouraging them to take action – click, provide data, make a transfer.

Sponsored ads and positioning of fake websites

Some fraudsters even invest in sponsored search engine advertising. This allows their fake sites to appear high in search results, often even higher than the original sites. If a user doesn't pay attention to the URL, it's very easy to click on such a link and be redirected to a fraudulent website.

Online service impersonations are becoming increasingly technologically advanced and difficult to detect at first glance. Therefore, digital education and threat awareness are crucial for every internet user today.

How to recognize a fake website?

Fake websites posing as service providers can be seemingly difficult to distinguish from genuine ones. Scammers pay attention to visual and linguistic details, making them appear professional and credible at first glance. However, there are a few specific elements worth checking before deciding to accept an offer or provide any information.

URL – Details Matter

Always double-check a website address. Fake websites often use:

• typos (e.g. swiatcyfrowyy.pl instead of swiatcyfrowy.pl ),

• additional characters ( – , digits),

• other domain extensions ( .com , .info , .net instead of .pl ),

• subdomains that look like the main address (e.g. firma.inna-strona.pl ).

If the address looks suspicious or doesn't match the company name, it's worth being cautious and verifying it yourself, e.g., through a search engine or official social media profiles.

SSL certificate and secure connection

A professional website should always use a secure connection (i.e., HTTPS). The absence of an SSL certificate (i.e., a closed padlock next to the address in the browser) may indicate that the site was created in a hurry or by dishonest parties.

Importantly, an SSL certificate alone does not guarantee the authenticity of a website, but its absence is a strong warning sign.

Contact details and "About Us" section

A lack of transparent contact information is a common warning sign. Legitimate service providers typically provide:

• full address details,

• phone number,

• email address (preferably with a company domain, not e.g. @gmail.com),

• NIP, REGON or KRS number.

It's also worth reading the "About Us" section—fake websites often have only generic, copied content, or none at all. It's a good idea to compare this data with information available in public registers (CEIDG, KRS).

Style and quality of content

Fake websites often contain grammatical errors, unprofessional translations, or inconsistent text. This is especially noticeable in:

• description of services,

• messages in forms,

• headings and sections "Terms and Conditions", "Privacy Policy".

Poor language quality, stylistic mismatch, or chaotic page structure are clear signs that something may be wrong.

No trace of online activity

If a website offers services but:

• there are no reviews online,

• does not appear in Google Maps,

• does not maintain any social media profile,

• there is no history in website archives (e.g. archive.org ),

It's worth considering this as a warning sign. Professional service companies are building their online presence, and you can easily find mentions of their activities – in reviews, catalogs, forums, and industry portals.

Too attractive offers and rushed communication

If a website offers suspiciously low prices, lightning-fast service, or forces you to contact them quickly ("offer only today," "limited number of orders"), be very cautious. Such tactics are designed to evoke emotions and induce action without verifying the service provider's credibility.

What to do if you suspect you have encountered fraudsters?

If you start to suspect something's amiss while using online services—for example, a website seems strange, you're receiving unusual correspondence, or you have doubts about the trustworthiness of the person you're talking to—it's important not to ignore it. Early action can protect you from losing money, personal data, or legal consequences resulting from someone exploiting your identity.

Do not make a transfer, do not provide any data

The first rule is to refrain from any action that requires:

• providing personal data (PESEL, ID number, address),

• making a prepayment or transfer,

• sending scans of documents or company data.

If something makes you feel uneasy, it's best to hold off and thoroughly verify the source before doing anything.

Take screenshots and secure evidence

Before the website disappears from the network or the content is modified, it is worth doing the following:

• screenshots of the website, forms, offers, chats, emails,

• recording of e-mail or telephone conversations,

• a copy of the URL and source code (if you can).

This type of documentation may be useful later when reporting the matter to the appropriate institutions or in pursuing claims.

Check the company in public registers

If the website provides specific company details, it is worth checking them in official databases such as:

• CEIDG (for sole proprietorships),

• KRS (for companies),

• Central Statistical Office REGON (for each registered company).

Discrepancies in the name, address, Tax Identification Number (NIP), or the lack of any registration are red flags. Be careful: scammers can misrepresent legitimate companies' details, so it's worth comparing them with the information on the company's official website.

Report the matter to the appropriate institutions

If you have reason to believe you have encountered a scam, do not delay in reporting it:

• CERT Polska – accepts reports regarding network security incidents: https://cert.pl

• Police – in the event of actual damage (e.g. financial fraud), a report can be made at the police station or via the website: https://www.policja.pl

• UOKiK – in case of suspicion of unfair market practices: https://uokik.gov.pl

• CSIRT KNF – for incidents related to finance and online fraud: https://www.csirt.knf.gov.pl/

The sooner the matter is reported to the appropriate authorities, the greater the chance of stopping the fraud and warning other users.

Report the real company that someone is impersonating

If you suspect someone is impersonating a specific service company, it's a good idea to report it to the company owner. Companies often don't realize their image is being used in fraudulent activities. Your report can help them:

• respond with a warning message,

• notify your customers,

• take legal action.

Warn other users

It's also worth sharing the warning on forums, social media groups, or review sites. The more people aware of the potential threat, the less chance scammers have of finding another victim. There's no need to share details—a simple message with a link to the fake website and a warning to avoid using its forms or offers is sufficient.

summary and appeal to customers

Impersonating legitimate service providers is a real and growing threat in the digital world. Fraudsters are increasingly resorting to sophisticated methods, creating fake websites, forms, and even entire advertising campaigns that look like legitimate businesses. The goal is to extract personal information, money, or trust—so they can use it in further fraudulent schemes.

That's why it's so important for every internet user—regardless of their technological advancement—to remain vigilant and know how to protect themselves. Education, awareness, and caution are now fundamental tools for defending against cyberthreats.

Be careful, even if everything looks credible

Not every professional-looking website is secure. Before ordering a service, making a transfer, or sharing your data, check the basics of credibility: the URL, SSL certificate, contact details, the company's presence in public registries, and online reviews.

Don't hesitate to ask and verify

If you have any doubts, ask. It's better to spend a few minutes on additional verification than to risk wasting money, data, or time. Honest service providers have nothing to hide and will be happy to provide you with information or confirm whether a given contact really comes from them.

Report suspicious websites and profiles

If you come across a website that appears to be fake, don't ignore it. Reporting the site to the appropriate authorities or the company being impersonated can protect other users from fraud. Your reaction matters.

Share your knowledge with others

Many people are still unaware of this threat. Therefore, we encourage you to share educational articles and inform your family, colleagues, and friends—especially those less tech-savvy. Awareness is the first step to safety.