In the digital age we live in now, businesses, firms, and
even individuals need websites to have an online presence. With the increasing
demand for web design and development services,
there has been a surge in fraudulent activities by unscrupulous individuals
looking to make a quick buck. As a client, it is crucial to be aware of website
development scams to avoid falling victim to them. This article will discuss
five web-building frauds clients must be mindful of. Along with this, we will
also discuss the tips to avoid them.
The Lowball Bait and Switch Scam
The lowball bait-and-switch scam is a common tactic that
many fraudulent website development companies use. They will offer a low price
to develop your website, which seems too good to be true. Once the project
starts, they will suddenly find reasons to increase the price and claim the
project requires more resources or features. It will continue until the client
agrees to pay a higher price. Clients must always beware of offers that seem
too good to be true. Therefore, they should ensure that they get a detailed
contract outlining the scope of the project and the agreed-upon price.
The Domain Name Scam
A domain name scam is when a fraudulent custom web app
development consultancy buys a domain name similar to yours. They then offer to
sell it to you at a higher price. They will claim that the domain name is more
valuable than what they paid. So, they force you to buy it. In order to avoid
this, do your research and register your domain name as soon as possible.
The Content Management System (CMS) Scam
The content management system scam is when a website
development company offers to develop your website using its proprietary CMS.
They will claim that their CMS is superior to other popular CMSs like WordPress
or Drupal. However, once the website is developed, you will find that the CMS
is outdated, difficult to use, and not easily customizable. For this reason,
clients must always ensure they have access to the CMS to ensure that it is a
widely used, well-supported system.
The Hidden Fee Scam
Some fraudulent website development service providers
include additional charges to the project without informing the client. This
type of scam comes under the hidden fee scam category. They will claim that the
charges are for necessary services while they just try to make more money. So,
clients must always get a detailed contract that outlines all the services included
in the project and ensures no hidden fees.
The Copyright Scam
Some website development companies claim to own the
copyright to the website they developed for you. It is known as a copyright
scam. They demand that you pay a fee to transfer ownership of the website to
you. In reality, the copyright should always belong to the client unless stated
otherwise in a contract. Thus, clients must always ensure they own their
website and all its content.
Tips to Avoid Website Development Services Scams
Here are some tips to avoid website fraud:
Check The Website's URL
Make sure that the website URL is correct and matches the
company name. Scammers often create fake websites with similar URLs to trick
people into giving them their personal information.
Look for Security Indicators
Check for security indicators such as a padlock icon or
"https" in the URL. It shows that the website uses encryption to
protect your information.
Avoid Clicking On Suspicious Links
Avoid clicking on links that look suspicious or that you
don't recognize. These links can lead to phishing websites that can steal your
personal information.
Check for Contact Information
Look for contact information of web design and development
services provider. It may include a phone number or email address. Legitimate
websites will have a way to contact them if you have questions or concerns.
Use Trusted Payment Methods
Always use trusted payment methods like credit cards or
PayPal when purchasing online. Avoid using payment methods that require
entering personal information, such as bank accounts or social security
numbers.
Read Reviews
Read reviews of the website and its products or services
from other customers. It can help you determine if the website is legitimate or
if others have had problems with it.
Avoid Offers That Look Too Good to Be True
Be wary of websites that offer deals or discounts that seem
too good to be true. Scammers often use these tactics to lure people into
giving them their personal information or money.
Remember, if something seems suspicious, it's always better
to err on the side of caution and avoid the website.
Conclusion
While choosing the best fit for your project, use the
information above and your gut feeling. The most important thing is to take
your time and ask questions about each custom web app development consultancy
you might be interested in. Then follow up with them until you find the best website development services for
your project. Remember that we live in a dishonest age with many desperate
people, so always be on guard.
We wish you the best of luck with your new website, and we
hope this post has given you more insight into your hunt. Hope to see you on
the front page soon!
