Don’t Trust That FAKE COMPANY Name Just Yet: Tips for Scam-Free Surfing

Online scams are becoming more sophisticated, and one of the most common tricks is the use of fake company names. These names are designed to sound trustworthy, often mimicking real businesses or creating entirely fictional ones that seem legitimate.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common signs of fake companies and share key tips to help you avoid falling victim to online scams.

Why Scammers Use Fake Company Names

Fake company names are an easy way for scammers to gain your trust. 

Whether it's through phishing emails, fake job offers, online shopping scams, or investment fraud, the goal is the same: to trick you into handing over your personal or financial information.

What makes them especially dangerous is how convincing they can be. They often use real-sounding names, logos, and websites to appear official.

How to Spot a Fake Company Name

Recognizing a scam starts with slowing down and checking the details. Here are some telltale signs that a company name may not be real:

1. It Sounds Almost Like a Real Brand

Scammers often create names that are one or two letters off from legitimate companies. For example, “PayPall” or “Google Canada.” This slight variation is easy to miss if you’re not paying close attention.

2. Poor Grammar or Spelling

Fake companies frequently have errors in their names, domain URLs, or email addresses. Legitimate businesses rarely make these mistakes in official communication.

3. No Online Presence

A real business should have a website, reviews, or a record with local directories and business registries. If a Google search shows no evidence the company exists, that’s a red flag.

How to Verify a Company Is Legitimate

Before engaging with any unfamiliar business or website, use these steps to verify they’re real:

Check the Website Domain

Look closely at the web address. Fake sites often use unusual domain extensions (like .xyz or .biz) or spell company names incorrectly. Stick with well-known, secure domains when shopping or sharing information online.

Review Business Credentials

Use government or provincial business registries to look up official registrations. In Canada, you can use the CRA business search or local provincial databases.

Search for Reviews or Mentions

Real companies, even small ones, usually have some kind of online footprint. If there are no reviews, contact info, or social media presence, proceed with caution.

Be Wary of Pushy Tactics

Scam companies often use high-pressure tactics to make you act quickly, like “limited time only” deals or urgent job offers. Real businesses will give you time to do your research.

Branding Red Flags to Watch For

Scammers try hard to look professional, but there are often subtle signs their branding isn’t legit:

• Low-quality or pixelated logos

• Inconsistent fonts or colours

• Vague messaging or missing contact details

• Unprofessional email addresses (like “businesshelp2024@gmail.com”)

When in doubt, ask yourself: Would a real company operate like this?

How Teqare Helps You Stay Informed and Safe

Teqare is committed to digital education, which protects individuals and families from online threats. Our programs and resources are designed to teach users of all ages how to recognize scams, avoid risky behaviour, and navigate the internet with confidence.

Whether you’re a student, parent, or senior, we believe everyone deserves tools to stay safe, and spotting fake company names is a crucial part of that.

Stay Scam-Smart with Teqare

Want more practical tips to protect yourself online? 

Explore our resources and workshops designed to keep your digital life secure. Browse our workshops and book a session today.

Disclaimer: At Teqare, we share knowledge to help protect and empower our communities online. The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or financial advice. Always seek guidance from a trusted professional for your specific situation. We do our best to keep information current and relevant, but digital threats can evolve quickly. Stay alert, stay curious, and reach out if you need support—we’re here to help.

Photo by Markus Winkler