It is recommended that before one conducts any form of transaction on the internet, they should take caution and confirm the reliability of a website. Most people have fallen victims to scams on the internet by registering with websites whose legality is not known. The first thing that justifies the reliability of a web site is the availability of detailed information concerning the person or the organization that created the website (Shelly, Napier, & Rivers, 2009). Websites that are associated with the government normally have their domain names marked (gov) and the ones related to education are marked (edu) on their path lines. Although the domain name does not guarantee reliability, these sites are most likely to be genuine.
More and more people continue to fall into the hands of online scams regardless of whether they have been using the internet for a long time or they are just beginners. The crooks on the other hand are very smart to place very catchy ideas because they are well informed about the needs of the people. These commercials mainly target the unemployed because they know there are so many job seekers all over the world and they would do anything just to secure themselves a job.
Users should check to establish if there is information concerning the owner of the web site that clearly explains the mission of the owner in publishing his website. This information is very relevant in improving rating a website. There should be contact information, for instance, the telephone number of the people who are in charge of the organization. Another important thing to look for is whether the available information has been updated recently (Stanford Persuasive Technology Lab, 2004).
Genuine websites are usually updated regularly. Users should also check to see if the other web sites hosted by that site are within reach. Users should be careful when dealing with web sites that are meant for revenue generation. There are so many criminals on the internet hence people should be careful when giving out private information such as passwords and email addresses. Internet hackers are well acquainted in computer technology and they may buy time to install computer programs that are used to monitor their victim’s activities.
It is also advisable to cross-check the content of a website. A reliable website should include the resources of its creation that includes the hosts of that website. A web page should contain information regarding the experience of the organization in dealing with the issues that are laid out in its content. The website should also bear the physical address of the organization backed by photos of the organization’s premises. This make the organization look committed and accountable for its activities and will assure the web users that they are trading with the right people (Shelly et al., 2009).
A website should also provide proof for every information available by employing citations and references. The web site should also be easy to explore. Users tend to ignore websites that are difficult to navigate. Organizations or individuals who own websites should update their websites regularly. This will show the users that particular website is active. This also includes rectifying all sorts of mistakes such as faulty links and typing mistakes. Website designers should avoid commercials on their client’s website because these commercials can easily upset the users. The language used in giving information should be easy to understand. The design of a website should reflect the image of the organization it represents because this image may influence users or discourage them.
References
Shelly, G.B., Napier, H.A, & Rivers, O. (2009). Discovering the Internet: Complete Concepts and Techniques. 3rd Ed. Boston: Cengage Learning, Inc.
Stanford Persuasive Technology Lab. (2004). “Stanford Guidelines for Web Credibility” Stanford Web Credibility Research. Web.