Spot a fake store

Step by step

1. Click the Start button! Look at the bottom of this practice computer: the dark strip there is its taskbar. In the middle of it, click the Start button (four blue squares). The main menu opens just above it. If you see two taskbars, use the one inside this page.
2. Click "Browser". In the menu that opened, click the "Browser" tile (a square with a small picture and its name under it): the app opens in its own window.
3. Open "Practice Mail". On the favorites bar, click "Practice Mail".
4. Open the message "90% OFF everything". Click the message from "Mega Deals Outlet".
5. Click "SEE THE DEALS". Click the link "SEE THE DEALS" in the message: the practice fake store opens.
6. Close the tab. Warning signs: no padlock (the address starts with http, not https), prices far too low, a countdown to rush you, payment by gift card or wire transfer only, no returns and no contact. This is a fake store. Close the TAB: click the small ✕ on the tab at the top of the Browser (keyboard: Tab to it, then Enter). Do not click anything in the page.
7. Close this window. You are done with this window, so close it: click the ✕ button at the top right corner of the "Browser" window (on its title bar, the strip at the top). The window disappears.

These steps are written for SafePC, a pretend Windows-style computer in your web browser. On your own computer, the buttons and menus may look a little different, but the idea is the same.

More lessons in Shopping online

• Find a product and compare
• Use the shopping cart
• Pay on a secure page
• Return an item