If you’re looking for a Livermore website designer, you likely have some concerns about fraud in the industry, and you’re right to be uneasy. Online scams are on the rise and, unfortunately, that includes the world of website design and development. But how do these scams work and how can you spot them?
How it Works
If you’re self-employed, you need a website for your business—it’s nearly impossible to get by without one these days, and scammers have realized that this is a niche they can exploit to their advantage.
A fake website design scam can take a few different forms, but one of the most common is a request for an upfront payment to the tune of several thousand dollars. You might wonder who would fall for this, but spotting a fake can be confusing.
The scammer says they need the full amount upfront before they can begin building your website. In actuality, they probably don’t know the first thing about website design, and the website, of course, is never created. At first, the business owner is excited, but as the days and weeks go by with no response to their phone calls or emails, reality begins to sink in: they’ve been had and their money is long gone.
Before you hire a Livermore website designer, first familiarize yourself with these common warning signs.
Warning Signs From a Livermore Website Designer
Sadly, The National Consumers League (NCL) reports that small businesses all over the country have experienced substantial losses to this particular brand of online con artist.
When it comes to spotting a potential online scam, there are some common warning signs to watch out for:
A Generic Email Address
A reputable Livermore website designer is unlikely to have an unprofessional email address. Be sure to take notice of this because sometimes it’s these seemingly minor details that can tip you off. A Gmail or Hotmail account, etc. is a red flag.
Poor Language Skills
Take note of poor grammar and spelling mistakes. While these may be mere typos, scammers in other countries often use the wrong verb tenses or misspell simple words.
No Reviews
When you’re considering a website designer, a quick Google search should bring up reviews from past clients. If you can’t find any online testimonials, this isn’t the right designer for you.
Time and Money
Another thing to keep in mind is that it takes time to build a professional website, and you aren’t a web designers only client. If someone tells you they can finish the job in a week at a fraction of the cost, you’ve got a scammer on your hands.
Take a Closer Look
And finally, when you’re looking for a Livermore website designer, be sure to spend some time browsing. How professional is their website? Do they list a local address and phone number? These details can be easy to overlook, but they’re important.
Talk to a Livermore Website Designer
Your website is an investment that’s sure to be with you for years to come. For a website designer you can trust, schedule a free consultation with D-Kode Technology today by calling 925.856.5342. You can also view a portfolio of past projects by clicking here.
