How to avoid fake copies of sites even with SSL

1. Why SSL does not guarantee the authenticity of the site

SSL (HTTPS) provides encryption, but does not confirm the honesty of the site owner. Fraudsters can obtain a valid certificate for the fake domain and visually copy the original casino. As a result, the player sees the "lock" in the address bar, but actually transmits the data to the attackers.

2. How fake copies work with SSL

Registering a similar domain - for example, with a typo (typosquatting) or another domain extension (.net instead of .com).
Issuing a free SSL certificate (Let's Encrypt and analogues) to create the illusion of reliability.
Full copying of the design and logo of the original casino.
Fake login and payment forms that send data to the attackers' server.

3. Signs of a fake site

1. Non-standard domain - extra letters, characters, hyphens, other extension.
2. There is no information about the license or it leads to a fake page.
3. Errors in the text and incorrect translation.
4. Inactive links in menus or policies.
5. No real contact or fake support.
6. Unusual browser behavior - certificate warnings, redirects.

4. How to authenticate a casino even with SSL

Compare the site address with an official source (licensing authority, casino social networks).
Check certificate - click on the lock → verify the domain and owner data.
Use bookmarks - Log in only through a saved link.
Check domain registration date via WHOIS - fresh domains are more often associated with fraud.
Verify information about the license with the official register of the regulator.
Check reviews on independent forums.

5. Additional protection measures

Two-factor authentication - even if the login and password are compromised, the scammers will not be able to enter.
Anti-phishing VPN - some services block known fake domains.
Password managers - will not automatically fill in data on the fake domain.
Regular browser updates - to get up-to-date phishing sites.

6. Result

SSL is a necessary but not sufficient security element. Fake sites may be encrypted, but the player's attentiveness gives true protection: checking the domain, verifying the license, using bookmarks and additional tools. Only an integrated approach avoids losses and maintains data confidentiality when playing online casinos.