WordPress is the world’s most popular website platform, powering over 40% of all websites large and small. But with its widespread use scammers are targeting WordPress site owners. From fake plugins, fraudulent hosting services, or dodgy phishing schemes, WordPress scams can cause security breaches, data loss, or financial harm to your site.
To keep your WordPress site safe, it’s crucial to be able to recognise the warning signs of a scam and take proactive steps to protect your site.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most common WordPress scams and how you can avoid them.
Common WordPress Scams to Watch Out For
1. Fake or Malicious Plugins and Themes
WordPress thrives on its extensive library of plugins and themes. However, not all are legitimate. There has been a rising trend in scammers creating free versions of premium plugins or themes that actually come bundled with malware, backdoors, or tracking scripts. Once installed, these can steal your user data, inject spam, or even take over your entire site.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Only download themes and plugins from trusted sources like the WordPress.org repository or official developer websites.
- Avoid “nulled” or pirated premium plugins and themes, as they often contain malicious code.
- Regularly update your plugins and themes to patch any security vulnerabilities.
2. Phishing Emails Claiming to Be WordPress Support
You might receive an email claiming that your WordPress site has a security issue or requires urgent updates. These emails will often contain links leading to fake login pages designed to steal your credentials.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Never click on suspicious links in emails claiming to be from WordPress or your hosting provider.
- Verify sender details, what email address was it sent from
- Look for tell-tale signs of phishing, such as poor grammar, imagery or an urgent tone.
- Only ever access your WordPress site directly through your WordPress dashboard or official hosting provider’s website.
3. Fake WordPress Hosting Services
Another trend we are seeing is scammers setting up fake WordPress hosting services, offering unbelievably cheap rates. These fraudulent services often disappear overnight, leaving you without access to your website or data.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Do you research – look for reputable hosting providers, check customer reviews or engage and expert.
- Be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true.
- Check their support availability and policies.
4. SEO and Traffic Scams
Promises of “guaranteed #1 ranking on Google” or “10,000 visitors overnight” are usually scams that use black-hat SEO tactics, such as spam backlinks or bot traffic. While it might seem tempting, these kinds of actions can cause significant harm your WordPress site’s reputation and even get it penalised by search engines.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Work with reputable SEO agencies.
- Focus on long-term organic growth rather than quick fixes.
- Use Google Search Console to monitor your site’s SEO health.
5. Fake Technical Support Services
Some scammers pose as WordPress experts offering to fix errors or speed up your site for a fee. After gaining access to your site, they might install malware, steal sensitive data, or lock you out of your own website.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Only work with verified WordPress professionals, check their website, their other clients, service offerings and spend the time to meet with them.
- Use strong access controls and two-factor authentication (2FA) to prevent unauthorised logins.
- Keep your WordPress site regularly updated to help optimise the performance of your site.
How to Protect Your WordPress Site
Now you’re aware of some of the most popular scams, here’s how to safeguard your WordPress site from threats.
Keep Your WordPress Site Updated
Regularly update your WordPress core, plugins, and themes to protect against security vulnerabilities.
Use Security Plugins
Install security plugins like Wordfence, Sucuri, or iThemes Security to scan for malware and block malicious traffic.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
2FA adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for scammers and hackers to access your admin panel.
Back Up Your WordPress Site Regularly
Use backup solutions like UpdraftPlus or VaultPress to keep copies of your site in case of an attack or talk to your hosting provider or WordPress support partner about other options.
Verify Third-Party Services
Before signing up for any hosting, SEO services, or technical support, research the company thoroughly, set up a meeting and revise any agreements or contracts.
Monitor User Activity
If you have multiple users managing your WordPress site, track their login activities using plugins like WP Activity Log to detect any suspicious behaviour.
WordPress is an amazing platform for building websites, but scammers and hackers are always looking for new ways to exploit any unsuspecting users. By staying informed, verifying any sources, and implementing security best practices, and employing a professional partner to rely on when you need help, you can keep your site safe from fraudulent activities.
If you’re unsure about your site’s security or need professional assistance, CircleBC can help, we’ve built hundreds WordPress sites for a wide range of clients and industries. Call us on 1300 978 073 or contact us for more information or to book a complimentary chat.