7 Browser Tools to Help Detect Counterfeit Goods While Shopping

Online shopping is generally safe, but don't be complacent! Have a toolkit ready to help you if you suspect a product is fake. Instead of trusting your eyes, use these tools to judge for yourself!

 

7. BitMind

AI Image Scanning

Along with AI-generated fake text and dubious links, images are one of the telltale signs of counterfeit products you see when shopping online. And while there are many tools to detect AI content, BitMind's tool is designed to detect AI-generated images, which you can train your eye to recognize.

 

6. Windows App & browser control

Block fake content

The first line of defense against counterfeit products and online scams is to prevent them in the first place. Even without a premium antivirus subscription, Windows has a built-in tool that works when you're surfing the web. It won't catch counterfeits when you're shopping online, but it will help filter out malicious content, like pop-ups that often offer fake products and the like.

Browser Control is enabled by default now, but strange things have happened, and you should check it anyway.

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > App & browser control .
2. If not already enabled, click Turn on to enable Windows App & browser control.
3. Now, click on Reputation-based protection settings just below that button and toggle all the options to On .

 

5. Google Transparency Report

Evaluate a website's security before buying

When you're shopping online and come across a brand you want to learn more about, don't rush to visit their website right away, especially if it's a brand you don't recognize. Before you visit, run the website URL through Google's Transparency Report, and it will alert you to any suspicious activity. This is especially useful if you receive a promotional email and want to double-check that the brand is legitimate.

4. Copyleaks

Detect AI-generated text in product reviews and descriptions

 

Once you install Copyleaks, you'll have a small, drag-and-drop quick access menu that lets you scan text instantly using the Scan for AI content button . Copyleaks is currently a subscription service, but there is a free trial that grants 5 credits, which is equivalent to 1,000 words, that you can scan for free.

3. Malwarebytes Browser Guard

Like a gatekeeper

Malwarebytes Browser Guard is a background browser plugin for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari that requires no action. Installing Malwarebytes Browser Guard is simple. Downloading the plugin from the app store page will install it automatically, so all you have to do is restart your browser and you're done. You don't even need to upgrade to Malwarebytes Premium.

1. Download Malwarebytes Browser Guard for Google Chrome | Microsoft Edge | Mozilla Firefox | Apple Safari

2. Trustpilot

Quick assessment of website reliability

On Trustpilot, enter the brand name and view the results. You can then refine the results by assigning a rating, clicking All filters , adjusting the filters to your liking, and then finishing with Show Results . You can also choose to only show verified profiles, which is any brand that has officially verified their profile.

 

1. Deepware

Check the authenticity of product videos

Yes, scammers have even resorted to creating fake AI product videos, and they can be convincing if you don't know the signs. However, Deepware can help fill in some of the gaps in your knowledge. This is one of many tools you can use to spot AI-generated videos, but people like this one because it's free.