There is increased demand for web development services today since web design and SEO have become so integral to business functions across all industries. However, most people without a good knowledge of the web development industry (such as the Software Dev team) don’t know exactly what they’re looking for and don’t know how to tell if they are hiring a reputable web designer or a chancer.

As a result, this industry has become rife with scammers ready to take advantage of anyone who will fall for their promises of increased web traffic and better looking, better functioning websites.

The Rise of Suspect Custom “Developers”

Like many other industries, ours has seen a massive rise in spamming, with automated emails being sent to prospective marks to try and get them to buy their questionable or non-existent services. Keep reading the blog to ensure that you don’t fall for these scammy tactics.

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Red Flags to Look Out For

First off, you should always be suspicious of any unsolicited communication offering you a service of any kind – particularly one that promises you the world. If it comes out of the blue and seems too good to be true, you should hit the delete button.

If It Looks Too Good to Be True, it Probably Is

When it comes to the specifics of web development, these mails usually come in the form of a friendly note from some “expert” in the field, who “happened to be doing some research in your industry and came across your website.” They claim to believe that your service and website are far better than those that are currently topping the search results and offer to help you increase your online performance.

Be Wary of Bulk Mail-outs

Don’t be fooled, however. These mails were not written by anyone who has seen your website or has any intention of helping you with the improvements mentioned. This an automated mail sent out to a database of thousands of addresses in the hope that one of them will take the bait.

The fact that you are receiving such a mail in the first place is a red flag on its own. Any promises of some kind of SEO hack or guaranteed moves to the top of search results, especially when the mail contains no specific information to prove that the “writer” even looked at your site or knows what you do, should be all the proof you need that you’re dealing with a scammer.

High-Risk Regions of Origin

There are a few other things to look out for too. Be wary of emails that come from particular countries, for example. This may seem a controversial thing to say but it’s an unfortunate truth. Unsolicited mails from most eastern European countries, Russia, India, Pakistan or Nigeria, among others, should be ignored. This is not to say that there aren’t great web developers in these countries – there are – nor should you think that there aren’t people in the US, South Africa, Europe or Japan will try to scam you. Just treat the mail’s country of origin with caution.

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When in Doubt, Leave it Out

Remember to go with your instincts and rather ignore these phishing attempts. Instead, seek out and contact a reputable software development company, such as Software Dev and have them advise you on your website and SEO options.