Today, my human friends, I’ll show you how to fix the “Deceptive Site Ahead” Error in your website.
There is one issue that I found from the first day of installing Google Search Console in one of my new sites, but luckily managed to fix it. Now the site is up and running and never happened again. This is the Deceptive Sites Issue at Google Search Console and how to fix it!
To start with, please note that this is a security issue, not an indexing issue, which should be addressed more seriously as it might impact the indexability of your site. I have addressed other Google Search Console issues in the following articles:
- How to fix the “Crawled — Currently Not Indexed” and “Discovered – Currently not indexed” issues in Google Search Console and
- Common Indexing issues in Google Search Console and how to solve them.
And here are some tips and hacks on Google Search Console indexability:
- How long does it take for Google Search Console to index?
- How To Get A Page Indexed Faster With The Inspection Tool In Google Search Console
- How to use Google Search Console for SEO: The Ultimate Checklist
- How to use Google Search Console for Keyword Research
- Google Analytics versus Google Search Console for SEO: How to Maximise Your Rankings
Although you probably have seen this page already because Google points out to it, it’s good to keep in mind what Google considers phishing and deceptive sites. I will save you the theory and will go straight to the point.
The possible factors triggering the Deceptive Site Issue in Google Search Console include websites offering downloadable files, referencing JSON, and utilising HTTP, among others.
Security issues at Google Search Console often lack specific sample pages, making it challenging to precisely identify the problem.
Encountering the “Deceptive Site Error” on Google Search Console is a concerning experience that can potentially harm a website’s credibility and traffic. This warning flags websites that may deceive users into sharing personal information or installing malicious software.
In my case, I operate a website offering downloadable Excel spreadsheet templates without requiring users to sign up with an email address. My website is committed to providing valuable, free resources to users, ensuring a seamless download process with no hidden motives.
However, one day, I discovered that Google had flagged my site with a “Deceptive Site Error,” causing me great concern about potential damage to my site’s reputation and traffic. Upon investigating, it became clear that this was a false positive, as my website does not engage in any deceptive practices.
How I Fixed the “Deceptive Site Ahead” Error
To address the false positive “Deceptive Site Error,” I took prompt action and reported the issue to Google through the Safe Browsing platform.
I visited https://safebrowsing.google.com/safebrowsing/report_error/?hl=en and filled out the necessary information to explain the situation and demonstrate that my website is legitimate and does not engage in deceptive activities.
In a few days, Google took action and the error disappeared both from my site and GSC dashboard.
On Google Search Console I could find a Message with the answer from Google, which was:
“Google has received and processed your security review request. Google systems indicate that the site no longer contains links to harmful sites or downloads. The warnings visible to users are being removed from your site. This may take a few hours to happen.
Here are ways to keep your site safe in the future:
- Secure your site from any future attacks
Identify and fix vulnerabilities that caused your site to be compromised. Change passwords for administrative accounts. Consider contacting your hosting service for assistance.
- Always follow the Unwanted Software Policy
Make sure all downloadable files from your site comply with the criteria listed in the policy. Files that violate these criteria will be identified as unwanted software.”
Google Search Console
The reality is that I didn’t make any changes before requesting Google to reassess, so I gather that the downloadable files triggered off an automatic flag on the site.
Common Causes for the Deceptive Site Error and How I Fixed Them
Apart from false positives, there are legitimate causes for the “Deceptive Site Error” on Google Search Console. Here are some common issues and the steps to address them:
Malicious Software or Phishing Attempts as Cause of Deceptive Site Error
If your website has been compromised and is distributing malicious software or engaging in phishing activities, you should thoroughly clean and secure your website. This involves removing any malicious code, updating plugins and software, and strengthening your website’s security measures.
Misleading Content or Redirects as Cause of Deceptive Site Error
Ensure your website provides clear and accurate information to users, avoiding misleading content and unwarranted redirects. Review your website’s content, links, and advertisements to ensure they are genuine and relevant.
Phishing Forms or Fake Login Pages as Cause of Deceptive Site Error
To ensure your website’s forms are legitimate and not misleading, review them to guarantee they clearly state their purpose. Avoid creating forms that mimic login pages or ask for sensitive information without proper encryption and security measures.
Unwanted Pop-ups and Ads as Cause of Deceptive Site Error
Minimise intrusive pop-ups and ads on your website and ensure that any necessary ads are relevant and don’t interfere with the user experience. Avoid misleading ads that mimic system alerts or deceive users.
Insecure Connections (HTTP vs. HTTPS) as Cause of Deceptive Site Error
Ensure your website uses HTTPS to encrypt data transmission and provide a secure browsing experience. Obtain an SSL certificate and configure your website to use HTTPS to help avoid triggering security warnings.
To give you some reference, the site at that point was HTTP, which probably didn’t help, but was not the cause of the issue, as it was still HTTP after fixing it.
Addressing the “Deceptive Site Error” in Google Search Console is crucial to maintain a good online reputation and user trust. In my case, reporting a false positive through Google’s Safe Browsing platform successfully resolved the issue for my legitimate website offering downloadable content without email sign-ups.
However, although in most cases it will be a false positive and you will not need to worry, it is good practice to always check for any potential malfunctions causing the issue or even third party threats.
Understanding the potential causes of this error and taking appropriate actions to maintain a safe and honest online environment is essential for website owners. By following the provided steps and tips, you can work towards resolving the “Deceptive Site Error” and ensuring a positive user experience on your website.
Stay purr-sistent, my savvy marketers, and catch you in the next paw-some post!
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Moxie