The occurrence of scams is increasing. How can one determine if a link received via text is a legitimate fraud alert from their bank? How can one verify that a link in an emailed newsletter directs to the intended destination? Following some basic guidelines before sharing any personal information or clicking on a link can improve online security.
If the website feels fake, has many spelling errors or poor design, or frequently asks for personal information to prevent issues, it is likely not legitimate. When in doubt, don’t click.
- Hover over links to ensure they lead to the expected website before clicking.
- Use a reputable website safety checker. These tools, like those from Palo Alto Networks, Cisco Talos, and Norton, can quickly verify your website’s category and reputation for free.
- Enable safe browsing to stay protected. It helps identify scams, malicious sites, and blocks pop-ups. Here’s how:
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security
- Edge: Settings > Privacy, search, and services
- Firefox: Settings (or Options) > Privacy & Security
- Safari: Settings > Privacy
- If the website feels fake, has many spelling errors or poor design, or frequently asks for personal information to prevent issues, it is likely not legitimate. When in doubt, don’t click.
