To know if a link is safe, several effective methods can be used:
- Use a link checker tool (such as URLVoid, VirusTotal, or EasyDMARC) that scans URLs against databases of known malicious sites and provides a safety report.
- Check if the site uses HTTPS (indicated by "https://" at the start of the URL), which means the data is encrypted and more secure.
- Look for legitimate contact information on the website or in the message sending the link (emails, phone numbers, real addresses).
- Examine reviews of the website from sources like Google Reviews or Trustpilot, but be cautious of fake reviews.
- Check the domain age and ownership via WHOIS services to see if the site is newly created or hiding ownership information.
- Evaluate the link for suspicious URL spelling or characters, phishing patterns, or abnormal request urgency.
Additional tips include hovering over links before clicking to see the full URL, avoiding links from unknown or suspicious senders, and using antivirus software with real-time protection. Online tools like F-Secure Link Checker and Bitdefender Link Checker offer free services to quickly verify if a link is safe before clicking. If a tool flags a link as suspicious, it is best to avoid it. In summary, a combination of link scanner tools, HTTPS verification, background checks, and careful scrutiny can effectively help determine if a link is safe to click.
