How to Tell If a Link Is Safe Before You Click It

Not sure if a link is safe to tap? These quick checks can help you avoid fake websites and scams.

3 min read · 5 steps · Checked April 2026

1. Step 1. Look at the web address carefully

   Scammers create fake websites with addresses that look almost right. Before tapping a link, look at the full address. Real addresses: amazon.com, paypal.com, bankofamerica.com. Fake addresses: amazon-support.net, paypa1.com (with a number 1), bankofamerica.customer-service.com. The part right before the first "/" is the real domain — that's what matters.

   Quick Tip

   On your phone, press and hold a link (don't tap) to see the full web address before visiting it. On a computer, hover your mouse over a link to see the address at the bottom of the screen.

2. Step 2. Check for HTTPS

   Legitimate websites use HTTPS (the "S" stands for secure). When you visit a website, look for a padlock icon in your browser's address bar. If you see a warning like "Not Secure" or an X instead of a padlock, do not enter any personal information on that site.

   Warning

   A padlock icon means the connection is encrypted — but it does NOT guarantee the site is legitimate. Scammers can also get HTTPS certificates. Always check the full web address too.

3. Step 3. Use Google's Safe Browsing checker

   Google offers a free tool to check if any link is safe. Go to transparencyreport.google.com/safe-browsing/search and paste the link into the search box. Google will tell you instantly if the site is known to be dangerous.

   Quick Tip

   You can also check a link at Norton Safe Web (safeweb.norton.com) or URLVoid (urlvoid.com) for a second opinion.

4. Step 4. Be extra careful with shortened links

   Links that start with "bit.ly," "tinyurl.com," or "t.co" hide the real destination. You cannot tell where they go just by looking. If you receive a shortened link from an unknown source, use a link expander like checkshorturl.com to see the full address before tapping.

5. Step 5. When in doubt, go directly to the website

   If a text or email says there's a problem with your Amazon order, your bank account, or a package — do not tap any link. Instead, open your web browser and type the company's real website address yourself (amazon.com, your bank's website, etc.). If there really is an issue, you will see it when you log in.

   Quick Tip

   Save the websites you use most as bookmarks in your browser. When you want to check your bank or shop online, tap your saved bookmark instead of any link sent to you.