How to Check If a Website Is Safe or Trying to Scam You: Stay Protected Online

In today’s digital age, where online transactions and interactions are becoming increasingly common, it’s crucial to be able to identify safe websites and avoid falling victim to scams or phishing attacks.

In this article, we will explore three effective methods to check if a website is safe or trying to scam you. By following these steps, you can enhance your online security and protect yourself from potential threats.

1. Use a website safety checker: One of the simplest and most effective ways to determine the safety of a website is by using a website safety checker. These tools compare the URLs you visit against lists of known malicious websites, helping you identify potential risks. 
   
   
2. Use your browser’s safety tools: Modern browsers are equipped with built-in safety features designed to protect users from online threats. These tools include phishing protection, malware detection, and warnings about potentially harmful websites. To make the most of these safety measures, it’s essential to enable and regularly update them.
   
   Most browsers have these features enabled by default, but it’s worth double-checking to ensure optimal protection. By leveraging your browser’s safety tools, you can browse the internet with peace of mind, knowing that you have an extra layer of defence against potential scams or malicious websites. Access these tools by:
   
   Chrome: Go to Settings > Advanced > Privacy and security.
   Edge: Go to Settings > Advanced settings.
   Firefox: Go to Options > Privacy & Security.
   Safari: Go to Preferences > Privacy.
   
   
   
3. Double-check URLs by hovering over an active button/link: One common technique employed by scam websites is to deceive users by disguising malicious URLs behind seemingly harmless buttons or links. To avoid falling into these traps, it’s crucial to double-check URLs before clicking on any links.
   
   One simple way to do this is by hovering your mouse cursor over the button or link without clicking it. This action will reveal the actual URL in a tooltip or status bar, allowing you to verify its legitimacy before proceeding. By adopting this habit, you can avoid clicking on suspicious links that may lead you to fraudulent websites or compromise your sensitive information.
   
   

Conclusion: With the increasing prevalence of online scams and phishing attacks, it’s essential to stay vigilant while browsing the internet. By following these three steps, you can effectively check if a website is safe or trying to scam you.

Utilising website safety checkers, leveraging your browser’s safety tools, and double-checking URLs before clicking on any links are all simple yet effective practices that can significantly enhance your online security. Stay informed, stay cautious, and protect yourself from potential online threats.