With the number of emails we receive daily and all the websites we visit, we are constantly clicking links. But sometimes those links are not what they seem. Scammers often use bad links and fake websites to collect passwords, credit cards and personal information.

What are some ways to ensure that a URL and/or website is legitimate?
 

• Do not click on any links or attachments.

• Hover your mouse over links (don’t click on it) to see where the link goes. Make sure the destination matches the destination you are expecting.

•  Make sure they are who they say they are–check spelling and check the domain name. The website destination is the stuff right before .com or .org. The stuff in front of that information is called a subdomain and is often used by scammers to trick consumers into thinking they are on popular websites.

• Use caution with emails that require you to visit a specific website or download attachments. 

• Ensure the website address begins with https:// and check the address bar for a not secure message. Do not share financial, password or personal information on unsecure websites.

• Check for an about page and a contact us section. 

 

If you receive a message that seems odd and is from someone you know, reach out to that person directly instead of clicking an unknown link. Or if you end up on a website that seems suspicious, don’t share personal information or download anything. Leave the website and run a security scan with your antivirus program.

 

Learn more about cybersecurity at Michigan.gov/mc3 and bbb.org.