How to Know If a Link Is Safe Before Opening It

## Why checking links matters Most phishing attacks start with a link. The page may look normal, but the domain, redirect chain, or request for personal information can reveal the real risk. ## Start with the domain Look at the real domain before you trust the page. Attackers often use domains that look close to a familiar brand, add extra words, or hide the brand inside a long subdomain. For example, secure-paypal.example.com is controlled by example.com, not PayPal. ## Watch for redirects A redirect is not always bad, but several redirects can hide the final destination. If a link jumps through shorteners, tracking domains, and unknown websites, treat it carefully. ## Check for HTTPS HTTPS is important, but it does not prove a site is safe. A phishing site can also use HTTPS. Think of HTTPS as one signal, not a full safety guarantee. ## Red flags before clicking - The sender pressures you to act fast - The domain is misspelled or unfamiliar - The link goes to a login page you did not request - The message promises a prize, refund, or account warning - The final domain is different from what you expected ## Bottom line Before opening a link, check the destination, domain, and redirect behavior. A few seconds of checking can prevent account theft, malware, and payment scams.