The first thing to look at is where the link came from. If you don’t trust the person or platform sharing it, don’t click it. Phishing attacks usually start by tricking you into clicking a fake or dangerous link. Even if the site looks legit, if the source is sketchy, that’s a red flag.
Next, check for https in the address bar. That means the site is using encryption to protect your data in transit. Also, double check the domain name. Hackers often use small spelling tricks to mimic trusted sites.
If the website is flooded with pop-ups, looks broken, or immediately asks for sensitive information, close it out. You can also use tools like Google Safe Browsing or a browser extension that warns you about risky sites. The more you practice spotting sketchy patterns, the better you’ll get at staying safe online.
