Check if a Link or URL Is a Scam
Paste any link, URL, or website address to check if it's safe before you click.
Scam Checker
Paste content, upload a screenshot, or drop a document to scan it for scam signals.
Pattern Detection
We analyze thousands of scam reports to identify common keywords, phrasing, and technical tricks used by fraudsters.
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Instant Results
Get an immediate risk assessment. No sign-ups, no waiting, and no technical jargon. Just clear advice.
Did you visit the website or enter your password?
Visiting a malicious site can sometimes trigger automatic downloads, and entering data puts you at immediate risk.
- ✓ Close the browser tab immediately
- ✓ Change your passwords from a different device
- ✓ Contact your bank if you entered card details
How to Spot a Fake Website Link
Scammers are experts at creating fake websites that look almost identical to the real ones. This technique, known as "typosquatting" or URL spoofing, tricks you into believing you are logging into your bank, Netflix, or email account, when you are actually handing your credentials directly to criminals.
Just because a website has a padlock icon (HTTPS) does not mean it is legitimate. It simply means the connection is encrypted—scammers use encrypted connections too.
The Anatomy of a Scam URL
1. Typosquatting (Lookalike Domains)
Scammers register domains that look like popular sites but have small spelling mistakes.
- Real:
netflix.com - Fake:
neftlex.com(Transposed letters) - Fake:
netflix-support-update.com(Added words)
2. Top-Level Domain (TLD) Tricks
Most major brands use .com, .org, or local domains like .com.au or .co.uk. Be very suspicious of specialized TLDs.
Watch out for: .xyz, .top, .online, .shop (when not a known shop).
3. URL Shorteners
Scammers use services like bit.ly, tinyurl, or is.gd to hide the true destination of a link.
Rule of Thumb: Never click a shortened link from an unknown sender. Use our Link Checker above to reveal the true URL first.
What is "Drive-By Download"?
Some sophisticated scam sites can infect your computer with malware just by visiting them. This is called a "drive-by download."
They exploit outdated vulnerabilities in your browser. This is why it is critical to:
- Keep your browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge) updated.
- Use an ad-blocker to prevent malicious ads from loading.
- Install a reputable antivirus program.
How to Verify a Website Manually
1. Check the "About Us" Page: Fake sites often have generic text or poor grammar.
2. Look for Contact Info: Legit businesses have a real address and phone number. Fake ones often only have a web form.
3. Check Domain Age: You can use a "Whois" lookup tool. If a major bank's website was created 2 days ago, it's a scam.
Verify Communications
Global Reporting
Found a fake website? Help take it down by reporting it.
Report a Scam SiteSuspicious link — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if a link is safe before clicking?
Paste the URL into the link checker on this page. Our tool inspects the domain age, lookalike-character tricks (homoglyphs), suspicious subdomains, URL shorteners, and known scam patterns to flag risky links without opening them.
Can a URL shortener like bit.ly hide a scam?
Yes. Short URLs hide the real destination, which makes them a favourite among scammers. Expand short links with our checker before clicking, or hover over the link on desktop to preview where it actually goes.
What is a lookalike domain and how does it trick people?
Lookalike domains swap a letter or use a similar-looking character (for example "rn" for "m") so the URL appears legitimate at a glance. Our checker highlights known impersonation patterns against major brands.
I clicked the suspicious link — am I infected?
Loading a page rarely infects a modern phone or browser, but if you typed credentials, change those passwords immediately. If you installed anything the page suggested, run an antivirus scan and follow the Have I been scammed checklist.