How to Spot a Phishing Website Before You Click Anything

Phishing sites look like real ones — until it’s too late.

They steal your passwords, your money, your identity.
Here’s how to spot a fake website before you fall for it.

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✅ 1. Always check the URL carefully

• Legitimate URLs use the correct spelling (e.g., paypal.com, not paypall-login.com)

• Phishing sites often have:

  • Extra letters

  • Misspellings

  • Hyphens and numbers added

✅ Hover over links before clicking — check the bottom of your browser.

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✅ 2. Look for HTTPS — but don’t trust it blindly

• Real sites use https:// (secure connection)

• But many phishing sites use HTTPS now too!

✅ HTTPS means secure connection — not secure content.

Always combine with other checks.

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✅ 3. Watch out for urgent language

Fake sites often use scare tactics like:

• “Account Suspended — Reactivate Now!”

• “Your Package Delivery Failed — Confirm Immediately!”

Real companies don’t pressure you this way.

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✅ 4. Check design and grammar

• Look for pixelated logos

• Broken layout (especially on mobile)

• Awkward grammar, spelling mistakes

• Generic greetings (“Dear User” instead of your name)

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✅ 5. Use a link scanner

Paste suspicious links into:

• VirusTotal → URL scanner

• Google Transparency Report

• PhishTank

✅ Don’t trust your eyes — trust verified scanners.

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Key points to remember

• Check URLs carefully for typos or odd domains

• HTTPS is necessary, but not enough

• Urgent threats = phishing red flag

• Bad grammar and design give away fake sites

• Scan suspicious links before clicking