How to Check If a Download Link Is Safe Before Clicking

You see a “Download Now” button — but can you trust it?

Here’s how to check any download link before you click, and avoid malware traps.

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✅ 1. Hover, don’t click

• Hover over the link

• Look at the actual URL in the browser status bar

✅ If it looks like update-free-now.ru, skip it.

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✅ 2. Use link checkers

Paste the URL into:

• https://virustotal.com

• https://urlscan.io

• https://phishtank.org

✅ These check domains against known malware, phishing lists.

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✅ 3. Look for HTTPS and domain spelling

Examples:

• ✅ https://www.google.com

• ❌ http://g00gle-downloads.com

✅ Misspellings are a dead giveaway.

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✅ 4. Avoid URL shorteners from unknown sources

Links like bit.ly/xyzabc could hide anything.
Always expand short links with CheckShortURL.

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✅ 5. Don’t trust download buttons inside ads

• Fake download buttons are often ad images

• Real download links are usually under the file name or version info

✅ Ad blockers help filter out these traps.

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Key points to remember

• Hover and inspect before you click

• Scan links with trusted checkers

• Avoid shortened or disguised URLs

• Don’t click buttons inside ads