How to Check If a Link Is Trustworthy

Internet users must be savvy to protect personal information from scammers.

It is always wise to check whether a link is trustworthy before clicking on it. A link can open up your computer or social media account to hackers or viruses. Any link, whether in an email, on a friend's Facebook wall or on a website, can cause problems for your computer. Some of the most damaging scams are phishing scams, where scammers pretend to be a bank or other trusted source and try to trick users into giving out sensitive information.

Instructions

1. Consider the source of the link before clicking. If you are unsure about a link on a website or in your email, read carefully from where the link is coming and where it says it is sending you. For example, if you get an email from someone who claims to be from your bank asking you to click on a link and enter you bank information, read the email account address and look for your bank's complete information in the email's message. Sometimes, these scams can be convincing down to the very last detail, so it is a good idea to call your bank directly if you are unsure about an email.

2. Examine the link closely before clicking. If the email or website looks trustworthy, read the link carefully before clicking. If the actual Web address is not visible, right-click the link and select "Copy Link URL" from the drop-down menu. Do not paste the link in your web browser's address bar, instead paste the text in a blank Word document. Be on the lookout for fake web domains -- for example "Chase.mail.com," instead of "Chase.com." Any links that indicate file names, like those with extensions of ".pdf," ".jpg" or ".exe" should never be clicked if you are unsure of the source.

3. Search for information about the company directing you to the link. If after copying and pasting the link URL the domain name is "CompanyA" do an online search to see if other people have gotten viruses sent in malicious links from "CompanyA."

Tips & Warnings

• If you are still unsure, do not click the link. Call the company that is the supposed source of the link directly to determine whether the link is trustworthy. Install anti-virus software on your computer to protect yourself even further.

• Viruses, scams and phishing scemes can cause more than inconvenient computer problems. They can compromise your contact lists, banking information or private financial information.

References

• IT Security: The 25 Most Common Mistakes in Email Security
• Wall Street Journal: Epsilon Breach Shines Light on Email Marketing