Signs a Link Is Fake or Dangerous and How to Avoid It

October 19, 2026

You get a message saying your package is on hold, your account is about to be locked, or you've won a prize. At the end there's a link, and you're told to tap it right away. This happens all the time, and it can happen to anyone. The good news is that fake links almost always leave clues, and with a little practice, you and your family can learn to spot them.

What Is a Fake Link and Why Is It Dangerous?

A link is the address that takes you to a page on the internet when you tap it. A fake link takes you to a page that looks like your bank, a store, or a government office, but it was actually made by scammers.

This trick is called "phishing," a name that comes from "fishing": the scammer casts a hook and waits for someone to bite. If you type your information into that page, the scammers get it. Some links also try to install harmful programs on your phone or computer.

How to Tell If a Link Is Fake: Warning Signs in the Message

Before you look at the link, look at the message that comes with it. Often the text itself is your first clue that something isn't right. These are the most common warning signs:

It rushes you: "final notice," "within the next few hours," "immediately."
It scares you with a problem: a locked account, an unpaid fine, a charge you don't recognize.
It offers something too good to be true: a prize, a refund, or a gift you never asked for.
It doesn't use your name, and instead says things like "Dear Customer" or "User."
It has spelling mistakes, odd wording, or mixed-up letters.
It comes from a number or email address you don't know.
It asks for your password, your PIN, or the code you get by text. Your bank will never ask you for that information.

How to Check a Link Without Opening It

You can check a link without tapping it the usual way. On your phone, press and hold your finger on the link for a few seconds, and you'll see the full address. On a computer, move your mouse over the link without clicking, and the address will show up in a corner of the screen.

Pay special attention to the main name of the site, known as the "domain." It's the part that comes right before the ending, such as .com. Scammers play with that name to make it look real. These are the red flags:

The name has a letter that's changed, doubled, or added, or a number in place of a letter.
It has extra words like "secure," "verify," "support," or "update" attached to a company's name.
The ending is unusual or different from the one that company normally uses.
It's a very short link, or a jumble of letters and numbers that doesn't let you see where it goes.
The address is extremely long and full of symbols, with a well-known company's name buried in the middle.

One important detail: the little padlock next to the address only means the connection is encrypted. It doesn't guarantee the site is honest, because scammers can have one too.

Examples of Messages With Suspicious Links

These examples are made up, but they're very similar to the ones going around. Each of these messages would end with a link to tap:

"Your package could not be delivered due to an unpaid fee. Pay today or it will be returned to sender."
"We detected unusual activity on your account. Confirm your information to avoid having your account locked."
"Congratulations! You have been selected to receive a bonus. Claim it before it expires."
"You have an unpaid traffic ticket. Pay now to avoid late fees."

Notice what they have in common: urgency, fear, or a reward, and a link as the only way out. When you see that combination, stop and take a breath before you do anything.

What to Do If You Get a Suspicious Link

You don't have to guess whether it's real or fake. Just don't use that link, and check things out on your own. Follow these steps:

Don't tap the link or reply to the message.
If you think it might be real, go to the official website or the app you already use yourself, by typing in the address or looking it up on your own.
If it claims to be from your bank, call the number on your card.
If it seems to come from a family member or friend, call them directly to confirm.
Block the sender and delete the message.
Give your family a heads-up, especially if the message seems to be going around.

How to Help Your Parents or Grandparents Spot Fake Links

Many older adults get these messages and feel embarrassed to ask about them. Talk about it calmly, without scolding, and make it clear that anyone can fall for one. What matters most is that they know they can come to you without feeling judged.

One simple rule goes a long way: "If a message rushes you and has a link, don't tap it. Call me first." You can also practice together how to press and hold a link to see its address. Looking over suspicious messages as a family makes everyone safer.

What to Do If You Already Opened the Link or Shared Your Information

If you already tapped the link, don't blame yourself: these scams are designed to confuse people. What counts is acting quickly and calmly. Opening the link without typing anything is usually less serious, but it's still a good idea to take precautions.

If you shared card or account information, or sent money, call your bank right away using the number on your card and ask them to block whatever is needed.
Change your password on the affected account and on any other account where you use the same one. Do it through the official website or app, not through the link.
Turn on two-step verification, which asks for an extra code when you sign in, if your account offers it.
If you downloaded something, delete that file or app and ask someone you trust to help you check your device.
Keep an eye on your bank activity over the next few days and report any charge you don't recognize.
Report what happened to the police or to the consumer protection office where you live.
Tell your family what happened so they can stay alert and not fall for the same scam.

Spotting a fake link is a skill you can learn, just like crossing the street carefully. Every time you stop to check before you tap, you protect yourself and the people you love. Share these warning signs with your family today.

Educational article adapted with the help of artificial intelligence from its Spanish version, which the Watcher24 team reviewed before publication.