Check URLs Before Clicking Links, or Go to Websites Directly

Scammers and cybercriminals often use slightly modified links that look like they’re going to sites that you would otherwise trust. For instance, they can send you a link to go to lnstagram.com, where the first letter is an “l” or a “1” instead of an “I.” 

Sure, if you look at it long enough, you should easily pick up that it’s a fake URL, but if you just got an email saying your Instagram account has been hacked, you might not bother double-checking.

If the email is from someone you don’t know or looks a bit shady, read the URL carefully before you open anything up. If you’re using a mail client like Apple Mail, hover over the link or button with your mouse and wait for a pop-up to show you the actual link. On an iPhone or iPad, tap and hold on the link to see a preview of where it goes.

If you’re still unsure, just go to the company’s website directly without using or copying the link.