How to Spot Fake Websites and Phishing Pages
Last updated: 27 February 2026 • Scams • 6 min read
Phishing works because it looks convincing — a familiar logo, a sense of urgency, and a link that’s “almost” right. Here’s how to spot it fast.
Red flags to look for
- Urgency (“account locked in 10 minutes”) or threats.
- Unexpected attachments or “invoice” downloads.
- Spelling, odd grammar, or mismatched branding.
- A link that doesn’t match the real domain (hover to preview on desktop).
Do a quick URL check
- Look for subtle changes (extra words, hyphens, or swapped letters).
- Be cautious with shortened links unless you trust the sender.
- Use bookmarks for important sites instead of clicking emails.
Important: A padlock icon (HTTPS) only means the connection is encrypted — it does not mean the site is legitimate.
If you clicked or entered details
- Change the password immediately (and anywhere else you reused it).
- Enable 2FA on the account.
- Check account activity and recent logins.
- If it was financial, contact your bank/provider for next steps.
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