How to Check a Suspicious Link Without Risking Your Data

On a daily basis, I receive more spam texts than genuine ones. Some are easy to ignore, but others look real and make me want to click. The problem is that one wrong move can be dangerous. My personal information might be stolen, spyware could be installed, or I could fall for a scam. For this reason, I never tap on a strange message without thinking. Instead, I always take a moment to check a suspicious link without risking my data. By following this simple habit, I can stay safe and avoid problems that could cost me much more than just a few seconds of my time.

Check the Sender’s Details

The first thing I do when I get a text with a suspicious link is check who sent it. If the number is unknown, a strange short code, or an international number I wasn’t expecting, that’s a warning sign. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve received random selfie requests from +91 numbers—probably because I once made the mistake of putting my personal number in my Instagram bio.

If a number looks suspicious, I use caller ID apps like Truecaller to check if it’s linked to scammers or a real business. These apps often flag known scam numbers, making it easier to decide whether to ignore or report them.

I also think about whether the message makes sense. If it claims to be from a service I use, I check the company’s official website to see if the number matches. Legitimate businesses don’t send messages from random numbers.

A little common sense goes a long way. I shouldn’t be getting job interview invites from companies I never applied to or survey requests from delivery services I haven’t used. If I didn’t reach out first, chances are it’s a scam.

Look for Warning Signs in the Message and Link

Before I even think about tapping a link in a text from a strange number, I take a close look at both the message and the URL. The first thing I check is whether the message tries to rush or pressure me. If I see phrases like “Your account will be suspended in 24 hours” or “Click now to claim your reward,” I immediately get suspicious. Scammers use urgency to make people act without thinking. A real company, on the other hand, will contact me through official channels, not some random text.

Another red flag is bad grammar or spelling mistakes. Real businesses rarely make these errors in their messages. But even if the text seems fine, I always check the URL carefully. A common trick scammers use is slightly changing a well-known website name. For example, they might write “paypl” instead of PayPal in a fake link like “paypl-support.info.” Sometimes, the difference is even harder to notice, like swapping an “l” for a “1” in “paypa1.”

To stay safe, I never tap a link right away. Most messaging apps let me long-press a link to preview it before opening, so I use that feature to check where it actually leads. Some apps even show a preview automatically. If I’m on my laptop, I just hover over the link with my mouse to see the full web address—no clicking needed. These simple steps help me avoid falling for scams and keep my personal data safe.

Use Link Scanners to Verify the Website

If I can’t preview the link or just want to be extra sure it’s safe, I use a link scanner. These tools help me check if a website has been reported as dangerous before I even open it.

My favorite is the Google Safe Browsing tool because it’s simple to use (and I do trust Google products a little more). I just copy the link, paste it into the Check site status box, and press Enter. In a few seconds, it tells me if the site has been flagged as unsafe.

Other great options include VirusTotal and URLVoid. These tools scan the link against multiple cybersecurity databases to see if it has been marked as harmful.

However, I always keep in mind that just because a site hasn’t been flagged doesn’t mean it’s completely safe. Some scam websites are new and haven’t been reported yet. So, if something still feels off, I trust my instincts and avoid the link altogether. It’s always better to be cautious than to risk my personal information.

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Report the Scam Before You Delete It

If I know for sure that a message is a scam, I don’t just ignore it—I report it. This helps stop scammers and protects others from falling for the same trap.

Most phones and messaging apps have a Block and report spam option. Blocking the number stops it from messaging me again, and reporting it helps my phone carrier recognize it as a scam. When enough people report the same number, carriers can take action, like blocking it from reaching more users.

But I don’t stop there. If the scam is pretending to be from a bank, delivery service, or a well-known company, I report it directly to them. Many businesses have scam-reporting pages where they ask for a screenshot or a copy of the message. This helps them fight back against fake messages using their name.

For extra caution, I also check if local authorities or cybersecurity agencies accept scam reports. Many countries have official websites where people can report phishing scams, and they use this data to track and stop fraudsters.

Once I’ve reported the scam, I delete the message and move on. I never reply—answering only makes me a bigger target, even if I think I won’t fall for the trick. If something feels suspicious, I trust my instincts. If I’m not sure, ignoring the message is always the safest choice.