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What should I do before clicking a link?

A link can look normal and still lead somewhere unexpected. Take a minute to check why you received it and whether there is a safer way to reach the same place.

By the Scrammer team4 min read
Close view of hands holding a smartphone
An unexpected link is a good reason to stop and check another way. Illustrative stock photo by Amin Zabardast on Unsplash.

A logo, familiar sender name, or expected delivery does not prove that a link is safe. The simplest response is often to leave the message and open the real service separately.

Questions to ask before opening a link

  • Was I expecting this? An unexpected delivery alert, toll notice, refund, prize, account warning, or document deserves a closer look.
  • Is the message pushing me? Be careful when it says you must click now, pay today, or sign in before an account closes.
  • Can I get there another way? Open the official app, type the website yourself, or use a phone number from a statement or card.

Do not let the logo decide for you

A message can copy a real company's name, colors, and logo. The sender name can also look familiar. None of those details prove where the link goes.

The safer choice is simple. Leave the message, then open the real service separately. If there is actually a problem, you should usually be able to see it in the official account.

What about QR codes?

A QR code is just another kind of link. Treat an unexpected QR code the same way you would treat an unexpected text link. Think about where it came from, what it asks you to do, and whether you can reach the service without scanning it.

If you already clicked

Clicking alone does not tell you exactly what happened. If you entered a password, card number, verification code, or other personal information, contact the affected service through its official route and change exposed passwords.

If you downloaded something or gave someone control of your device, stop the connection and follow official device-security instructions. Scrammer has a separate tech-support guide for that situation.

The main idea

You do not need to study every character in a web address. If a message is unexpected, skip its link and reach the organization another way.

Read the suspicious text guide

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