What to Do Before Clicking That Strange Link in a Text or Email

Ever received a message that looked a little… off?

Maybe it claimed your bank account was locked, or a delivery was missed. It might even seem like it’s from a friend or a well-known brand. But here's the catch — one wrong click, and you could become a victim of an email phishing scam, malware attack, or identity theft.

In an increasingly connected world, these phishing email and phishing text message threats are growing both in number and sophistication. In fact, according to the FBI’s 2023 Internet Crime Report, phishing remains the most reported cybercrime, with over 300,000 complaints filed and billions of dollars lost worldwide.

So, how do you protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming the next target?

Let’s break it down.

First, What is a Phishing Attack?

Phishing is a type of cyberattack where hackers impersonate legitimate institutions, companies, or even people to trick you into clicking on malicious links or sharing personal information. These attacks often come in the form of suspicious emails or SMS messages (also called "smishing").

Some common examples:

• “Your package couldn’t be delivered. Click here to reschedule.”

• Suspicious activity on your bank account. Verify now.”

• “You’ve won a prize! Claim it here.” Also Read: How to Create and Use an App Password for Outlook
  

Step-by-Step: What to Do Before Clicking Any Suspicious Link

Here are some crucial steps you should ALWAYS take before clicking on a link in any email or text:

1. Stop and Inspect the Sender

Ask yourself:

• Do I recognize this sender?

• Is this message expected?

• Is their email address official? (e.g., support@yourbank.com vs support@bank-alerts.info)

Phishers often spoof email addresses by using similar-looking characters or domains.

Over 91% of cyberattacks start with a phishing email. Source: [CSO Online]

2. Hover, Don’t Click!

Before clicking any link, hover your mouse over it (or press and hold on mobile) to preview the actual URL. Check:

• Does it match the sender?

• Is it a known site?

• Does it look suspicious or overly long?

If the URL seems odd, don’t click.

Knowing how to check if a link is safe can protect you from hidden malware and credential theft.

3. Look for Urgency or Fear Tactics

Phishing scams often use high-pressure language:

• “Act now!”

• “Your account will be suspended!”

• “Last chance to respond!”

If a message makes you panic, it’s probably a scam. Real organizations don’t threaten users with urgent deadlines through texts or emails.

4. Watch for Spelling and Grammar Errors

Legitimate companies take their communication seriously. If you notice typos, broken formatting, or strange logos, it’s a red flag.

5. Don’t Open Unknown Attachments

Even if you don’t click on a link, opening an attachment from a suspicious email could infect your system with malware or ransomware.

6. Use a Link Scanner

Several free tools let you paste in URLs to check their safety:

• Google Transparency Report

• VirusTotal

• Norton Safe Web

When in doubt, scan it out.

What Could Happen If You Click?

Clicking a phishing link can lead to:

• Identity Theft- Personal info like Social Security numbers, passwords, or credit card details can be stolen.

• Malware Infection- Links may install spyware or keyloggers to monitor your activity silently.

• Financial Fraud- Cybercriminals can steal money or make unauthorized purchases.

• Business Compromise- If you're on a company device, you could unknowingly expose your employer to ransomware or data breaches.

According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach caused by phishing is $4.91 million.

What TO DO If You’ve Already Clicked

If you’ve clicked a suspicious link:

1. Disconnect from Wi-Fi to limit the spread.

2. Run a full antivirus scan on your device.

3. Change your passwords, especially for banking, email, or cloud accounts.

4. Enable 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) wherever possible.

5. Report the message to your email provider or relevant authority (e.g., reportphishing@apwg.org).
   

How to Stay Safe Going Forward

• Use strong passwords and a password manager.

• Keep your device and antivirus software updated.

• Educate your family members, especially seniors and teens.

• Subscribe to email security services that detect and filter phishing threats before they reach your inbox.
  

Real-World Example

A recent scam campaign pretended to be from “Netflix,” asking users to update payment details. The link redirected to a fake Netflix login page — stealing both emails and passwords.

The scary part? The fake website looked almost identical to the real one.

This is why knowing how to check if a link is safe is more important than ever.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Click Blindly

Phishing isn't just about sketchy emails anymore. It’s texts, QR codes, ads, fake login pages, and even social media messages.

Taking a few seconds to pause, inspect, and verify can save you from devastating consequences.

Want Pro-Level Protection?

At MicroSec, we help individuals and businesses safeguard their communication with top-tier email security services, phishing detection systems, and real-time threat monitoring. Whether you’re a remote worker, small business owner, or simply want to stay safe online, we’ve got your back.

Stay informed. Stay secure. And remember—when in doubt, don’t click.