🔒 Look for the Padlock

In your browser’s address bar, look for a small padlock icon to the left of the website address. This means the connection between you and the website is encrypted — your information is being scrambled so others can’t read it while it’s being sent.

The website address should also start with https:// — the “s” stands for secure. If a site only shows http:// without the “s,” be cautious about entering any personal information.

Important: The padlock means the connection is secure, but it doesn’t guarantee the website itself is trustworthy. Scam websites can have padlocks too. Think of it as a minimum requirement — not a stamp of approval.

🔍 Check the Web Address Carefully

Scammers create websites with addresses that look almost identical to real ones. They count on you not noticing the difference.

Examples of fake addresses:

• amaz0n.com (zero instead of the letter “o”)
• bankofamerica-secure-login.com (real-sounding but completely fake)
• paypa1.com (number “1” instead of the letter “l”)
• facebook.com.account-verify.net (the real address is actually “account-verify.net”)

What to do: When visiting important sites like your bank or email, type the address directly into your browser instead of clicking links. Bookmark your most-used sites so you always go to the right place.

🚫 Be Careful What You Click

Not every link is safe. Before clicking, ask yourself:

• Did this link come from someone I trust?
• Was I expecting this link?
• Does the text around it feel urgent or too good to be true?

On a computer, you can hover your mouse over a link (without clicking) to see where it actually goes. The real address will appear in the bottom-left corner of your browser. If it looks strange or doesn’t match what you expected, don’t click it.

⚠️ Watch Out for Pop-Ups and Fake Warnings

You may see a pop-up message while browsing that says your computer is infected, your data is at risk, or you need to call a phone number for help. The message may flash, beep, or try to prevent you from closing it.

The truth: These are fake. Real virus warnings come from security software you’ve already installed — never from a website. No legitimate company will display a phone number in a browser pop-up.

What to do: Don’t call the number. Don’t click anything in the pop-up. Close the browser tab or window. If you can’t close it, press Ctrl + W on Windows or Command + W on Mac to force the tab closed. If that doesn’t work, restart your computer — you will not lose your files.

📥 Be Cautious About Downloads

Only download software from official sources — the company’s own website, the Apple App Store, or the Google Play Store. Avoid downloading programs from pop-up ads, emails, or unfamiliar websites.

If a website says you need to install a special program or browser extension to view content, proceed with extreme caution. Most legitimate websites work fine without installing anything extra.

Your web browser — whether it’s Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge — regularly receives security updates that fix weaknesses scammers can exploit. Keeping your browser updated is one of the easiest ways to stay protected.

How to check:

• Chrome: Click the three dots in the top-right corner → Help → About Google Chrome
• Safari: Safari updates come through your Mac’s System Settings → General → Software Update
• Firefox: Click the three lines in the top-right corner → Help → About Firefox
• Edge: Click the three dots in the top-right corner → Help and Feedback → About Microsoft Edge

If an update is available, install it. Most browsers can be set to update automatically — this is the recommended setting.

Free Wi-Fi at coffee shops, libraries, airports, and hotels is convenient — but it’s not private. Other people on the same network can potentially see what you’re doing online.

Rules for public Wi-Fi:

• Never log in to your bank or other financial accounts on public Wi-Fi.
• Don’t enter credit card numbers or passwords on public Wi-Fi if you can avoid it.
• Don’t connect to networks with no password. If the Wi-Fi doesn’t require a password to join, it’s completely open.
• Use your phone’s cellular data instead for anything sensitive. Your cell connection is much more secure than public Wi-Fi.