Check-a-website

Do you ever wonder if a link in an email is legitimate or is it going to take you to a website that has been setup by a fraudster?

Well, there’s a new tool that has been released by getsafeonline.org to take away the uncertainty and tell you if the site is likely to be legitimate or not.

The website checks 10 different services for risks and reports whether the website is likely to be legitimate or not. Checking over 10 known legitimate websites (including a local plumber and independent travel company), all came back with a good score. I also checked a website from a scam email I received and although it passed many of the tests, it came back with a bad score and getsafeonlne.org said it may not be safe.

Bookmark the site and use it if you are visiting a website for the first time, or a link does not look familiar. For instance, I just received an appointment at the Princess Royal, but the link took me to patientsknowbest.com. A quick check gave me confidence to visit the site.

Lots of people online have been flagging a fake Santander mobile banking email. The email impersonates Santander’s branding and gives you a sense of urgency regarding your access to banking services, to pressure you into giving away data.

A quick check on the website the scam takes you to, reports the site to be unsafe.

If you feel like you are being rushed, or pressured into something, stop and think, it may be a scam. A bank, Utility Company, Government Department or the NHS would never pressure you into doing something. And no legitimate company would object to you ending a call so you can take a few moments to check. A scammer would!

In these times of rocketing household bills, it’s easy to let your guard down, particularly if you see an unbelievable deal, expiring soon, or you are due a rebate, you have won something. The scammers are waiting. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. STOP and THINK before you act..