How do I spot fake domains like 'paypal-secure-login.example' before clicking?

Question

Scammers often use domains that look almost identical to real ones, such as hyphenated variations or character substitutions. This can trick users into entering credentials on fraudulent sites that mimic legitimate brands.

admin · Accepted Answer

You can spot fake domains like 'paypal-secure-login.example' by isolating the actual domain name, which is always the text immediately preceding the first forward slash in the web address.Identify the real domain: Scammers exploit URL structure by hiding malicious domains in subdomains. For example, in "google.com.login-verify.com", the actual owner is "login-verify.com", not Google. Similarly, "secure-paypal.com" is a completely separate entity from "paypal.com".Watch for character tricks: Look closely for hyphens, numbers replacing letters (like "1" instead of "i"), or subtle spelling errors. A domain like "paypal-secure-login" is a red flag, as legitimate banks rarely use hyphens in their primary login addresses.Hover before you click: On desktop computers, hover your mouse over a link to reveal the true destination in your browser’s status bar. On mobile devices, press and hold the link to preview the URL without opening it.Ignore HTTPS badges: A padlock icon only means the connection is encrypted, not that the site is safe. Phishing sites easily purchase valid SSL certificates to mimic legitimate security indicators.Use independent scanners: If in doubt, paste the link into free tools like Malwarebytes Link Checker or Scantotal. These services analyze domain reputation and capture live screenshots to verify if the site is fraudulent without risking your device.If you accidentally enter credentials on a suspicious site, contact your bank immediately to block fraud and report the incident to the authorities.

How do I spot fake domains like 'paypal-secure-login.example' before clicking?

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