Clicking on Links
Hi, everyone! Welcome to our forum discussion on clicking links safely. Links are everywhere online — in messages, forums, emails, and chats. But with so many circulating, it can be tricky to know which ones are safe and which ones could be harmful. So, let’s talk about what to watch out for and how to protect ourselves! 🔗🚦
What are links?
Links (or “URLs”) are what we click on to move from one page to another online. They can take us to useful resources, funny videos, or interesting articles — but they can also hide dangerous sites, scams, or malware.
Why is being careful with links important?
If we click unsafe links, we could put ourselves at risk of viruses, stolen data, or scams. Sometimes links are disguised to look safe, but they actually lead somewhere harmful. Protecting ourselves means making smart choices before we click 🖱️
What should we consider before clicking a link?
Check the source: do you trust the person or place sending the link?
Hover first: if you hover over the link (on desktop), you can see where it really goes
Look closely: fake links often use slight misspellings (like “g00gle” instead of “google”)
Avoid shortened links: services like bit.ly can hide the real destination.
Stay on the platform: if you’re unsure, don’t leave the app or site you’re already using
How can we reinforce safe link habits?
Pause before clicking: give yourself a moment to evaluate
Ask for clarification: if someone sends a link, you could always ask, "What's this for?" before opening
Use security tools: keep antivirus software and browser protections turned on
Trust your instincts: if something doesn't feel right, don't click it
Overall Message
Clicking links might feel small and casual, but it can carry big risks if we’re not careful. Staying safe means being mindful and cautious every time — protecting not just ourselves, but also our devices and personal information.
Useful Links 🦺
Questions To Consider…
What are some strategies you personally use to make sure a link is trustworthy before clicking?
What role does trust play when deciding whether to click a link from someone?
@Rebekah Very useful post. Thanks !!!
Recently a relative of mine who is a University professor was in an interview with a foreign university. In the beginning of the interview, he was informed that they had sent them the link to their website. my relation looked in Whats.App in a hurry because the interview has started, saw a link from an unknown number, and clicked it. The link didn't work, so he ignored thinking to ask about it from them later.
So the link had been a hacker link and all his contacts got a message which said, he has to make a transaction of 300$ and his account wasn't working, so send the money to this account (the text had an unknown account) and he will definitely pay tomorrow.
We sensed it was a hacker and called him to informed but he had his phone turned off because of the interview.
But 3 people had sent the money. (they said afterwards that they called to confirm him but when he didn't answer they sent the money because it wasn't a huge amount like hackers usually ask to pay.)
Later my relative found the University had sent him the link via an email.
So the problem is how did such a coincidence happen. If he wasn't in the interview, he definitely would not have clicked the link. and if he wasn't in the interview, he would not have turned off his phone.
Anyone have any thoughts about this ?
@Rebekah Thanks for this, I have sent it to my Dad, he clicks on anything but then he quite liked the 'sites' he got sent to 😉🤣 maybe I need to put parental controls on his phone and laptop 😇
@Rebekah
those checking websites are a great way to double check! thanks for the informative post :)
@Rebekah
Awww thanks for sharing those with us
@Rebekah This is very good Reb - I’d also like to add for people if they notice someone has sent the link without explaining what it is ask them to mention the title in the link as point of reference in case something unintentional triggers someone. For example - general example - someone with lived experience of eating disorder might be triggered by workout videos even if well intentioned.