Is there a website that checks for fake links?

Yes, there are several websites and tools that can help you check if a link is fake or suspicious. Here are some reliable tools and methods to check for fake links:

1. VirusTotal

• Website: www.virustotal.com
• How It Works: VirusTotal is a free online service that analyzes URLs and files for potential threats. It checks the link using various antivirus engines and provides a report on whether it is safe or potentially harmful. If you're unsure about a link, you can paste it into VirusTotal, and it will scan the link to detect phishing, malware, or other threats.

2. Google Safe Browsing

• Website: Google Safe Browsing
• How It Works: Google Safe Browsing allows you to check if a link is marked as unsafe by Google. It will tell you if the link is involved in phishing, malware distribution, or other harmful activities. Simply paste the URL into the tool to get a report.

3. URLVoid

• Website: www.urlvoid.com
• How It Works: URLVoid is another free service that checks URLs against a variety of databases to determine if the link is trustworthy. It scans the website and reports back with details about its safety based on multiple threat analysis sources. It can help detect malicious or fake links.

4. PhishTool

• Website: www.phishtool.com
• How It Works: PhishTool specializes in detecting phishing websites. You can input any suspicious link into the tool, and it will analyze the website’s security to check if it's attempting to steal personal information. It’s useful for detecting fake links that may be used for phishing scams.

5. Link Expander

• Website: www.checkshorturl.com
• How It Works: Some fake links come in the form of shortened URLs (e.g., bit.ly, t.co). Link Expander allows you to expand these short URLs and see where they lead before clicking. This helps you identify hidden or misleading links.

6. SUCURI SiteCheck

• Website: www.sucuri.net
• How It Works: Sucuri offers a free website malware scanner that checks whether a website is blacklisted or flagged as suspicious. By entering a URL, you can scan the website to see if it has been compromised or marked as unsafe.

7. WhoIs Lookup

• Website: www.whois.com/whois
• How It Works: If you are unsure about a website, you can check its ownership and registration details with a WHOIS lookup. Fake websites often have incomplete or hidden WHOIS records. A legitimate website typically has transparent and publicly accessible WHOIS details.

8. Web of Trust (WOT)

• Website: www.mywot.com
• How It Works: WOT (Web of Trust) is a community-driven website reputation and review service. It checks websites for their reliability and safety based on user feedback and website traffic patterns. You can install the WOT browser extension to see trust ratings in real-time for any website you visit.

How to Protect Yourself from Fake Links:

• Verify Suspicious Links: Before clicking on any link, especially in emails or social media, check it using one of the above tools.
• Look for HTTPS: Ensure that the link starts with "https://" and displays a padlock symbol, indicating it is secure.
• Check the URL: Fake websites often have misspelled or slightly altered URLs to mimic legitimate ones. Be cautious of URLs with extra characters or unusual domain names.
• Use Antivirus Software: Antivirus programs like Norton, McAfee, or Bitdefender can help detect fake links and phishing websites in real-time.

By using these tools and precautions, you can easily identify and avoid fake links, protecting yourself from online scams and malware.