Now it’s your turn!
Shortened URL Scam
The scammer wants to hide the real URL address by using software that shortens the address and hides its true destination. They want you to go to their faked, malicious website and leave your personal and/or financial information. They want you to think you are on a legitimate website and not a scammer website.
Click the play button below to watch a video example:
The first step is to identify the fraud. In the video above, were you able to hear the clues in the story and detect the Shortened URL Scam? The next step is to prevent the scammer from victimizing you or others. If you encounter a similar situation, use these tools to protect yourself from this type of fraud.
SPOT THE SCAM
Shortened URL Scam Clues-
If the URL looks too short, stop and check further.
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Be aware that if it comes to you in an email you didn’t ask for, or appears on a website but the URL has no recognizable words, it might not be a legitimate link.
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If it has been shortened, sometimes you will see words like tinyurl.com in the address. Just because it has tinyurl in the address doesn’t mean it is a fraud, it just means you might want to check further before clicking on the link.
Tips to spot a Shortened URL Scam
STOP THE SCAM
Shortened URL Scam Defence-
Do not click on the link that seems too short to you.
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Copy the URL that has been shortened. Paste it into an online service that lengthens the URL back to its original address. For example, knowurl.com or longurl.com. Or you can copy and paste the words “URL lengthener” in your browser. Once you can see the entire URL, you can apply the anti-scammer URL principles to see if the spelling is right. For example, instead of Amazon.ca the URL says Amason.ca.
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Ensure your internet security software is up-to-date
Tips to stop a Shortened URL Scam
