You have probably received a message that seemed a little off. Usually, these messages claim you have won a prize, your product has been delivered, or there’s a problem with your bank account. Such messages are created to tempt you into clicking a suspicious link, which can misuse your personal information and even drain your bank account.
These are phishing scams created by hackers. Clicking on them will only invite malicious activities to your device. Sometimes, these links are so tempting that people can’t resist clicking. That’s why, if you ever receive such a link on your phone or computer, it’s important to know why you should never click it.
Why Are Random Links Harmful?
Random links are often part of a phishing attack designed to steal your personal information, such as credit card or bank details. You may receive it through emails, texts, or social media such as Facebook and Instagram.
Sometimes, these messages include a company’s name, someone you know, or your bank’s name. If you click these links, you will be exposed to cyber threats and data breaches. Many people have lost money or had their accounts compromised after clicking these links.
Here are more detailed reasons for not clicking these links:
- Malware download: Clicking these links will download malware on your device, causing damage and extracting your personal data.
- Stealing money: These random links often lead to money laundering and emptying your account.
- Misusing personal details: The phishing attacks often misuse your personal details, such as name, documents, and other personal information.
Therefore, if you receive a random text on your device, don’t rush to click on it. Instead, wait for a while and see if it’s relevant or not. For instance, if you haven’t ordered anything and you’re getting a delivery message, it’s a scam. So don’t fall for such fake messages.
How Can You Prevent Yourself From Phishing Attacks?
Phishing attacks may look so real at first until they do something with your bank account or personal information. Even the smartest person can fall into this trap and lose money. However, there are certain methods that will save you from all these uncertain activities on your device. Have a look at them.
Method 1: Stay Alert
The first step is to always stay alert while receiving an unexpected message, text, or email. If you were not expecting such a message, contact the person or company directly using another method. Avoid clicking on it until it’s very necessary. Plus, delete these messages immediately to prevent clicking on them or sending them to someone accidentally.
Method 2: Back Up Your Files
If your device has important documents, keep a backup in a cloud service or on a hard drive. It saves the information if a malware attack occurs on your system and destroys the necessary files.
Method 3: Use Antivirus Software
Always install the antivirus software on your device to protect it from malware and phishing attacks. Antivirus software blocks any suspicious files from entering the system and protects the necessary information.
Method 4: Update Your Devices Regularly
This is a very important factor to keep your device free from phishing attacks. Both computers and mobile devices get newer updates from time to time. Hence, install these updates to ensure your system stays protected from malware and scammers.
Final Words
Digital scams and phishing attacks have risen more than ever now. You may receive a tempting message from an unknown sender with a link that you feel like clicking. But it’s a trap, and you might lose your important details, and even money after that. Therefore, keeping your system updated and using antivirus software are crucial for security. Also, don’t forget to keep a backup of all important documents.
FAQs
How Do I Know if the Link Is Suspicious?
The simplest way to understand if the link is suspicious is to check the URL. Suspicious URLs are often shortened using services like bit.ly or goo.gl. Plus, check if there are any spelling mistakes or any odd characters in the link. If yes, don’t click it at any cost. Moreover, if the message is unexpected, and you have no relation to this, simply delete it.
What if I Click a Random Link on My Mobile?
Clicking a random link is the worst thing you can do with your device. These links are suspicious and can destroy all your necessary data in the device, and steal money from your bank account. Scammers can also misuse your personal information for criminal activities.
Can Antivirus Software Prevent Such Links?
Yes, antivirus software can prevent such random links from entering your system. You can use a strong and reliable antivirus solution on your computer. It will block any unauthentic activity on the system.