Safe Searches: Tips to Avoid Scams

When you need information fast, a quick check of Google is often the first stop. In fact, some people find it easier to search online for everything, including the addresses for a specific website like a bank, a trusted repair service, or a health care provider.

Unfortunately, scammers know this, too, so they sometimes create bogus sites with addresses confusingly close to the real thing.

Google is aware of this trend, and it touts advanced systems that keep users’ search results 99% spam-free. The company also offers a few tips for closing the final security weaknesses.

• Pay close attention to the URL—the specific web address—before clicking any unfamiliar link. Typically, in an email, hovering the cursor over the address will show the complete link. Don’t click the link if it looks suspicious.
• The 3 dots next to the search results in Google can be used to find more details about the webpage, store, or business you’re considering. You can find clues indicating if the site is legitimate before clicking the link.
• When you’re looking for official resources, watch out for unusual address formatting. For example, there’s typically only 1 correct customer service number for a larger company. But not all businesses have customer service numbers, and searching for them requires you to be mindful. Watch for strange formatting in the website address, including unexpected symbols or emojis.