Clicking That Short Link Could Cost You
Long URL sometimes may look so ridiculously long, and we have URL shorteners come into existence! They take lengthy URLs and make them shorter and easier for the recipient. Popular URL shortening services include Bitly, TinyURL and Rebrandly.
Benefits of Shortened URLs
- Better Tracking – Enables monitoring of clicks and performance.
- Fewer Characters – Ideal for social media platforms like Twitter.
- Higher Click-Through Rates (CTR) – Short links appear cleaner and more engaging.
- Enhanced Branding – Custom short links help in business branding.
- Increased Traffic – They redirect users to targeted websites.
The Dark Side of URL Shorteners
- Disguise Malicious Links – Mask harmful websites under innocent-looking short links.
- Spread Malware – Trick users into downloading malicious software.
- Perform Phishing Attacks – Redirect users to spoofed websites to steal sensitive information.
- Steal Money via Crypto Mining – Some links secretly use a victim’s device to mine
Validating the Short Links / Emails / Websites :
- Validating the SMS – https://smsheader.trai.gov.in/
- Un-shorten the URL‘s – (i) www.unshorten.it (ii) www.checkshorturl.com (iii) https://www.expandurl.net
- Validating the Websites – (i) https://isitphishing.org/ (ii) https://www.urlvoid.com/ (iii) https://www.site24x7.com/link-checker.html (iv) https://transparencyreport.google.com/safe-browsing/search
- Validating the Email Headers (i) https://mxtoolbox.com/EmailHeaders.aspx (ii) https://dnschecker.org/email-header-analyzer.php (iii) https://mailheader.org/
(iv) https://www.dmarcanalyzer.com/spf/checker/ - Checking for Virus (File or URL) – https://www.virustotal.com/gui/
Few Tips to Prevent Fraud :
- Verify Emails and SMS Carefully – Fraudsters often send impersonation messages pretending to be banks or companies.
- Avoid Clicking on Short Links from Unknown Sources – Always check before clicking.
- Contact Official Customer Support – Use the contact details listed on official websites rather than numbers shared in messages.
- Never Share Sensitive Information – Banks and e-commerce platforms never ask for details like OTP, net banking credentials, or UPI PINs.
- Do Not Pay Advance Fees – Avoid making payments for courier charges, processing fees, duty fees, or customs clearance.
- Verify Sellers and Buyers – Cross-check their details, including name, website, address, and phone number.
- Make Payments Only Through Trusted Platforms – Use secure payment methods recommended by reputed e-commerce websites.
- Beware of Overpayments – Fraudsters often deposit excess amounts and then request refunds via QR codes or UPI payments, leading to financial fraud.
- Never Transfer Money Over Phone Calls – Do not scan QR codes or share OTPs under any circumstances.
- To Receive Money, You Don’t Need to Scan QR Codes or Share OTPs – Scammers often use this trick to steal funds.
Fallen to Cyber Crime, then here what to do? :
- If in case you have fallen to cybercrime please report on https://www.cybercrime.gov.in or if you have lost money online (via bank, card, or UPI) and need quick assistance call the toll-free number 1930 and this is Managed by Citizen Financial Fraud Management System
