What to do if you accidentally click a scam link
Don’t panic, accidentally clicking a dodgy link doesn’t automatically mean your device is compromised. However, some malicious websites may attempt to download malware in the background, so it’s worth taking a few precautionary steps to stay safe.
Here’s what the consumer website “Which?” recommends, with links to detailed help articles on their website:
Their tech expert, Tom Morgan, has rounded up the practical steps you should take if you click on a scam link – and the warning signs to look out for.
Keep your email safe from hackers
Fraudsters often attempt to hack their way into people’s email accounts, which can then give them access to other online accounts by requesting password resets and recovery links.
Which also explains how to recover your email inbox and how to prevent it from happening again. Even if you’re not currently dealing with a security threat, it’s still worth reading their walkthrough to make sure you’re prepared.
What are brushing scams?
A brushing scam is when dodgy online sellers send out parcels to people unexpectedly. Why do they do it? So that they can write fake positive reviews to boost their rankings on online marketplaces, helping them to generate genuine income.
Some mystery deliveries contain QR codes (those black-and-white squares you can scan with a smartphone), which could direct you to a malicious website or cause malware to be downloaded to your device if scanned. Here’s what to do if you receive a suspicious parcel.
