The safest habit
Do not log in or pay through a link in a text, email, or ad. Instead, type the company's address yourself, or use the app you already have, or a bookmark you saved. If the message was real, you will see the same notice once you log in.
Quick checks on any website
- Read the address carefully. Look for misspellings or extra words, like amaz0n or usps-redelivery.
- Check that the company name sits right before the .com, .gov, or .org, not somewhere earlier in the address.
- Real government websites end in .gov.
- Be wary of prices that are far below everywhere else, especially on popular items.
- Look for a real phone number and street address, not just a contact form.
- Pay attention if the site only takes gift cards, wire transfers, crypto, or a payment app.
The lock icon is not proof
A small lock next to the address means your connection to that website is private. It does not mean the website is honest. Many scam websites have the lock too.
Check a store you have never used
- Search the store's name plus the word scam or reviews and see what other people say.
- Be wary if the site is brand new and has no reviews from outside its own pages.
- Pay with a credit card, which gives you stronger rights to dispute a charge than a debit card or bank transfer.
Not sure?
Leave the page and come back to it through a search or your bookmark. You can also forward the link to Uncle and ask whether it looks like a known scam before you type anything in.
Stuck on a step?
Text Uncle at +1 208 214 0093 and tell him what you see on your screen. He walks you through it in plain words, one step at a time.
Read next
- Read a web address
- Spot a fake email
- Amazon order or account text
- Tech support pop-up
- See all guides
Written by the Textuncle team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
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