Phishing Red Flags: Spotting a Fake Login Page

Phishing scams are getting harder to spot, but they all rely on one tactic: tricking you into entering your credentials into a fake website. This episode breaks down the three easiest visual and structural red flags that separate a legitimate login page from a criminal's trap. Don't rely on luck—rely on this quick checklist.

Red Flag 1: Inspect the URL (The Address Bar)

The single most reliable indicator of a scam is the website address itself. Cybercriminals use tiny changes to trick your eye, but your browser is often the key to verifying authenticity.

• Check the Domain Name: A real Amazon login will always be amazon.com. A fake one might be amazon-support.co or amazonn.com. Look for misspelled words, extra hyphens, or unusual endings.
• Look for HTTPS: Ensure the padlock icon is present and the address starts with https://. While not foolproof, the absence of the 's' (secure) is a massive red flag.
• The Quick Test: Before clicking a login link in an email, hover your mouse over it (on desktop) or long-press it (on mobile) to see the true destination URL pop up.

Red Flag 2: Urgency and Unsolicited Access

Phishing pages are designed to incite panic. They often claim your account has been suspended, compromised, or that a large, unauthorized purchase is pending. They demand you log in immediately.

• Unusual Timing: Did you expect this notification? Scammers use holidays, end-of-quarter deadlines, or times when you are distracted to strike.
• Unusual Access: Did the email or text arrive from a different contact than usual (e.g., your bank texting you from a random 5-digit number)?
• Action: Never click the link in the urgent email. Instead, manually open a new browser tab and navigate to the official website yourself to check your account status.

Red Flag 3: Lack of Polish and Trust Elements

Fake pages often skip small, professional details that are expensive or difficult to copy perfectly.

• Check the Footer: Is the copyright date current? Does the page include links to a real, functional Privacy Policy and Terms of Service? Fake pages often have broken or generic footer links.
• Login Form: A real site often auto-fills your user ID or provides options for biometric login (Face ID, Fingerprint). If the page only offers a bare-bones username and password box, be suspicious.

Actionable Takeaway

In five minutes, you learned the three most effective verification steps. Apply this checklist every time you receive an unusual login request and you will drastically reduce your risk of credential theft.