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Phishing Detector

This free phishing detector guide helps you spot impersonation, suspicious links, and urgent requests before you hand over passwords or payment details. Here's how to catch phishing — and how NetArmature helps.

How phishing works

Most phishing attempts follow the same basic playbook:

1. Impersonation

The message looks like it's from your bank, a delivery company, a well-known brand, or even a coworker.

2. Urgency

"Your account will be suspended," "confirm now," "unusual activity detected" — designed to make you act before you think.

3. A convincing but fake link

The link looks close to the real domain, or is hidden behind a redirect or shortener.

4. A request for credentials or payment

A fake login page, a request to "verify" your card number, or a one-time code they ask you to read back to them.

Before you click

  • Hover over (or long-press) the link to preview the real destination first.
  • Check the sender's actual email address or number, not just the display name.
  • Remember: legitimate companies won't ask for your full password or card number by email, text, or chat.
  • When unsure, check the link with NetArmature instead of clicking it directly.

Related checks

🌐 The linked website

Check if it's fake

🔗 Just the link itself

Check a suspicious link

Quick questions

Can phishing happen outside of email?

Yes — phishing is common over SMS ("smishing"), WhatsApp, social media DMs, and even QR codes, not just email.

What should I do if I already clicked a phishing link?

Don't enter any passwords or payment details if you haven't already. If you did, change that password immediately and check your account activity — see our guide on what to do if you already sent money or shared information.

What is a phishing detector?

It is a set of checks for impersonation, urgency, suspicious links, and requests for passwords, payment details, or one-time codes before you respond.

Can a phishing detector guarantee that a link is safe?

No. A detector can highlight warning signs, but verify the sender and destination independently before signing in or sharing information.