PURPOSE Checking whether a website is safe helps protect your password, files, payment details, and personal information. WHAT TO CHECK Look at the full website address, spelling, domain name, page design, contact information, and whether the site behaves as expected. SECURITY INDICATORS A secure connection is important, but a padlock icon alone does not prove a website is trustworthy. Fake websites can also use encryption. RED FLAGS Be cautious of misspelled domains, urgent warnings, fake prizes, unexpected login pages, suspicious downloads, and pages asking for more information than necessary. BEST PRACTICE For important accounts, type the known address yourself or use a saved bookmark instead of clicking links from emails or ads.