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Lookalike Links: When One Letter Could Cost You Everything
- Jayajith Prasad
- May 17
- 2 min read
You receive a message from your bank, a delivery service, or a familiar website. It looks right. The logo checks out. Even the link looks like the real thing... until you take a closer look.
One extra letter. A swapped character. A different domain ending.
This is the world of lookalike links, also known as typosquatting — where cybercriminals use websites that appear legitimate to steal information or install malware.
🔍 How Lookalike Links Work
Cybercriminals register domains that closely resemble trusted sites. For example:
go0gle.com instead of google.com
amaz0n.net instead of amazon.com
yourbank.secure-login.com instead of yourbank.com
They send these links via emails, ads, QR codes, or texts. Once clicked, they may:
Mimic real login pages to steal usernames and passwords
Download malware or spyware
Request personal information or payment
Install ransomware on the user’s device
⚠️ Common Places You’ll Encounter Lookalike Links
Phishing emails or SMS messages
Fake social media ads or sponsored posts
QR codes on posters or parcels
Search engine ads that look like real results
Browser pop-ups or cloned websites
Even savvy internet users can fall for them — especially on mobile devices where URLs are often shortened or hidden.
🛡️ How to Spot and Avoid Lookalike Links
✅ Double-check URLs before clicking or entering login details
✅ Type addresses manually or use saved bookmarks for important sites
✅ Look for HTTPS and valid certificates, but don’t rely on them alone
✅ Use a secure browser or extension that flags deceptive sites
✅ Avoid clicking login links in emails or messages—go directly to the official site
✅ Watch for misspellings or extra characters in domain names
Cybercrime watchdogs increasingly warn that typosquatting is one of the easiest—and most effective—ways to trick users into handing over sensitive data.
🧠 Final Thought
A single click on a fake link can lead to stolen identities, emptied accounts, or infected devices. Slow down, read carefully, and remember: if something feels slightly off, it probably is.
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