How to check if a website is safe

Quick checks before entering any details

• Look at the web address — does it exactly match the organisation's real domain?
• Check for HTTPS (padlock icon) — this means the connection is encrypted, but does not guarantee the site is genuine
• Search the domain name + "scam" to see if others have reported it
• Check when the domain was registered — brand new domains are suspicious
• Look for contact information — fake sites often have no phone number or address

Use our free URL checker

Paste any suspicious link into our Website Safety Checker for an instant risk assessment.

Trusted sources for specific checks

• Check if a financial firm is regulated: centralbank.ie/consumer-hub/register
• Check a charity is registered: charitiesregulator.ie
• Check if a company is registered: cro.ie (Companies Registration Office)