That sinking feeling hits immediately. You just clicked on a link in an email, and something doesn’t feel right. Maybe the website looks slightly off, or your browser is acting strange. You’re wondering if you just fell for a scam.
Take a deep breath. You’re not alone in this situation. Millions of people click suspicious links every day, and most problems can be fixed if you act quickly and stay calm.
Stop and Assess the Situation
Before you do anything else, figure out exactly what happened. Did the website ask you to enter personal information like passwords, credit card numbers, or your Social Security number? Did you actually type anything in, or did you just visit the page?
Think about what type of link it was. Was it supposed to be from your bank, Amazon, PayPal, or a social media site? Did you download any files or install any software? The answers to these questions will determine your next steps.
Take Immediate Action
Your first move should be to disconnect from the internet. This might seem extreme, but it can prevent malicious software from communicating with scammers or downloading additional harmful content.
On Windows, click the network icon in your system tray and select “Disconnect.” On Mac, turn off Wi-Fi from the menu bar. For phones and tablets, turn on airplane mode or disable Wi-Fi and cellular data.
Close all your browser windows completely, not just the suspicious tab. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies while you’re at it. In Chrome, go to Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Clear Browsing Data. Other browsers have similar options in their settings menus.
Take screenshots of anything suspicious you remember seeing. These might be useful later if you need to report the incident or seek help.
Secure Your Accounts Right Away
If you entered login credentials anywhere, change those passwords immediately. Start with the most critical accounts: your email, banking, and any work-related accounts. Don’t reuse old passwords or create simple variations of what you had before.
Contact your bank and credit card companies if you entered any financial information. Most have 24-hour fraud hotlines, and they can place temporary holds on your accounts or issue new card numbers. It’s better to be safe than sorry, even if you’re not sure anything bad happened.
Set up account alerts for all your financial accounts so you’ll get notified of any unusual activity. Most banks offer text or email notifications for transactions above certain amounts or for any online purchases.
Run Security Scans
If you downloaded anything or if your computer is acting strangely, run a full antivirus scan immediately. Windows Defender comes built into Windows 10 and 11, and it’s actually quite good at catching malware. Mac users can use the built-in XProtect system or download Malwarebytes for additional protection.
Don’t ignore your phone or tablet. Mobile devices can get infected, too. Both Android and iOS have built-in security features, but you can also download reputable security apps from official app stores.
Watch for signs of infection like unexpected pop-ups, slow performance, or unfamiliar programs running in the background.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
This is your best defense against future account compromises. Two-factor authentication means that even if someone has your password, they still need access to your phone or another device to get into your accounts.
Set it up on your most important accounts first: email, banking, social media, and any work accounts. Most services offer this feature in their security settings. Use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator rather than text messages when possible, as these are more secure.
Monitor Your Accounts
Check your financial accounts daily for the next few weeks. Look for any transactions you don’t recognize, no matter how small. Scammers sometimes test stolen information with tiny purchases before making larger ones.
Review the login history on your major accounts. Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Facebook all show you where and when someone accessed your account. If you see unfamiliar locations or devices, change your password again and log out of all sessions.
Watch your email for suspicious messages claiming to be from services you use. Scammers often follow up phishing attacks with additional attempts, hoping to catch people who are already worried about security.
Learn From the Experience
Most phishing training focuses on spotting scams before you click, but experiencing one firsthand teaches valuable lessons, too. Think about what made the original email or link convincing. Was it the urgency of the message? Did it use official-looking logos or language?
Understanding these tactics helps you recognize similar attempts in the future. Scammers often create artificial urgency, claiming your account will be closed or that immediate action is required.
When to Get Help
If your computer continues acting strangely after running security scans or if you notice unauthorized activity in your accounts, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Contact your bank’s fraud department, consider freezing your credit reports, or consult with a computer technician.
Remember that clicking one suspicious link doesn’t make you careless or naive. Scammers spend considerable time and effort making their attacks convincing. The important thing is learning from the experience and taking steps to protect yourself going forward.
Stay vigilant, keep your software updated, and trust your instincts when something feels off about an email or website. Most security problems can be prevented or quickly resolved with the right knowledge and quick action.
