1.) LOOK FOR THE PADLOCK – If there is NO padlock in the browser window or ‘https://’ at the beginning of the web address signifying that it is using a secure link, do NOT enter personal information on the site.
2.) TRUST YOUR GUT – If you are suspicious of a website, carry out a web search to see if you can find out whether or not it is fraudulent.
3.) ALWAYS VERIFY THE ADDRESS – Roll your mouse pointer over a link to reveal its true destination, displayed in the bottom left corner of your browser. Beware if this is different from what is displayed in the text of the link from either another website or an email.
4.) COOKIES – Set your browser to warn you when a cookie is installed. Some sites will not work if you block cookies completely.
5.) PHISHY WEBSITES – Be suspicious of websites which ask for more personal information than you would normally expect to give, such as user name, password or other security details. They are probably malicious.