You receive an email saying your SBI account needs verification. There is a button that says VERIFY SBI ACCOUNT. It looks normal, but the button may actually open a completely different website.
Button destination example
Visible button text: VERIFY SBI ACCOUNTActual destination: https://secure-bank-update.comVisible Text vs Actual Destination
Important Point
The text you see and the website you open can be completely different.
Displayed link vs real link
Message displays: www.amazon.inSecret destination: amazon-refund-login.xyzReal-Life Example
You receive a message saying your electricity bill is overdue, with a link labeled Pay Electricity Bill. Instead of immediately clicking, check where the link actually goes.
On a computer, you can usually hover over the link and inspect the destination. On a phone, a long press may show the URL before opening it.
Safer Habit
If your bank says your account needs attention, do not start by clicking the message link.
- Close the message.
- Open your bank's official app.
- Or manually open the official website.
- Check whether the same notification exists there.
The same habit works for Amazon, banks, electricity bills, insurance, government services, and credit cards.
Also Be Careful With Short Links
Links such as bit.ly hide the final destination. A short link is not automatically dangerous, but you cannot easily see where it goes.
Remember
Visible link text does not equal actual destination. Before clicking, check where the link really goes.
Series
Internet Security Basics: 10-Part Series for Everyday UsersA 10-part series for everyday users to identify scams, protect accounts, and use the internet with more confidence.
Is This Email Really From Your Bank or Company?
Check sender names, email addresses, and urgent payment messages before trusting them.
Can You Spot the Real Website?
Learn how fake domains, confusing links, and lookalike names trick everyday users.
HTTPS Does NOT Mean the Website Is Genuine
Understand what the lock symbol protects, and why you still need to verify the domain.
Does a Professional Domain Extension Mean the Website Is Genuine?
Learn why .com, .org, .in, .net, and .ai do not automatically prove trust.
The Link Says SBI, But Where Does It Actually Go?
Learn why visible link text and button labels can hide a completely different destination.
Sir, Please Tell Me the OTP for Verification
Learn why OTPs, passwords, UPI PINs, recovery codes, and remote access must stay private.
Scan This QR Code to Receive Your Refund
Learn how QR codes can hide payment requests, fake links, and UPI PIN traps.
Someone Sent You BankKYC.apk on WhatsApp. Should You Install It?
Learn why APKs, cracked software, and fake apps can hide malware or dangerous permissions.
Which Airport Wi-Fi Is the Real One?
Learn how fake public Wi-Fi names and captive portals can trick users into unsafe logins.
Before You Click, Pay or Login, Take 30 Seconds
Use a quick checklist before reacting to urgent messages, links, payments, or login prompts.
Nikhlesh Yadav is a Technical Lead and Solution Architect with 12+ years of experience across cloud-native systems, distributed platforms, AI integrations, Web3, and cyber security.
Read full profile