A new online service has been launched to help Irish shoppers avoid scams. The service, called CheckMyLink, is a free tool that allows users to check whether a website is safe to shop on before they make a purchase.
CheckMyLink was developed by Munster Technological University Cyber Skills in collaboration with Scam Adviser and An Garda Síochána. The tool works by checking a website’s URL against a database of known scam websites. If the website is found to be safe, CheckMyLink will give the user a green light. If the website is found to be a scam, CheckMyLink will give the user a red light and warn them to avoid the site.
“Scams can be very convincing, and it can be difficult to tell the difference between a legitimate website and a scam site,” said Donna O’Shea, Chair of Cybersecurity at Munster Technological University. “CheckMyLink is a simple and easy-to-use tool that can help shoppers protect themselves from scams.”
To use CheckMyLink, simply visit the website and enter the URL of the website you want to check. CheckMyLink will then scan the website and give you a green or red light.
In addition to checking URLs, CheckMyLink also provides a number of other resources to help shoppers avoid scams. These resources include:
- A list of common scam red flags.
- Tips on how to protect your personal information online.
- A link to the Scam Adviser website, which provides information about a variety of scams.
Stay Safe Online
CheckMyLink is a valuable tool that can help Irish shoppers stay safe online. However, it is important to remember that no online security tool is foolproof. It is always a good idea to be aware of the risks of online shopping and to take precautions to protect yourself from scams.
Here are some additional tips for staying safe online:
- Only shop on websites that you trust.
- Be wary of websites that offer too-good-to-be-true deals.
- Use a strong password for your online accounts and never share it with anyone.
- Keep your software up to date.
- Be careful about what information you share online.
- If you think you have been scammed, report it to the authorities.
By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of being scammed online.
