Web Scanners
VirusTotal
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Quick multi-engine check.
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Open VirusTotal, paste the URL in the URL field, hit search.
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If any engines or community reports mark it malicious, do not open.
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Why use it: it checks the URL against many antivirus and blacklist engines at once.
urlscan.io
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live page snapshot and resource list.
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Paste the URL and run a scan (use Unlisted/Private if the link is private).
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Look at the screenshot, the list of external hosts, and the resource requests. If you see strange redirects or many unknown hosts, avoid the page.
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Note: public scans are visible to others. Use private mode for sensitive URLs.
Google Safe Browsing / Transparency Report
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Enter the URL into Googleβs Safe Browsing lookup. It reports phishing/malware listings used by Chrome and other products. If flagged, do not open.