Emergency Help
I Clicked a Phishing Link
What you do next depends entirely on whether you entered anything. Let's find out and act fast.
Clicking alone is often survivable. The real question is whether you typed anything into the page that opened. Answer below for the right response.
What to do after clicking a phishing link
Your response depends on what you entered — act on the most sensitive thing first.
- Stop and close the page without entering anything more.
- If you entered a password, change it on the real site and anywhere you reused it.
- If you entered card or bank details, call your bank to freeze the card.
- If you entered a verification code, go to the real account immediately and secure it.
- Turn on two-factor authentication and watch for follow-up scam messages.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get hacked just by clicking a link?
Usually the danger is the page you land on, which tries to trick you into typing something or downloading a file. Simply opening a link — especially on an up-to-date phone — rarely infects a device by itself. The bigger risk is what you do next.
I entered my password but nothing looks wrong. Am I fine?
Not necessarily — a stolen password can be used quietly later. Change it now on the real site and anywhere you reused it, and turn on two-factor authentication so the password alone can't unlock the account.
Should I run a virus scan?
If a file downloaded or you were prompted to install or "enable" something, yes — run a reputable malware scan and don't open the file. If you only clicked and closed the page, a scan is optional peace of mind.
This is general guidance for common situations, not legal or financial advice. When large sums or physical safety are involved, contact your bank and local authorities directly.