Address Bar Spoofing explained: signs, quick checks, and fixes

Address Bar Spoofing

What it is

Address bar spoofing is a visual trick: the page makes your browser’s top bar look like you’re on a trusted site when you’re not. Fake URL, real danger—because you’ll feel safe entering logins or payment details.

Why it works

  • Pop-ups or full-screen overlays that mimic the browser chrome

  • Malicious mobile pages that hide the real URL

  • Unicode look-alikes (paypaI.com with a capital “i”)

  • Redirect loops that flash a trusted domain, then swap it

Spot the signs

  • You can’t edit or select the URL text

  • Back/refresh buttons don’t behave normally

  • The padlock is shown in the page image, not the browser

  • Tiny typos or extra words before/after the domain

Stay safe (quick tips)

  1. Tap/click the bar and fully reveal the URL; long-press on mobile to copy and inspect.

  2. Use bookmarks for banks/email; avoid links in messages.

  3. Prefer app sign-ins or type the address yourself.

  4. Turn on MFA so a stolen password isn’t enough.

If you clicked already

  • Close the tab, clear recent site data for that domain.

  • Change the password from a clean device; review sessions.

  • Watch statements/alerts; run a malware scan.

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