Every day, we receive emails, text messages and notifications asking us to click a link.

Some are genuine.

Some aren't.

The challenge is that scam messages are becoming increasingly convincing. They often use familiar logos, realistic language and believable stories to encourage us to act quickly.

Fortunately, you don't need to become a technology expert to protect yourself.

One simple habit can make a remarkable difference.

Before clicking any unexpected link, take a moment to check where it's actually leading.

On a computer, you can usually do this by hovering your mouse over the link without clicking. Most web browsers will display the destination address near the bottom of the screen.

On a phone or tablet, pressing and holding a link will often reveal the web address before it opens.

You don't need to understand every part of the address. You're simply looking for anything that doesn't seem quite right.

Ask yourself:

• Does the web address match the organisation that supposedly sent the message?
• Are there unusual spellings, extra words or numbers that don't belong?
• Was I expecting this message in the first place?

If something feels unusual, don't click.

Instead, open your browser yourself and visit the organisation's website directly or use an app you've already installed and trust.

This simple habit reflects the fourth step of the PAUSE method:

Pause
Assess
Urgency-check
Source-check
Exit if unsure

Every time you take a few extra seconds to check a link, you're building another habit that helps you navigate the online world with greater confidence.

If you'd like to explore the complete PAUSE method, Before You Click walks through each step with practical examples you can begin using straight away.