Resource Shortened & weird URLs, don’t insta-click on them (forum/PMs)

[enjolras]

On the forum, there are a non-negligeable amount of shortened URLs instead of fully expanded.
These are abbreviated links, for the most common ones, in these forms



It's a very bad idea to click on these links, wherever they are posted (integrating PMs into the statement) cause they can hide transparent redirections that are malicious. For instance, loggers that grab IPs without a notice. Ill intended infiltrated members (LE / pro-life) could collect a pack of members' IPs this way (not giving the sources expressly)

When you come across them, it's smart to use an external service that extends the destination to check that it will be harmless. And for the times when you don't know what you click on, don't.

URL Revealer

Reveal the true destination of a URL, shortcode or redirect

www.urlrevealer.com

Example, if https://bit.ly/2WVMulW is seen
Verify



Moreover, the expanded link can be further analysed for safety when the suspicion persists.

Sucuri Security

SiteCheck is a website security scanner that checks any site, link, or URL for malware, viruses, blacklist status, seo spam, or malicious code. Check your website safety for free with Sucuri Security.

sitecheck.sucuri.net

https://www.urlvoid.com/scan

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URL Decode and Encode - Online

Decode from URL-encoded format or encode into it with various advanced options. Our site has an easy to use online tool to convert your data.

www.urldecoder.org

 

[enjolras]

Developping on the matter since out of curiosity I've played with fly catchers in the past, seen them in action.

The compressed URL can redirect to a trap URL which instantly redirects to an innocent URL. The transition is rapid enough so that the obversation of what happens in between is skipped by the trained eyes.