How do I check whether a short link in a text is smishing?
Do not tap a suspicious lsu.kr link directly — add + to the end first to preview the destination and safety status. If the sender is an unfamiliar number or the message asks for payment or a verification code, it is likely smishing.
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What do smishing texts with short links usually look like?
Short links often show up in texts that impersonate a courier ("delivery failed"), a health insurance refund notice, or a government agency. They typically come from a missing or unfamiliar number and use urgent wording like "today only" or "verify immediately" to rush you.
The link's appearance alone will not tell you whether it is smishing. For an lsu.kr link, adding + before clicking to preview the destination is the most reliable check. See how to check if a short link is safe for details.
What order should I check things in before clicking?
Following this order lets you catch most smishing links before you ever reach the destination. In particular, if the preview shows a domain that differs from the bank's, card issuer's or courier's official address, that alone is a strong smishing signal.
- Confirm the sending number is a real agency or company number
- Add + to the link to preview the destination first
- Compare the destination domain with the organization's real official address
- Never enter personal data, verification codes or account passwords even after continuing
What should I do if I already tapped it?
If you did not enter any personal data or a verification code, simply closing the tab is usually enough. If you did enter information or installed an app, change your passwords and cards immediately and report it to your carrier's customer service, the police (112), or a body such as 118 (KISA's integrated consultation center).
How do I check whether a short link in a text is smishing?: step by step
- Check the sending numberSearch for the number and compare it with the organization's real official number. Be extra cautious if the number is missing or unfamiliar.
- Add + and preview the linkFor an lsu.kr link, add + at the end and open it to see the destination address and its safety check status first.
- Compare with the official addressCompare the destination domain shown in the preview against the official address you confirm through a search engine or portal.
- Report if suspiciousIf you suspect smishing, do not continue — use the report button on the preview screen, or report it to your carrier or the police (112).
Frequently asked questions
Are lsu.kr links safe from smishing?
Links go through safety checks at creation — domain age, block lists, malware/phishing lists — and are re-checked every 3 hours, but checking the preview yourself before clicking is still the most reliable habit.
Is it okay to just tap without previewing?
Only recommended when you are sure of both the sender and the content. If anything feels off, preview the destination with + first.
What happens when I report a link?
A link is automatically blocked once three different people report it, and the operations team can also review reports before that.
Does the same method work for links that arrive over KakaoTalk?
Yes. Whether a link arrives by KakaoTalk, SMS or Band, the same + check works for any lsu.kr link.
How do I explain this to a parent or family member?
One sentence is enough: "Before tapping an lsu.kr link in a text, add a + to the end to see where it really goes." Encourage the habit especially for unfamiliar senders or urgent-sounding messages.