10 Best Websites to Check if a Website is Legitimate and Safe

The internet is a big part of our daily lives. It makes shopping, learning, and staying in touch easy. But, it also comes with risks like online scams and malicious websites. It’s crucial to know how to spot a fake website to keep your personal info safe.

Using website legitimacy checkers is a smart way to stay safe online. These tools help you figure out if a website is trustworthy. This way, you can decide if it’s safe to share personal info or make a purchase. In this guide, we’ll look at top website legit checkers and how to use them. By being careful, you can have a safer online experience.

Why Check Website Legitimacy?

Before knowing the website, it’s very important to understand why checking a website’s legitimacy matters:

• Protect Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive data like credit card numbers, social security numbers, and personal addresses on fraudulent sites that could misuse your information.
• Prevent Financial Loss: Steer clear of scams that can trick you into making fake purchases or investments, potentially costing you money.
• Avoid Malware: Reduce the risk of downloading harmful software that can damage your device, steal information, or hijack your online activities.
• Ensure Product Quality: Make sure you’re purchasing genuine products from trustworthy sellers, avoiding counterfeit or defective items.
• Maintain Online Privacy: Safeguard your privacy by avoiding sites that misuse or sell your data without consent.

Using legit checker websites acts as an additional layer of protection, helping you make informed decisions and stay secure while navigating the internet.

10 Top Legit Checker Websites

Here are some of the best website legit checkers you can use to verify the legitimacy and safety of other websites. Each tool offers unique features, pros, and cons to help you choose the right one for your needs.

1. Google Safe Browsing

Website: Google Safe Browsing

Description: Google Safe Browsing provides real-time information about the safety of websites. It checks URLs against Google’s constantly updated lists of unsafe web resources, including sites known for phishing, malware, and other harmful activities.

Features:

• Real-Time Checks: Quickly determines if a website is currently safe to visit.
• Detailed Reports: Explains why a site is flagged, such as containing malware or engaging in phishing.
• Browser Integration: Integrated with many popular browsers to warn users about dangerous sites automatically.

Pros:

• Free to Use: Accessible to everyone without any cost.
• Comprehensive Security: Backed by Google’s extensive security infrastructure and vast data resources.
• Regular Updates: Continuously updated to protect against the latest threats.

Cons:

• Limited Information: Primarily focused on safety threats, offering less detailed information about other aspects of website legitimacy.
• No User Reviews: Lacks community feedback or user-generated content.

2. VirusTotal

Website: VirusTotal

Description: VirusTotal is a powerful tool that scans URLs and files for viruses, malware, and other security threats using multiple antivirus engines and website scanners. It aggregates results from various security services to provide a comprehensive analysis.

Features:

• Multi-Engine Scans: Uses over 70 antivirus scanners and website analysis tools to detect threats.
• Detailed Reports: Provides in-depth information about detected issues, including the type of malware or threat.
• Community Insights: Users can see comments and ratings from other users about specific URLs or files.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Scanning: Leverages multiple security engines for thorough analysis.
• Free Access: Available to all users without requiring a subscription.
• User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate, even for beginners.

Cons:

• Overwhelming Data: The volume of information can be daunting for new users.
• No Expert Recommendations: Lacks guidance on what to do after a threat is detected.

3. Norton Safe Web

Website: Norton Safe Web

Description: Norton Safe Web analyzes websites for security risks, providing safety ratings based on malware, phishing, and other threats. It uses a combination of automated scans and human reviews to assess the safety of websites.

Features:

• Safety Ratings: Assigns a rating (Safe, Caution, or Warn) to indicate the safety level of a website.
• Detailed Analysis: Offers comprehensive reports on why a site received its rating.
• Browser Extensions: Available for browsers like Chrome and Firefox, providing real-time protection and alerts while browsing.

Pros:

• Trusted Brand: Backed by Norton, a well-known leader in cybersecurity.
• Easy-to-Understand Ratings: Clear and straightforward safety ratings for quick assessment.
• Comprehensive Reports: Detailed explanations help users understand the risks associated with a website.

Cons:

• Subscription Required for Advanced Features: Some premium features require a Norton subscription.
• Potential for False Positives: Occasionally, legitimate sites might be incorrectly flagged.

4. McAfee Sitelook

Website: Sitelookup.mcafee

Description: McAfee WebAdvisor helps users find trustworthy sites and avoid online threats. It provides safety ratings for websites based on phishing attempts, malware, and other security risks.

Features:

• Real-Time Safety Ratings: Offers immediate safety assessments as you browse.
• Download Protection: Warns about potentially harmful downloads before you complete them.
• Compatibility: Works with multiple browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Safety Checks: Covers a wide range of threats, including phishing and malware.
• Free Version Available: Accessible to users without needing to purchase a subscription.
• User-Friendly: Easy to install and use with clear safety indicators.

Cons:

• Frequent Ads for Upgrades: The free version displays ads encouraging users to upgrade to the paid version.
• Limited Detailed Information: Provides basic safety information without extensive reports.

5. URLVoid

Website: URLVoid

Description: URLVoid allows users to check the reputation and safety of websites by aggregating data from multiple blacklist engines and reputation services. It provides a threat score and detailed analysis based on various security metrics.

Features:

• Aggregated Data: Combines information from over 20 security services to evaluate website safety.
• Threat Score: Assigns a numerical score indicating the level of risk associated with a website.
• Historical Data: Provides insights into a website’s status over time, helping users spot trends or recurring issues.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Aggregation: Utilizes multiple security sources for a well-rounded assessment.
• Free to Use: No cost associated with accessing basic features.
• User-Friendly Interface: Simple and intuitive design makes it easy to check website safety.

Cons:

• Basic Interface: The design is functional but lacks aesthetic appeal and advanced features.
• No Real-Time Updates: May not reflect the very latest threats instantly.

6. Sucuri SiteCheck

Website: Sucuri SiteCheck

Description: Sucuri SiteCheck scans websites for known malware, blacklisting status, injected spam, and defacements. It offers both free and premium services, providing detailed security reports to users.

Features:

• Comprehensive Scanning: Checks for various types of malware, blacklisting, and security vulnerabilities.
• Detailed Reports: Offers in-depth information about detected threats and recommended actions.
• Integration with Sucuri Services: Seamlessly connects with other Sucuri security products for enhanced protection.

Pros:

• In-Depth Security Analysis: Thorough scans detect a wide range of security issues.
• User-Friendly Reporting: Clear and detailed reports help users understand and address threats.
• Reputable Brand: Sucuri is a trusted name in website security and malware removal.

Cons:

• Advanced Features Require Subscription: Free scans are limited, and detailed analysis requires a paid plan.
• Not Comprehensive for All Threats: May miss some niche or new threats not yet cataloged.

7. ScamAdviser

Website: ScamAdviser

Description: ScamAdviser helps users determine if a website is trustworthy by analyzing factors like domain age, ownership, user reviews, and website traffic. It provides an overall trust score and detailed insights into a website’s legitimacy.

Features:

• Trust Score: Assigns a numerical score based on various legitimacy factors.
• Detailed Analysis: Offers comprehensive reports including WHOIS data, location information, and user feedback.
• Community Reviews: Users can leave reviews and ratings, adding a layer of community-based verification.

Pros:

• Easy-to-Understand Trust Scores: Simple numerical ratings make it easy to assess website safety quickly.
• Comprehensive Information: Detailed insights help users understand why a site is trustworthy or suspicious.
• Free and Paid Options: Basic checks are available for free, with advanced features accessible through a subscription.

Cons:

• Some Features Are Paid: Full access to detailed reports requires a paid subscription.
• Limited by Data Sources: Accuracy depends on the breadth and reliability of the data sources used.

8. Whois Lookup

Website: Whois Lookup

Description: Whois Lookup provides detailed information about the ownership and registration details of a website. By accessing the WHOIS database, you can verify who is behind a website, when it was registered, and its contact information.

Features:

• Domain Registration Information: Access to data about a site’s registration, including the registrant’s name, address, and contact details.
• Registrar Details: Information about the domain registrar and registration dates.
• Privacy Protection Status: Indicates if the domain owner has used privacy protection services to hide their information.

Pros:

• Valuable for Verifying Ownership: Helps determine the legitimacy of a website by revealing who owns it.
• Free to Use: No cost associated with performing basic WHOIS lookups.
• Comprehensive Details: Provides extensive information that can help assess a site’s credibility.

Cons:

• Limited by Privacy Protections: Many website owners use privacy services to hide their information, limiting the usefulness of Whois data.
• Technical Information: Might be confusing for users unfamiliar with domain registration terms.

9. Trustpilot

Website: Trustpilot

Description: Trustpilot is a review platform where users can leave reviews and ratings for various businesses and websites. It helps you gauge the reputation of a site based on the experiences of other users.

Features:

• User-Generated Reviews: Real users can post their feedback, helping others make informed decisions.
• Detailed Ratings: Offers star ratings and detailed comments about the site’s performance and trustworthiness.
• Business Responses: Companies can respond to reviews, providing further context and addressing concerns.

Pros:

• Real User Experiences: Offers insights from actual customers who have interacted with the website.
• Extensive Coverage: Covers a wide range of industries and businesses.
• Trust Scores: Aggregates user feedback into an overall trust score for quick assessment.

Cons:

• Potential for Fake Reviews: Some reviews might be fraudulent or biased, requiring careful consideration.
• Limited Verification: Trustpilot relies on user submissions, so verification of review authenticity can be challenging.

10. Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Website: BBB

Description: The Better Business Bureau (BBB) provides business profiles, ratings, and reviews to help consumers make informed decisions. It focuses on establishing trust between businesses and consumers by addressing consumer complaints and evaluating business practices.

Features:

• Business Ratings: Evaluates businesses based on factors like customer complaints, advertising practices, and transparency.
• Detailed Profiles: Provides comprehensive information about each business, including contact details, ownership, and accreditation status.
• Consumer Complaints: Displays any complaints lodged by consumers and how the business has responded to them.

Pros:

• Trusted Organization: BBB is a well-established and respected entity in consumer protection.
• Detailed Business Insights: Offers in-depth information about businesses, helping consumers assess trustworthiness.
• Complaint Resolution: Provides a platform for consumers to resolve issues directly with businesses.

Cons:

• Limited to BBB-Registered Businesses: Not all legitimate businesses are listed on BBB, especially smaller or newer ones.
• Regional Limitations: Primarily focused on businesses operating in North America, limiting its usefulness for international websites.

Comparison Table

How to Use Legit Checker Websites

Using these tools is straightforward. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Choose a Legit Checker: Select one of the tools mentioned above based on your needs. For example, use Google Safe Browsing for quick safety checks or Trustpilot for user reviews.
2. Enter the URL: Input the website address you want to check into the tool’s search bar.
3. Analyze the Results: Review the safety ratings, threat reports, and any additional information provided. Pay attention to detailed analyses to understand the reasons behind a site’s status.
4. Take Action: If the website is flagged as unsafe, avoid it. If it’s deemed legitimate, you can proceed with confidence but remain cautious, especially if sensitive information is involved.

Example: Using VirusTotal

1. Visit VirusTotal: Go to VirusTotal.
2. Select the URL Tab: Click on the “URL” tab to start checking a website.
3. Enter the Website URL: Type in the address of the website you want to verify.
4. Initiate the Scan: Click the search icon or press enter to start the analysis.
5. Review the Results: VirusTotal will display results from various antivirus engines, indicating if any threats were detected. Look for a majority of clean reports to confirm the site’s safety.
6. Make an Informed Decision: Based on the scan results, decide whether to trust and interact with the website.

Tips for Staying Safe Online

Legit checker websites are great, but there’s more to keep you safe online:

1. Keep Software Updated

Update your operating system, browsers, and antivirus software often. These updates fix security holes and protect you from new threats. Outdated software can leave you open to cyber attacks.

2. Use Strong Passwords

Make passwords strong with letters, numbers, and symbols. Don’t use easy-to-guess info like birthdays. Use different passwords for each account to keep your info safe.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA adds extra security to your accounts. It sends a code to your phone or email, along with your password. This makes it harder for hackers to get in.

4. Be Wary of Phishing

Phishing scams try to trick you into sharing personal info. Always check the sender’s email and avoid suspicious links. Never give out sensitive info without being sure it’s safe.

5. Educate Yourself

Learn about online scams and threats. Knowing how they work helps you avoid them. Check out cybersecurity blogs and websites for tips.

6. Monitor Your Accounts

Keep an eye on your bank statements and online accounts. Look for anything odd. Catching suspicious activity early can help prevent big problems.

7. Use Secure Connections

Use HTTPS whenever you can. Public Wi-Fi is risky, so consider a VPN. It keeps your data safe when you’re out and about.

Conclusion: Protect Yourself with the Right Tools

It’s very important to make sure the websites you visit are safe. Tools like Google Safe Browsing, VirusTotal, and Norton Safe Web can help. They check if websites are safe and real, helping you avoid dangers.

But, remember, no tool can make you completely safe. To stay safe online, update your software, use strong passwords, and be careful of scams. Using legit checker websites and good online habits together will keep you safe. This way, you can enjoy the internet without worries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Legit Checker Websites

Is Google Safe Browsing free to use?

Yes. Google Safe Browsing is completely free for users. It provides real-time safety checks and integrates seamlessly with many popular browsers to warn you about dangerous websites without any cost.

Can VirusTotal scan any type of file?

Yes. VirusTotal can scan a wide range of files, including documents, images, executables, and more. It uses multiple antivirus engines to detect various types of malware and security threats, providing a comprehensive analysis.

Is Norton Safe Web only for websites related to Norton products?

No. Norton Safe Web can analyze and rate any website, not just those related to Norton products. It provides safety ratings for all websites you visit, helping you make informed decisions about their legitimacy and security.

Does McAfee WebAdvisor require a subscription?

No. McAfee WebAdvisor offers a free version that provides basic safety checks and real-time protection while browsing. However, some advanced features and detailed reports may require a paid subscription.

How reliable is URLVoid’s threat score?

Yes, but with caution. URLVoid’s threat score is generally reliable as it aggregates data from multiple security sources. However, it’s always a good idea to cross-check with other legit checker tools to get a complete picture of a website’s safety.

Can Sucuri SiteCheck detect all types of malware?

No. While Sucuri SiteCheck is highly effective at detecting known malware, blacklisting, injected spam, and defacements, it may not detect every type of malware, especially newer or highly sophisticated threats. Regularly updating your security tools and practices is essential.

Is ScamAdviser effective for international websites?

Yes. ScamAdviser analyzes various factors like domain age, ownership, and user reviews, making it effective for assessing the legitimacy of both local and international websites. However, always consider additional checks for comprehensive analysis.

What information can I get from a Whois Lookup?

Yes, but limited by privacy protections. Whois Lookup provides domain registration details, including the registrant’s name, address, and contact information. However, if the domain owner uses privacy protection services, much of this information may be hidden, limiting the tool’s effectiveness.

Are Trustpilot reviews always reliable?

No. While Trustpilot offers valuable insights through user-generated reviews, some reviews may be fake or biased. It’s important to critically evaluate reviews and look for patterns or repeated feedback to gauge a website’s true reputation.

How comprehensive is the Better Business Bureau’s database?

Yes, but limited to registered businesses. The BBB primarily lists businesses registered in North America, so its database may not include all legitimate businesses, especially those operating internationally or without BBB accreditation. It’s a great resource, but should be used alongside other legit checker tools.