Fake Website (Visa/Entry/Booking) Detection: URL Checklist

If you do not know fake visa website detection basics, you may end up handing over your passport and card data. Recent “visa / entry permit / booking proxy” phishing sites look so convincing that you almost cannot catch them without checking the URL. KISA (Korea Internet & Security Agency) repeatedly warns about phishing sites disguised to mimic legitimate ones and shortened URLs. (KISA Boho Nara)

The checklist below is a practical one designed to filter danger signals by URL alone.

Fake Visa Website Detection in 10 Seconds: Check Just 3 Things Before Payment/Passport Entry

1. Read the domain (the very end) exactly: is it … .go.kr / … .gov / … .com?
2. Stop immediately if even one letter looks off (typo-squatting)
3. Check risk on Google Safe Browsing (transparencyreport.google.com)

Fake Visa Website Detection URL Checklist (Core Points in a Table)

Check	What to look at	Danger signal example
A. Look only at the “real domain”	The core domain right after https://	Looks like k-eta.go.kr but is actually k-eta.go.kr.some-site.com (the real domain is the last part some-site.com)
B. One-letter difference	A domain that differs from the real one by just one character	k-eta → k-etaa, gov → g0v, booking → bo0king (using digit 0)
C. Overuse of hyphens/subdomains	Stacking - hyphens and words to look official	official-keta-apply.com, keta-immigration-kr.com
D. Shortened URLs / odd links	Short links hide the final destination	bit.ly / tinyurl etc. (typical smishing pattern) (KISA Boho Nara)
E. HTTPS ≠ “safe” guarantee	The padlock (https) is only encryption, not an “official” seal	A phishing site can still use https (most do today)
F. “Excessive fees / forced proxy”	Charging far more than official fees or pushing proxy only	Canada eTA: official is cheap, but impostor sites charged huge fees (Korea MOFA)
G. Strange payment step	Payment window suddenly moves to a different domain	You apply on site A but checkout jumps to an unrelated domain
H. Weak contact / company info	Footer business number/address/refund policy is poor	“Chat only,” “no refunds”
I. Real agencies never require “remote app install”	SMS/call urging you to install an app is a strong phishing signal	“Install this security app” (KISA also warns about agency impersonation + remote app demands) (Boho Nara)

K-ETA / Entry Fake Visa Website Detection: Common Impersonation Patterns

Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also warned about K-ETA impersonation and advises “apply via the official website only.” (MOFA) See also: Worker’s Residential Area Comparison Guide.

Fake Visa Website Detection: Stop If You See These URLs/Phrases

• Overuse of words like “K-ETA Official / Government”
• Pushing “urgent approval,” “issue today,” “extra fee required”
• Looks like an official agency but the domain is not .go.kr, instead an unfamiliar .com/.net (likely proxy impersonation)

Two Free URL Risk Tools

① Google Safe Browsing (Google Transparency Report)

Enter a URL to check whether it has been flagged as dangerous. (transparencyreport.google.com) See also: Complete Guide to Making Korean Friends.

② KISA 118 / Boho Nara “Smishing & Phishing Check”

An official channel to verify or report suspicious links, QR codes, and text messages. (KISA)

Fake Visa Website Detection Routine: The Exact Order When You Receive a Suspicious URL

1. Do not click — copy the URL (paste it into Notes if possible)
2. First filter with checklist A~D (domain / spelling / shortened URL) (KISA Boho Nara)
3. Look it up on Google Safe Browsing (transparencyreport.google.com)
4. If still unclear, ask KISA 118 / Boho Nara verification service (KISA)
5. If you already entered personal info/card: contact your card issuer/bank immediately and report to 112/118 (stop secondary damage)

Fake Visa Website Detection FAQ

Q1. If it has https (padlock), is it safe?

No. https only means “traffic encryption,” not a guarantee that the site is official or legitimate. That is why checking the domain spelling matters more. Related: Voice Phishing & Smishing Prevention Guide.

Q2. Why are shortened URLs dangerous?

They hide the final destination so users do not know where they are going. KISA also explains shortened-URL use in smishing and urges caution. (KISA Boho Nara)

Q3. Are there official K-ETA proxy agents?

Korea’s MOFA notices warn about K-ETA impersonation and advise to apply via the official website. (MOFA)

Q4. Where do I ask if a URL is confusing?

You can verify malicious links, smishing and phishing reports through KISA 118 and Boho Nara verification service. (KISA)

For more, check Korea Tourism Organization.

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