To tell the difference between a safe site and an unsafe site, look for these key signs:

1. Secure Connection (HTTPS and Lock Icon):
   A safe site’s URL begins with "https://" instead of "http://". The “s” means the site uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption to protect data transmission. There is usually a lock icon near the URL in the browser’s address bar. Clicking this icon provides more info about the site’s security.

2. URL and Domain Name Check:
   Evaluate the website’s URL carefully. Watch out for misspellings, extra characters, or domain names mimicking well-known brands, which could indicate a phishing or fake site.

3. Trust Seals and Privacy Policy:
   Look for trust seals from reputable third parties, which indicate security certification. Also check if the site provides a clear privacy policy explaining how personal data is collected and used.

4. Contact Information and Reviews:
   Legitimate sites usually provide verifiable contact details (phone, email, physical address). Checking for third-party user reviews and ratings can help reveal a site’s reliability and safety.

5. Site Design and Content Quality:
   Poor design, many pop-ups, spelling or grammar mistakes, and suspicious links are red flags. Avoid downloading anything or entering personal info on such sites.

These steps help users distinguish safe websites from unsafe ones, protecting personal and financial data online.