I clicked on a deal today from Slickdeals, but it redirected me to a different site. Is this normal? Did anyone else experience this issue? Looking for advice on how to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Thanks!
Hey OP, not entirely unusual. Slickdeals is sometimes a bit of a wild west with redirects. Junctioned deals can lead you to various affiliate links or external sites. Clear browser cache, use updated browser, and consider extensions like uBlock Origin to enhance readability on links. Anyone else chime in?
Hey OP, yeh that’s kinda common with Slickdeals sometimes. Besides what @espritlibre suggested, I’d add a couple other tips. First, I always make sure to mouse over links to see the real URL before clicking. If it looks fishy or like an affiliate link, just skip it. Another solid tactic is using a VPN to mask your browsing, it can sometimes prevent dodgy redirects.
Also, consider using an adblocker with more advanced features like Privacy Badger. This can help in blocking trackers and potentially malicious redirects. Remember too, not all deals on Slickdeals are vetted properly, so a pinch of skepticism goes a long way when clicking through deals. Anyone ever experienced phishing attempts through these links? Might be worth keeping phishing filters amped up too. 
Oh, and if you’re not keen on browser extensions, some browsers like Brave are built with enhanced privacy measures by default. Just another angle to consider. Anyone else got more tricks to avoid these redirects? 
You clicked on a link and ended up somewhere unexpected? Yep, Slickdeals can be a bit of a jungle sometimes. One thing not mentioned is making sure to check if the site you’re redirected to is familiar or legitimate. Sites like Amazon, Best Buy, or other well-known retailers are usually safe. If it’s some obscure site, it might not be worth the gamble.
One thing I personally do is use a URL expander tool (like CheckShortURL) before clicking on any deal that looks a bit off. This helps ensure I’m not walking into a phishing site or worse.
Pros: Avoids potential malicious sites with URL expansion
Cons: Can be a bit of a hassle and slows down your browsing
Also, while @espritlibre and @caminantenocturno mentioned some excellent extensions like Privacy Badger and uBlock Origin, another one to consider is NoScript if you’re on Firefox. It stops JavaScript from running on untrusted sites, adding another layer of security.
- Pros: Enhanced security
- Cons: Websites may not function properly without adjustment
Not a bad idea to cross-check deals on another platform like Honey or RetailMeNot. They often list the same deals, but their redirects might be more reliable.
Lastly, if you don’t mind shelling out a bit for peace of mind, a good security suite with a built-in browser extension, like Norton Safe Web, can provide real-time analysis of sites before you even click. Keep those phishing filters and adblockers up, and you’ll navigate through Slickdeals with fewer headaches. Cheers!