Is Linktree safe to use?

Linktree is a legitimate platform that uses SSL encryption to protect data in transit. However, because anyone can create a free Linktree profile, attackers use fake profiles to host phishing links. The platform itself is safe, but you should verify the sender and destination before clicking links delivered via Linktree.

Can you get hacked through Linktree?

You cannot get hacked simply by viewing a Linktree profile. The risk comes from clicking links on a malicious profile and entering credentials on a fake login page. Attackers exploit Linktree's redirect feature to route victims to credential-harvesting sites disguised as Microsoft 365 or other services.

How do I know if a Linktree link is safe?

Check the sender's email address before clicking. Hover over links on desktop to preview the destination URL. Be suspicious if the Linktree page prompts you to log in to services like Microsoft 365 or your bank. Legitimate businesses rarely send login requests through link-in-bio platforms.

Does Linktree protect against phishing?

Linktree monitors for suspicious activity and removes malicious profiles when reported. Their Community Standards prohibit fraud and links that collect personal information under false pretenses. However, detection is not instant, so users must remain vigilant and report suspicious profiles directly to Linktree.

Is Linktree Safe? Security Risks and How to Stay Protected

Is Linktree safe?

Linktree is a legitimate platform with standard security measures, but attackers exploit it to distribute phishing links. Because anyone can create a free Linktree account, cybercriminals set up profiles hosting credential-harvesting pages disguised as Microsoft 365 or other trusted services. The platform uses SSL encryption and monitors for abuse, but users must verify senders and preview destinations before clicking any Linktree link. Security researchers at Avanan documented attackers using Linktree's redirect feature to route victims to fake login pages that capture usernames and passwords.

How do attackers use Linktree for phishing?

Attackers create free Linktree profiles that host links to credential-harvesting sites. When a victim clicks a link on the malicious profile, they land on a phishing page that looks identical to a legitimate login portal. The fake page collects whatever credentials the victim enters and sends them directly to the attacker. This technique is part of the broader phishing-as-a-service trend where ready-made phishing kits make credential theft accessible to attackers with minimal technical skill.

Linktree's appeal to attackers is trust by association. Recipients see a legitimate Linktree domain in the URL and assume the destination is safe. The redirect obscures where the link actually leads. This same tactic appears across other link-in-bio platforms, URL shorteners, and open redirect vulnerabilities on major websites.

How to check if a Linktree link is safe

Verify three things before clicking any Linktree link: the sender's identity, the link destination, and whether the request makes sense. Most malicious Linktree links arrive by email, text, or direct message from an address impersonating a trusted source. On desktop, hover over the link to preview where it leads. If the Linktree profile then asks you to log in to Microsoft 365, a bank, or another service, stop. Legitimate businesses rarely route login requests through link-in-bio platforms.

Check the sender address carefully. Attackers register domains that look similar to legitimate ones. A single character difference is easy to miss when scanning quickly.
Hover before clicking. On a desktop browser, hover your mouse over the link to preview the destination URL. If the preview shows a domain you do not recognize or expect, do not click.
Question unexpected requests. If a contact sends you a Linktree link out of the blue, confirm through a separate channel (phone call, different messaging app) before clicking. The verification mindset that pauses to confirm catches most social engineering attempts.
Inspect the landing page URL. If you do click and reach a login page, check the URL in your browser's address bar. A legitimate Microsoft 365 login appears on login.microsoftonline.com, not a look-alike domain.

What to do if you clicked a suspicious Linktree link

If you entered credentials on a page you now suspect was fake, act within the first hour. Change your password immediately on the real service. If the compromised account uses the same password elsewhere, change those too. Enable or upgrade multi-factor authentication if you have not already. Note that attackers who capture session tokens can remain logged in even after a password change; your IT team may need to revoke active sessions to fully remove the intruder. Report the phishing page to Linktree and to your organization's IT or security contact.

What should SMB leaders ask their IT provider?

Business owners do not need to understand every phishing technique, but they should know whether their organization has defenses in place. Ask your IT lead or managed provider these questions:

Do we have email filtering that flags suspicious links? Modern email security can detect and warn users about redirects through link-in-bio platforms when the final destination is known-bad or newly registered.
Are employees trained on current phishing tactics? Generic annual training is not enough. Research-backed security awareness programs that run monthly simulations and provide immediate feedback reduce click rates more than annual compliance courses.
How quickly can we revoke an account if credentials are stolen? Kits like Kali365 steal session tokens that survive password resets. Your response plan must include revoking active sessions, not just changing passwords.
Have we reviewed OAuth apps connected to our Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace tenant? Third-party apps hold tokens that can be exploited. Most businesses have never audited the list.

If you want an outside read on where your defenses stand, our free cybersecurity assessment takes about five minutes and covers identity, email, and account-protection basics across 22 areas.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional security, legal, or compliance advice. Details about Linktree phishing tactics are based on public reporting from security researchers as of the date of publication and may evolve as attackers adapt. Organizations should consult qualified cybersecurity professionals before making operational changes based on this article.