Decoding a hyperlink in a scam text message without clicking on it

You can, but it isn't as straightforward as it used to be. Before iOS 13, you could just tap and hold on any link. A popup would appear showing you the actual URL. For whatever reason, Apple removed that ability. On a tap/hold, you now get:

Open

Open in New Tab

Download Linked File

Add to Reading List

Copy

Share

Choose Copy, then tap the URL bar. Tap to get the popup list of options and choose Paste. Now you can see the actual URL and it won't go anywhere until you tap the go button. Tap Cancel next to the URL bar to clear it.

On an iPhone or iPad, long press on the link until the option to copy pops up, then paste it into a notes app to see the full link

You can right click on any link and copy it to the clipboard. Then paste it into a new TextEdit document so you can see the actual URL without being sent anywhere.

I am curious to display the text string of the link target URL if I can do that without opening the link.

I am curious as to what you will do with that information if it was available?

I believe that would be equivalent to the adage "a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing"

I do it a lot. In particular when I get an email that sounds legitimate, but I also do not want to automatically click on a provided link. That gives me a chance to check any possibly obscured URL before even loading the site.

I do it a lot. In particular when I get an email that sounds legitimate, but I also do not want to automatically click on a provided link. That gives me a chance to check any possibly obscured URL before even loading the site.

If in doubt, I do the same.

I am reacting to the OP's qualification of the link. almost certainly hostile invasion attempts.



Ah. Yes, you don't even need to make much of a guess on something that obvious. I still get scam emails about once every 4 to 6 months claiming I have a package coming from DHL Couriers. And of course, to check on it, just open the attachment. Yeah. Sure. I'll get right on that.

Ah. Yes, you don't even need to make much of a guess on something that obvious. I still get scam emails about once every 4 to 6 months claiming I have a package coming from DHL Couriers. And of course, to check on it, just open the attachment. Yeah. Sure. I'll get right on that.

I am sure the ongoing FUD in the world has brought back the salad days for those inclined to exploit users.

Your question is not related to Apple or Apple products and is out of scope for these forums.

I'm sure someone out there on reddit could give you some help with something like this.