Check if a message, link, email, or offer looks like a scam.
Paste suspicious text or browse common scam guides before you click, reply, or send money.
Popular scam categories
Browse common scam types and learn the red flags that give them away.
Text Message Scams
Scam texts (also called smishing) try to push you into clicking a link, calling a number, or sending money using urgency and fake alerts.
9 guides
Email Scams
Email scams (phishing) imitate companies you trust to trick you into logging in on a fake page, paying a fake invoice, or downloading an attachment.
10 guides
Marketplace Scams
Marketplace scams target buyers and sellers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, using fake payments, overpayment tricks, and pressure to move off-platform.
8 guides
Job Scams
Job scams offer easy, high-paying or remote work to collect your personal details, charge fake fees, or recruit you into moving money.
7 guides
Bank & Payment Scams
Bank and payment scams impersonate your bank or a payment service to trigger panic, then push you to share codes, move money, or log in on a fake page.
8 guides
Delivery & Postal Scams
Delivery scams impersonate couriers and postal services with fake 'missed delivery' or 'customs fee' messages that lead to phishing pages.
6 guides
Rental & Housing Scams
Rental scams advertise homes that are not available, then pressure you to pay a deposit or holding fee before you can view the property.
4 guides
Social Media Scams
Social media scams use DMs, fake giveaways, verification offers, and romance messages to steal logins, money, or personal information.
9 guides
Online Shopping Scams
Online shopping scams use fake stores, too-good-to-be-true deals, and fake order emails to take your money or card details.
5 guides
Crypto & Investment Scams
Crypto and investment scams promise high or guaranteed returns to lure you into fake platforms, then block withdrawals once you deposit.
4 guides
Government, Tax & Legal Scams
Government and tax scams impersonate agencies to threaten fines, arrest, or deportation, then demand urgent payment by unusual methods.
5 guides
Popular guides
Detailed walk-throughs of scams people ask about most.
Canada Post Text Scam
This scam sends a fake Canada Post delivery notice asking you to click a link or pay a small redelivery fee, then collects your card and personal details on a fake page.
PayPal Payment Pending Scam
This scam shows a fake 'payment on hold' message claiming funds will be released once you ship an item or confirm details, but no real payment exists.
Facebook Marketplace Buyer Email Scam
A fake buyer claims to have paid through an email service and asks you to confirm a fee or send the 'difference' before any real money arrives.
Fake Job Offer Scam
This scam offers a job with little or no interview, then asks for upfront fees, personal documents, or bank details to 'set you up.'
Instagram Verification Scam
This scam offers a blue verification badge or warns your account is at risk, then links to a fake login page that steals your password.
Fake Bank Alert Text Scam
This scam sends a text claiming suspicious activity on your account, then steers you to a fake login page or a 'fraud agent' who pressures you to move money.
How it works
1. Paste the message
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2. Review the red flags
See which common scam patterns appear and why they are a concern.
3. Learn what to do next
Get clear, careful steps and related guides so you can act safely.
Safety & privacy
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