Scam Checker
Paste a suspicious message to see common scam red flags and what to do next. This tool offers educational guidance only, it cannot confirm whether something is or is not a scam.
How the scam checker works
The checker runs entirely in your web browser. When you paste a message, it scans the text for wording and patterns that appear frequently in scams, then shows you which ones it found, why each is a concern, and a suggested risk level. Nothing you paste is sent to a server, logged, or stored, the analysis happens on your own device and disappears the moment you leave the page. That is why you can use it without an account and without giving up any personal data.
It is important to understand what the result means. A High or Medium level tells you that the message contains language commonly used to pressure or deceive people, it is a reason to slow down and verify, not a definitive judgement that the message is fraudulent. A Low level means few of those patterns were detected, but that is never a guarantee of safety: a well-written scam can avoid obvious triggers, and a legitimate message can occasionally use urgent language.
What the checker looks for
The tool weighs a range of signals that fraud-prevention agencies repeatedly associate with scams. The most important include:
- Urgency and pressure, words like "immediately", "act now", or countdowns designed to stop you thinking.
- Threats and consequences, claims of arrest, fines, account closure, or legal action to create fear.
- Account or security alerts, "your account is locked", "unusual activity", or requests to "verify your identity" via a link.
- Requests for payment or unusual methods, fees, fines, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or bank transfers.
- Requests for passwords or one-time codes, details that no legitimate organisation should ever ask you to share.
- Suspicious or shortened links, addresses that hide their true destination.
- Prizes, refunds, and money promises, "you've won", guaranteed returns, or unexpected refunds.
- Moving off-platform or keeping secrets, pushing you to another app, or asking you to tell no one.
How to read your result
Treat the checker as a second opinion, not the final word. Whatever level it returns, the safest response to any unexpected message is the same: do not click links or open attachments, do not share codes, passwords, or card details, and contact the company or person directly using official details you find yourself, never the contact information in the message. If a message claims to be from your bank, call the number printed on the back of your card.
Limitations you should know
This is an automated, pattern-based tool. It can produce false alarms (flagging a genuine message that happens to sound urgent) and missed signals (a sophisticated scam that reads calmly). It cannot open links, inspect websites, verify senders, or confirm identities, and it does not know your personal circumstances. For anything involving money, accounts, or identity, always verify through official channels and, when in doubt, treat the message as suspicious.
Recently added guides
Scams evolve constantly, these are the newest additions to our library of 600+ guides.
Fake AI Chatbot App Scam
In this scam, fake AI chatbot or assistant apps imitate popular AI tools, then hide malware, harvest data, or trap users in expensive 'fleeceware' subscriptions after a short free trial, while delivering little real function.
Deepfake Celebrity Endorsement Scam
In this scam, AI-generated deepfake videos make celebrities or public figures appear to endorse crypto schemes, products, or giveaways, luring viewers to fake investment platforms or purchases that steal money.
Skin Gambling & Trade Scam
In this scam, skin gambling and trading sites lure players to deposit valuable in-game items or money, using rigged odds, fake winnings, or phishing trade links to take their skins and never pay out.
Malicious Game Mod & Cheat Scam
In this scam, downloads advertised as game mods, cheats, hacks, or trainers hide malware or account-stealing tools, compromising your device and gaming accounts once you install and run them.
Twitch Giveaway Scam
In this scam, fraudsters impersonate streamers or run fake giveaways in chat and DMs, telling viewers they have won and must log in, pay a fee, or verify details on a fake site to claim a non-existent prize.
Energy Refund Phishing Scam
In this scam, texts, emails, or calls claim your energy supplier owes you a refund or rebate, urging you to click a link and enter bank or card details to receive money, which are stolen instead.
Frequently asked questions
Is the scam checker free to use?
Do you store the messages I check?
Does a 'Low risk' result mean the message is safe?
Can the checker tell me for certain if something is a scam?
What should I do if a message is flagged as high risk?
Your privacy
Your message is analysed in your browser and is never sent to us or stored. Please still avoid pasting passwords, banking details, ID numbers, or full card numbers. Learn more in our privacy policy and read how we review scams.