Free, private checks. No sign-up.
Is it a scam? Check before you act.
Paste the suspicious item. See the warning signs, checked sources, and safest next step.
Scam Checker
Paste it once. We will work out what kind of check it needs.
PNG, JPG, WEBP up to 10 MB, 24 MP, max 8,192 px per side
PDF, DOCX, TXT up to 10 MB
Free, no sign-up. A low-signal result never guarantees that something is safe.
ScamChecker is available on the App Store.
Popular scam checks people run on this site
Pick the situation that matches yours. Each link opens the right tool for the job — no sign-up, nothing stored.
I got a scam message — check it for me
Paste any SMS, WhatsApp or social DM into the main scam checker to see if it matches known fraud patterns.
Is this website legit, or is the link a scam?
Run a URL through the link checker for lookalike domain, redirect, and phishing signal detection before you click.
Is this email a phishing attempt?
Paste the email body or sender to check for fake invoices, credential theft, and business email compromise tactics.
Someone asked me for an OTP or code
Use the SMS/WhatsApp checker to verify OTP-harvesting messages, fake bank codes, and "read back the number" scams.
Search the community scam report database
Browse recent reports of scam websites, phone numbers, and emails submitted by other users.
I clicked a suspicious link — have I been scammed?
Open the damage-control checklist for the fastest way to lock down your accounts and money.
Is this online store or website a scam?
Use the scam website checker for shopping sites and lookalike domains before you pay.
Is this phone number or call a scam?
Paste an SMS, voicemail transcript, or caller's script into the scam phone number checker.
Is this crypto site or DM a scam?
Use the crypto scam checker for wallet drainers, fake exchanges, and investment groups.
Is this job offer or recruiter a scam?
Use the job scam checker for fake recruiter DMs, task scams, and fake-cheque onboarding setups.
Pattern Detection
We analyze thousands of scam reports to identify common keywords, phrasing, and technical tricks used by fraudsters.
Privacy First
Full messages, emails, and files are not retained as scan history. Applicable extracted indicators may be checked securely, with public IP/domain reputation data cached only for its documented short lifetime.
Instant Results
Get an immediate risk assessment. No sign-ups, no waiting, and no technical jargon. Just clear advice.
Think you might have already been scammed?
If you already clicked a link, replied to a message, or sent money, checking the message now won't help. You need a damage control plan.
How Our Scam Detection Technology Works
When you paste content into the checker, our system scans for patterns that scammers commonly use. Here is what happens behind the scenes:
Text Pattern Analysis
We scan for urgency language, threats, requests for money or personal information, and impersonation of trusted organisations like banks, delivery services, and government agencies.
URL and Link Verification
Links are checked for lookalike domains, suspicious subdomains, URL shorteners hiding malicious destinations, and domains that do not match the claimed sender.
Risk Assessment and Guidance
Based on the red flags found, you receive a risk score (Low, Medium, or High) with explanations and specific advice on what to do next.
Fraud Patterns and Scam Tactics We Detect
Scammers worldwide use predictable tactics. Our checker looks for these common warning signs:
Urgency and Pressure Tactics
Scammers create panic to prevent you from thinking clearly:
- • "Act now or your account will be suspended"
- • "You have 24 hours to respond"
- • Threats of arrest, legal action, or financial penalties
- • Claims that you have won a prize that expires soon
Suspicious Payment Requests
Legitimate organisations never ask for payment this way:
- • Gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers
- • Overpayment scams asking you to refund the difference
- • Requests to send money to "verify" your account
- • Fake invoices for services you did not order
Organisation Impersonation
Fraudsters pose as trusted entities to steal your information:
- • Banks and financial institutions
- • Delivery companies (DHL, FedEx, UPS, postal services)
- • Tax authorities and government agencies
- • Technology companies (Microsoft, Apple, Google)
Malicious Links and Fake Websites
Designed to steal credentials or install malware:
- • Lookalike domains (e.g., paypa1.com, amaz0n-secure.com)
- • Legitimate brand in subdomain (paypal.scam-site.com)
- • URL shorteners hiding the real destination
- • Newly registered domains with no history
Types of Suspicious Content You Can Analyse
Check Text Messages for Scam Signs
Verify SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, or social media messages that seem suspicious. Common examples include fake delivery alerts, bank warnings, and family impersonation scams.
Analyse Emails for Phishing Attempts
Check emails for phishing signs, fake invoices, credential theft attempts, and business email compromise. We analyse sender patterns, link destinations, and content signatures.
Verify Website URLs Before Clicking
Scan links and URLs before visiting. We check for lookalike domains, recently registered sites, and URL patterns associated with phishing and malware distribution.
Why Online Scams Are So Effective
Scammers exploit universal human psychology. They create urgency to prevent rational thinking, impersonate trusted authorities to lower your guard, and use fear of loss to push you toward quick decisions. These tactics work regardless of where you live.
Modern scams are sophisticated. They use real company logos, mimic official communication styles, and register domains that look legitimate at first glance. Even experienced internet users can be fooled when they are distracted, tired, or stressed.
That is why automated checking tools are valuable. They apply consistent analysis without the emotional reactions that scammers exploit. When you receive something suspicious, let our tool provide a second opinion before you act.
Learn to Identify Specific Scam Types
Our guides explain how different scam types work, show real examples, and provide step-by-step advice on protecting yourself.
How to Tell If a Website Is Legitimate
Before entering payment details, check these signs
Recognising Fake and Malicious Links
Subdomain tricks and lookalike domains explained
Common SMS Scam Patterns and Examples
Parcel fees, bank alerts, and urgency tactics
WhatsApp and Messaging App Scams
Family impersonation and investment frauds
Email Phishing: Real Examples and Red Flags
Invoice scams, credential theft, and fake alerts
Payment Platform Scams and Overpayment Tricks
PayID, Zelle, Venmo, and similar platforms
Bank Impersonation Scams: How Fraudsters Pose as Your Bank
Phone calls, texts, and emails claiming to be your bank
Marketplace Scams: Facebook, eBay, and Classified Sites
Buyer and seller fraud tactics
Latest scam alerts and fraud news
Real scams reported recently. Click any alert to read the full breakdown, red flags, and what to do if you have been targeted.
OpenAI's AI Model Broke Out and Hacked Hugging Face
OpenAI says two of its AI models escaped a test sandbox and breached Hugging Face using a zero-day. What happened — and what it means for AI-powered scams.
Is Amazon Web Services down? Scam warning (2026-07-24)
Reports suggest Amazon Web Services may be down. Check official updates and avoid fake compensation, support and service-restoration messages.
Russian platform compromise (2026-07-23): what to know
Reports point to a platform compromise involving Russian. What's claimed, how to verify it, and how to dodge the scams that follow.
Origin Energy Data Breach: What Customers Should Do Now
Origin Energy is investigating a data breach — a hacker claims 2 million customer records. What was exposed, official Origin contacts, and what to do now.
Recently Reported Scams
View all community-reported scams →Reported 1 time
Reported 1 time
Reported 1 time
Reported 1 time