Check Any Message for Fraud
Received a suspicious text, email, or WhatsApp message? Paste it below and our algorithm will instantly analyse it for scam indicators, red flags, and phishing tactics.
How It Works
1. Paste Message
2. We Scan It
3. We Tell You
Scam Risk Analysis
(cached result)Analysis Summary
Red Flags Detected
Detailed Analysis
Recommended Actions
Common Scam Message Types in 2026
Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics. Here are the most common types of scam messages people receive today.
Delivery Scams
Fake messages from Evri, Royal Mail, DPD, FedEx, or USPS claiming a parcel needs a small fee to be released.
Bank Phishing
Messages impersonating HSBC, Barclays, or Chase claiming suspicious activity and requesting you to "verify" your account.
Tax & Government
Fake HMRC, IRS, or DVLA messages promising tax refunds or threatening fines if you don't act immediately.
Prize & Lottery
Messages claiming you've won a prize or lottery you never entered. They always ask for personal details or fees.
Shopping Refund
Fake Amazon, eBay, or subscription messages with fabricated orders to steal your card details.
Family Impersonation
The "Hi Mum" or "Hi Dad" scam where fraudsters pretend to be your child asking for urgent money.
Crypto Investment
Promises of guaranteed returns or insider tips on cryptocurrency. No legitimate investment guarantees profits.
Tech Support
Fake Microsoft, Apple, or antivirus alerts claiming your device is compromised. Legitimate companies never cold-contact you.
Recently Checked Messages
See what other people are checking. Messages are anonymised for privacy.
hello friend
hello friend
Royal Mail: Your parcel has an unpaid shipping fee of £1.45. To avoid return, pay here: https://royalmail-fee.com/pay
Royal Mail: Your parcel has an unpaid shipping fee of £1.45. To avoid return, pay here: https://royalmail-fee.com/pay
Lloyds - ARGOS LTD has attempted £199.99 on your account on 22/02/2026. If this was not you, respond with {N}.
Lloyds - ARGOS LTD has attempted £199.99 on your account on 22/02/2026. If this was not you, respond with {N}.
Hi, it's Sarah Thompson. I'm in a meeting and need you to urgently purchase £500 in Amazon gift cards for a client. I'll...
Hi, it's James Wilson. I'm in a meeting and need you to urgently purchase £500 in Amazon gift cards for a client. I'll r...
10 Tips for Spotting Scam Messages
Learning to recognise scam messages is your best defence. Follow these expert tips to protect yourself and your family.
Check the sender's number or email address
Legitimate companies use official numbers and domains. A text from "HSBC" coming from a random mobile number is almost certainly a scam.
Look for urgency and pressure tactics
Scammers create panic with deadlines like "act within 24 hours" or "your account will be suspended". Legitimate organisations give you time to respond.
Never click links in unexpected messages
Instead of clicking a link, go directly to the official website or app. Scam links often look similar to real ones but have subtle differences.
Be suspicious of unexpected refunds or prizes
If you didn't enter a competition or request a refund, it's almost certainly a scam. You can't win a prize you never entered.
Verify requests through official channels
If a message claims to be from your bank, call them using the number on the back of your card — never use a number provided in the message.
Watch for poor grammar and spelling
Many scam messages still contain grammar errors, unusual phrasing, or inconsistent formatting that official messages wouldn't have.
Never share personal information via text
Banks, HMRC, and other legitimate organisations will never ask for your password, PIN, or full bank details by text or email.
Be wary of "family emergency" messages
The "Hi Mum/Dad" scam is very common. If someone claims to be a family member on a new number asking for money, always verify by calling their original number.
Report suspicious messages
Forward scam texts to 7726 (UK) or report to the FTC (US). Reporting helps phone networks and authorities block scammers and protect others.
Trust your instincts
If something feels off about a message, it probably is. It's always better to be cautious and verify than to rush and become a victim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about checking if text messages are scams.
Want to Check if a Website is a Scam?
Use our main website trust checker to analyse any domain for safety, reputation, and trustworthiness.
Check a Website