Scam Checker
A free, friendly tool that helps you spot a scam with confidence.
Not sure if something is a scam? You're in the right place. Answer a few simple questions, paste in a message, or show us a photo of a text or email, and we'll tell you clearly what to look out for and what to do next.
How does this tool actually work?
It uses two straightforward things, not magic. First, a photo-reading tool called optical character recognition, which pulls text out of a picture, running entirely inside your web browser. Second, a checklist built from the warning signs that UK banks, Action Fraud and consumer groups commonly describe.
It is a helpful second opinion, not a certainty. It cannot know everything, so if something still feels wrong after using it, trust that feeling and check independently.
Let's go through this together
Paste a message
Copy and paste the text, email or message below, exactly as you received it. Then press Check this message.
Want to see how it works first? Try an example:
Check a photo
Upload a screenshot or photo of a text, email or letter. We'll read the words out of it, on this device, then you can check them before we look for warning signs.
If the photo doesn't read correctly, you can always type the message out yourself using "Paste a message" instead.
What we found
What we noticed
What to do next
Useful numbers, just in case
- Think you've been scammed, or lost money
- Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk
- Worried you're talking to someone pretending to be your bank
- Hang up, then call 159 free to be securely connected to your bank (most major UK banks take part)
- Received a scam text
- Forward it free to 7726
- Received a scam email
- Forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk
- Want someone to talk it through with, any time, day or night
- The Silver Line (free, 24 hours): 0800 4 70 80 90
- Advice about a purchase or a company
- Citizens Advice consumer helpline: 0808 223 1133
This tool gives helpful guidance, not a guarantee. If in doubt, always check with your bank or someone you trust before sending money or sharing personal details.