Scam Checker
A free, friendly tool that helps you spot a scam with confidence.
Had a call, text, email or knock at the door that made you wonder? Answer a few simple questions, paste in a message or show us a photo of it. We’ll explain clearly what we notice and what to do next.
How would you like to check?
Keep these tips by the phone
Print a one-page sheet with five simple rules and the numbers to call. It sits nicely by your phone or on the fridge.
How it works
Pick whichever option suits you best. All three end in the same place: a clear answer, the warning signs we noticed, simple next steps and useful phone numbers.
Answer some questions
Best for a phone call, a knock at the door or when you’d rather not type.
First you tell us how they got in touch and what it’s about. Then we ask up to ten short questions, each with a Yes, No or Not sure button. We match your answers against the warning signs that banks and the police describe.
Paste a message
Best for a text, email or WhatsApp message.
Copy the message into the box and press Check this message. We look for the words and phrases scammers often use, such as “safe account” or “redelivery fee”. We then show you exactly which ones we found.
Check a photo
Best for a letter or a message that’s hard to copy.
Take a photo or screenshot and choose it. The page reads the words from your picture and lets you tidy up anything it misread. It then checks them just like a pasted message.
What’s behind it?
The photo reading uses a type of AI called optical character recognition, which runs inside your own web browser. The checking uses a list of warning signs from UK banks, Report Fraud (the new name for Action Fraud) and consumer groups.
Think of it as a helpful second opinion. If something still feels wrong, trust that feeling and talk it over with someone you know.
Let’s go through this together
Paste a message
Copy the text, email or message and paste it in the box below, just as you received it. Then press Check this message.
How do I copy and paste a message?
- On a phone or tablet: press and hold your finger on the message until a menu appears, then tap Copy. Come back here, press and hold inside the box below, then tap Paste.
- On a computer: highlight the words with your mouse, press Ctrl and C together (Cmd and C on a Mac), click in the box below, then press Ctrl and V (Cmd and V on a Mac).
- You can also simply type out the main words yourself.
Want to see how it works first? Try an example:
Check a photo
Choose a screenshot or photo of a text, email or letter. We’ll read the words from it on your device. You can check them over before we look for warning signs.
How do I take a screenshot?
- iPhone without a Home button: press the side button and the volume up button together, then let go.
- iPhone with a Home button: press the side (or top) button and the Home button together.
- Most Android phones: press the power button and the volume down button together.
- Your screenshot is saved in your Photos or Gallery, ready to choose below. A photo of a letter taken in good light works well too.
If the photo is hard to read, you can type the message out yourself using “Paste a message” instead.
What we found
What we noticed
What to do next
Useful numbers
- If you think you’ve been scammed or lost money
- Your bank first, using the number on your card. Then Report Fraud (the new name for Action Fraud): 0300 123 2040 or reportfraud.police.uk. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.
- If a caller says they’re from your bank
- Hang up, then call 159 to be put through safely to your own bank. Most major UK banks take part.
- To report a scam text
- Forward it free to 7726
- To report a scam email
- Forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk
- For a friendly chat any time, day or night
- The Silver Line from Age UK (free, 24 hours): 0800 4 70 80 90
- For advice about a purchase or a company
- Citizens Advice consumer helpline (free, Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm): 0808 223 1133
Numbers checked September 2026.
This tool gives helpful guidance. If in doubt, check with your bank or someone you trust before sending money or sharing personal details.