Free tool · is this a scam?
Scam Risk Assessment
Got a suspicious call, message, offer, or request? Scams almost all share the same handful of signals. Check your situation against them to see how likely it is to be a scam — and what to do next.
100% private. This runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you check is sent to us, stored, or shared.
What Makes Something a Scam?
Scams come in endless disguises — a bank “fraud team”, a parcel you must pay to receive, a prize, a job, a romance, an investment. But underneath, almost all of them work the same way: they reach you unsolicited, manufacture pressure, and steer you toward money or details before you can stop and check.
That’s why you don’t need to recognise every specific scam. If a situation is unsolicited, rushed, secretive, and pushing you to pay or share, it fits the pattern — and a few demands (an OTP, a remote app, a “safe account”) are scams almost every time.
How Scams Pressure You
They reach you cold
An unexpected call, text, email, or DM arrives. You didn’t start it, and you can’t easily verify who’s really on the other end.
They create pressure
Urgency, fear, authority, or a too-good offer takes over — act now, before you have time to think, check, or ask anyone.
They isolate you
You’re told to keep it secret and to deal only with them, often on WhatsApp or Telegram, away from anyone who might warn you.
They make the ask
Now comes the real goal: money, gift cards, or crypto; your OTP or PIN; a remote app; or moving your money to a “safe account”.
Assess the Situation
Tick every sign that matches what’s happening. Each is weighted, and a few decisive demands (an OTP, a remote app, a “safe account”, or paying to receive money) raise the risk on their own.
Tick the signs that apply
Check anything that matches your situation. As you do, we’ll show how closely it fits the pattern of a scam — and what to do next.
If You’ve Already Paid or Shared
Act fast — freeze cards or accounts, change any shared passwords, and report it quickly to give the best chance of stopping or recovering funds. See how to get your money back after a scam and who to report to wherever you live.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if something is a scam?
Look for the signals above: it arrived unsolicited, it uses urgency, fear, secrecy, or a too-good offer, it asks for money or your OTP/PIN, or it wants you to install a remote app or move money to a “safe account”. The more that match, the higher the risk — and any one of those last few is enough on its own.
They knew my name and some details, so it must be real?
No. Names, phone numbers, and account details are widely bought, leaked, and traded. Knowing a few facts about you is easy and proves nothing about who’s really calling or messaging.
Is it safe to just call the number they gave me?
No. Scammers give you a number that reaches them or an accomplice. Always look up the official number yourself — from the back of your card, a statement, or the company’s real website — and call that instead.
What if I already paid or shared my details?
Act fast. Contact your bank to freeze cards or accounts, change any shared passwords, and report it. Reporting quickly gives the best chance of stopping or recovering funds — see our guide on getting your money back.
Is this assessment private?
Yes. Nothing you tick is sent to us, stored, or shared — the whole checklist runs in your browser.
Last reviewed: August 2026
Keep Going
If you think you’ve been targeted, report it — or browse all our free tools.