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Free public scam check · Updated daily

Is that a scam?

Describe what happened. In seconds, we'll tell you if it matches a known scam — and what to do next.

  • Updated daily
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How this works

  1. 01

    Describe what happened

    Type or speak one sentence. No account needed.

  2. 02

    We match it against known scams

    Patterns drawn from the FTC, FBI/IC3, RBI Sachet, and named news outlets.

  3. 03

    Get a clear answer

    Yes, likely, or unsure — with exactly what to do next.

Recent in the United States

Reported recently

Critical Other

AI-cloned voice of a family member calls to demand emergency bail money

Scammers use AI to clone a family member's voice from public social media audio, then call claiming that relative is in jail or injured and needs immediate wire transfer or gift cards for bail or emergency expenses.

What to do
High risk Tech support

Amazon calls about a large unauthorized charge on your account

Caller claims to be Amazon fraud department about a $1,200+ unauthorized purchase. They transfer you to a fake "bank fraud team" who asks you to install remote software to "protect" your account.

What to do
Critical Crypto

A caller instructs you to deposit cash into a Bitcoin ATM

A scammer pretending to be a government agent, tech support, or bank investigator says the only way to "protect" or "verify" your money is to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM at a gas station, convenience store, or supermarket. The QR code they send routes the cash directly to them.

What to do
High risk Job

Unsolicited text offering a remote job eventually demands money

An unexpected text, WhatsApp, or Telegram message from a fake recruiter claims to be hiring for a remote role at a real company. After you engage, you are asked to deposit a check and wire back part of the money, or pay out-of-pocket for training, tasks, or equipment.

What to do
High risk Government impersonation

IRS calling about your tax refund or arrest warrant

Scammer impersonates an IRS agent claiming you owe back taxes or have an arrest warrant, demanding immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.

What to do
High risk Banking

PayPal or Venmo "sent you money by mistake" and asks for a refund

A stranger sends you money on Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal — then messages you saying it was a mistake and asking you to send it back. The original transfer was funded by a stolen card or hacked account; sending it back from your own funds means you lose the money once the original is reversed.

What to do
High risk Government impersonation

Fake city hall email demands payment for your building or zoning permit

Criminals impersonating city or county officials email permit applicants citing real permit numbers and property addresses, then demand payment for fees by wire transfer, peer-to-peer app, or cryptocurrency.

What to do
Medium risk Phishing

A QR code sticker on a parking meter or menu sends you to a phishing site

Scammers paste fake QR codes over real ones on parking meters, EV chargers, restaurant menus, and shipping labels. Scanning the fake code opens a convincing payment page that steals your card details — or installs a malicious app prompt.

What to do
Critical Phishing

Email from "title company" changes wire instructions on closing day

A scammer who has compromised a real estate agent, title company, or your own email account sends "updated" wire instructions for your down payment or closing funds. The new account belongs to them. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are gone in minutes.

What to do
High risk Other

A "fund recovery" service contacts you after you were already scammed

After you've lost money to a scam, you're contacted by a "recovery agent," "law firm," or "crypto recovery specialist" claiming they can get your money back — for an upfront fee. They are usually the same scammers (or partners) using lists of known victims.

What to do
Critical Investment

Wrong-number text turns into a crypto investment opportunity

A stranger sends a friendly wrong-number text. Over weeks they build romantic rapport, then introduce a fake crypto trading platform showing huge returns. All deposited funds are eventually stolen.

What to do
Medium risk Marketplace

A Facebook or Instagram ad leads to a fake store that takes your money

Targeted ads on Facebook or Instagram promote fake stores selling clothes, shoes, electronics, or pets at deep discounts. After purchase, goods never arrive or are cheap knockoffs. Some sites impersonate well-known brands.

What to do
High risk Government impersonation

A caller says your Social Security number is suspended

A recorded call or live caller claims to be from the Social Security Administration. Your SSN has been suspended for "criminal activity" or "money laundering" and you must verify your number or move money to a "safe account" right now.

What to do
Medium risk Tax

Social media "tax hack" promises a bigger refund and triggers IRS penalties

Influencers and viral posts promote fake tax tips urging taxpayers to claim false credits or inflate withholding amounts. Following them results in refund delays, IRS audits, or criminal charges for tax fraud.

What to do
Critical Tech support

Microsoft / Apple security alert pop-up asks you to call a number

A full-screen browser pop-up or audio alarm claims your computer is infected and shows a fake Microsoft or Apple support number. If you call, the "technician" asks to remotely access your device.

What to do
High risk Delivery

USPS or FedEx text says your package is held up and needs $2.99 to release

A text impersonating USPS, FedEx, UPS, or DHL claims your package cannot be delivered without an updated address or a small fee. The link leads to a fake site that steals your address, phone, card number, and sometimes plants a phishing app.

What to do
High risk Phishing

Fake EZ-Pass or SunPass text claims you owe unpaid tolls

A text message impersonating EZ-Pass, SunPass, FasTrak, or TxTag claims you owe $3–$12 in unpaid tolls. A link leads to a fake payment site that steals your credit card number and personal information.

What to do
Medium risk Other

A fake charity calls or texts asking for hurricane / wildfire donations

After a hurricane, wildfire, tornado, or other disaster, fake "charities" appear within hours. They call, text, or run social media ads using a name that sounds like a real organization (e.g. "Red Cross Recovery Fund") and ask for donations by gift card, wire, or cryptocurrency.

What to do
High risk Other

A grandchild calls saying they are in jail and need bail money

A caller pretends to be a grandchild (or that grandchild's lawyer) saying they have been arrested after a car crash and need bail money wired or paid in gift cards immediately. The caller begs the victim not to tell other family members.

What to do
High risk Government impersonation

"Medicare" calls about your new card and asks for your Medicare number

A caller claims to be from Medicare and says you need a new card, a back brace, or genetic testing — they just need to "verify" your Medicare number, Social Security number, and bank details. Medicare numbers are then used to bill Medicare fraudulently or to steal identity.

What to do
High risk Marketplace

Fake apartment listing on Facebook or Craigslist demands a deposit before a tour

A scammer copies photos and details from a real real estate listing and reposts it at a far below-market price on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or roommate sites. They claim to be out of state and ask for first month's rent plus deposit by Zelle, Cash App, or wire before showing the unit.

What to do
Critical Phishing

Scammer hijacks your phone number to bypass two-factor authentication

A criminal impersonates you to your mobile carrier, convincing them to transfer your phone number to a SIM or carrier they control. With your number, they intercept SMS authentication codes to take over bank, email, and financial accounts.

What to do
High risk Lottery

You've won! Just pay the shipping or tax to claim your prize

A call, letter, or email says you've won a sweepstakes, lottery, or sweepstake from Publishers Clearing House, Reader's Digest, or a foreign lottery. To claim the prize, you must first pay shipping, processing fees, taxes, or "insurance" — often by gift card or wire transfer.

What to do

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