Scam Guides
Use these guides to recognize the story a scammer is telling, then check the message, link, website or QR code before you act.
Current scam-message guides
USPS & package text scam
Missed delivery, address update, unpaid postage, and redelivery-fee messages.
Unpaid toll text scam
Fake toll-agency notices that push urgent payment or threaten penalties.
Job offer text scam
Fake recruiters, remote-job offers, task scams, fake checks, and pay-to-get-paid schemes.
Bank fraud alert text scam
Fake fraud departments, callback traps, one-time-code theft, and move-your-money stories.
Government imposter scam
Fake agencies, official-looking threats, urgent payment demands, and identity requests.
Romance investment scam
Online relationships that shift into crypto, trading, or requests to send money.
Crypto investment scam
Fake trading platforms, guaranteed returns, and pay-to-withdraw traps.
Wrong number text scam
Friendly unexpected texts that build trust before introducing money or investing.
Task scam
Fake online work, rating tasks, invented earnings, and pay-to-withdraw traps.
Side hustle scam
Easy-money gigs, unexpected recruiters, upfront fees, and identity requests.
Reshipping scam
Fake work-from-home package inspection, relabeling, and forwarding jobs.
Brushing scam
Unexpected packages, fake reviews, and risky QR codes inside shipments.
Loan application text scam
Unexpected loan notices, fake verification links, and identity traps.
Social media investment scam
Fake profiles, guaranteed returns, private chats, and scam trading platforms.
Parking QR code scam
Fake QR stickers on parking meters and signs that lead to phishing payment pages.
Fake car dealership website scam
Copied dealer websites, fake inventory, and deposit requests for vehicles scammers do not own.
Traffic violation text scam
Fake court notices, QR codes, hearing dates, and urgent payment threats.
CAPTCHA scam
Fake verification pages that trick people into running commands or installing malware.
Utility company scam
Fake shutoff threats and urgent gas, electric, or water payment demands.
Rental listing scam
Copied property listings, fake landlords, and deposits requested before verification.
QR code scam checker
Read a QR destination without opening it, then check the URL warning signals.
Scam safety routine
A repeatable verification process for unfamiliar messages, offers, links, and payment requests.
Common questions people search
Is this website legit?
How to verify a site before paying, logging in, or sharing personal information.
Is this link safe?
How to inspect a suspicious URL before you click it.
Is this text a scam?
How to check unexpected texts, payment requests, account alerts, and phishing messages.
Help after a suspected scam
What to do if you were scammed
Immediate steps after sending money, account details, or personal information.
How to report a scam
FTC and IC3 reporting links plus an evidence checklist.
Scam payment methods
Why scammers prefer bank transfers, crypto, payment apps, wire transfers, and gift cards.
Check by content type
Frequently asked questions
What should I check first when a message feels suspicious?
Start by slowing down and verifying the sender through a separate trusted channel. Do not use the link or phone number in the suspicious message.
Can I paste a suspicious message into SafeOrScamCheck?
Yes. Use Paste text to check common scam patterns, or use Check a link for a suspicious URL.
Can a professional-looking message still be a scam?
Yes. Logos, names, formatting and even some personal details can be copied. Verify the sender and destination independently.
Scam patterns change. Use these guides as a starting point and verify important claims through official, independent channels.