Is this a scam?

Paste a suspicious email, text or invoice. Every common warning sign gets highlighted as you type, with plain-English advice on what to do next. Nothing you paste leaves this page.

Try an example:

Got a phone call instead?

Tick everything that happened.

They called you out of the blue, and you didn't expect it. They said it was urgent, or that something bad would happen today. They asked for payment by gift card, wire, crypto, Zelle or cash app. They asked for a password, a code sent to your phone, or remote access to your computer. They claimed to be the IRS, Medicare, a bank, Google, Microsoft or the police. They said to keep it secret, or not to call anyone else. A voice sounded like someone you know, but the request was unusual. The deal, refund or prize sounded too good to be true.

Tick anything that applies.

Know the patterns

Scams aimed at businesses.

Changed bank details

A "supplier" emails that their bank changed and asks you to pay the next invoice to a new account. Often sent from a hacked or look-alike address.

Always confirm by phone, using a number you already have.

The boss needs gift cards

A message that looks like it's from the owner or a manager asks for gift card codes for "clients," fast and quietly.

No real boss asks for gift card codes by text.

Your Google listing

A caller says your Google Business listing will be removed or suspended unless you pay to verify it today.

Google doesn't call to charge you for your listing.

Domain and directory renewals

An official-looking "final notice" to renew your domain or a directory listing, from a company you've never used.

Check who your real registrar is before paying anything.

Tech support pop-ups

A loud warning says your computer is infected and tells you to call a number or install remote-access software.

Real security warnings never ask you to call.

Voice clones

A call that sounds exactly like a family member or partner, in trouble and needing money now.

Hang up and call them back on the number you know.

Want the full picture? Read our guide to spotting and stopping payment scams, or test yourself with Spot the scam.

Where to report it

If you've been targeted.

FTC ReportFraud ↗Report scams and fraud to the Federal Trade Commission. FBI IC3 ↗Report online crime, especially if money was lost.

Scam texts

Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) so your carrier can block it.

Already paid?

Call your bank right away and ask them to stop or recall the payment.

Questions

Can this tool tell me a message is safe?

No tool can promise that. The scam check looks for the warning signs scammers use most often. If anything involves money, logins or changed payment details, verify it by calling the person or company on a number you already have.

Is what I paste saved anywhere?

No. The check runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you paste is sent to WiseGai or anyone else.

What should I do if I already paid a scammer?

Call your bank or card issuer immediately and ask them to stop or recall the payment, change any passwords you shared, and report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the FBI at ic3.gov.