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General guidance only. For real incidents, contact your bank or local authorities.
Instant AI risk check

Free AI Scam Message Checker

Paste a suspicious SMS, email, WhatsApp or social message, payment request, investment or job offer, marketplace message or link. You'll get a risk rating, the red flags we found, and what to do next.

Fill this in now — you'll only sign in when you run the check. 3 free checks each month, no card needed.

Step 1: Paste the message

0/5000 charactersNever include passwords or one-time codes.

Step 2: A few quick details

Has money been sent?
Was personal information shared?

Your message is sent to our AI for analysis. It isn't saved to your account unless you choose Save on the results page. Sign in to run the full AI check — 3 free checks each month, no card required.

← See scam examples first

How the scam checker works

  1. 1. Paste the message. Copy the SMS, email or chat message exactly as you received it. You can also upload a screenshot.
  2. 2. Add context. Tell us what kind of message it is and whether you have already replied, clicked a link or sent money.
  3. 3. Read your risk result. You get a risk rating, the warning signs found in the message, plain-English reasons and safer next steps.

What ScamShield AI checks

  • Suspicious SMS and text messages
  • Emails and email attachments wording
  • WhatsApp and other messaging apps
  • Social media messages and comments
  • Payment and money transfer requests
  • Investment and crypto offers
  • Job and work-from-home offers
  • Online marketplace messages
  • Suspicious links you were sent

Understanding your risk result

High risk means the message shows strong scam patterns. Don't reply, don't click, and verify with the organisation using contact details you look up yourself.

Medium risk means there are warning signs but the message could still be genuine. Slow down and confirm through an official channel before acting.

Low risk means few scam patterns were found. This is not a guarantee that the message is safe — ScamShield AI provides risk analysis and education, not certainty.

What to do if you already responded

  • Stop all contact with the sender and don't send anything else.
  • Change the password on any account you logged into and turn on two-factor authentication.
  • If you allowed remote access, disconnect the device from the internet and have it checked.
  • Watch your bank and email accounts for changes you didn't make.

What to do if money has already been sent

  • Call your bank straight away and ask them to try to stop or recall the payment.
  • Keep every message, receipt and account detail as evidence.
  • Report it — see where to report a scam for Australian and international contacts.
  • Be alert for a follow-up "recovery" scam promising to get your money back for a fee.

Common scam warning signs

  • Urgency, threats or a deadline of minutes or hours
  • A link that asks you to log in or 'verify' your details
  • Requests for one-time codes, passwords or remote access
  • Payment by gift card, crypto, PayID to a stranger or a new account
  • Sender address or phone number that doesn't match the organisation
  • An offer that is unusually generous, or a return that sounds guaranteed

Want examples of real scams? Browse the ScamShield scam library or start with the Australian scam checker hub.

Frequently asked questions

Is the scam checker free?
Yes. You get 3 full AI checks every month at no cost and no card is required. If you need more checks you can buy credits, and credits never expire.
What can I check?
Paste any suspicious SMS, email, WhatsApp or social media message, payment request, investment or job offer, marketplace message, or a link you were sent.
How can I tell if a message is a scam?
Look for urgency, threats, an unexpected link, a request for codes or passwords, payment by gift card, crypto or bank transfer to a new account, and small mistakes in the sender address. ScamShield AI points out the warning signs it finds in your message.
Can ScamShield AI guarantee whether a message is safe?
No. ScamShield AI provides risk analysis and educational guidance only. It cannot guarantee that every scam will be detected or that a message is legitimate. Always verify directly with the organisation using contact details you find yourself.
What should I do if I already clicked the link?
Do not enter any more details. Change the password for any account you logged into, turn on two-factor authentication, run a security update on your device, and watch your accounts for unexpected activity.
What should I do if I already sent money?
Contact your bank immediately and ask about recalling the payment, then report it. In Australia you can report scams to Scamwatch and cybercrime to ReportCyber, and call IDCARE if your identity details were shared.
Where do Australians report scams?
Report scams to Scamwatch (run by the National Anti-Scam Centre), report cybercrime to ReportCyber, forward scam texts to 7726, and contact IDCARE for identity support. Always contact your bank first if money is involved.