Scam safety checklist

Simple rules that stop most message scams. Print it, save it, and share it with family. It works alongside the message checker, the red flags library, and the scam types library.

Quick scam safety checklist

Print this checklist

Before you click any link

Most message scams need one click to work. Slow down before you tap anything.

• Read the sender and the full link. Scam links often use look-alike spellings or extra words around a real brand name.
• Do not open links that arrive with urgency, threats, fees, prizes, or "verify now" demands.
• If a message claims to be your bank, courier, or a government service, ignore its link and open the official app or website yourself.
• Not sure about a message? Paste it into the message checker first. It highlights possible risk signals, though it cannot guarantee whether something is safe.

Before you reply to a message

• Replying tells a scammer your number or address is active. When in doubt, do not reply - block and report instead.
• Treat "wrong number" chats, sudden friendships, and unexpected job or investment offers with caution, even if they seem friendly.
• Never agree to move the conversation to another app to "claim" money, a parcel, or a role.
• Learn the common patterns in the scam types library so they are easier to spot next time.

Before you make a payment

• Pressure to pay quickly is itself a warning sign. Genuine organisations let you verify and take your time.
• Never pay a normal bill, fine, fee, or "release charge" using gift cards, vouchers, or cryptocurrency.
• Confirm any payment request through a number or website you already trust - not the details in the message.
• Be extra careful with upfront fees to "release" winnings, parcels, loans, or refunds. These are classic scam structures.

Before sharing OTPs, IDs, banking details, or personal information

• No real bank, platform, or government service will ask for a one-time code (OTP). Never read one aloud or type it into a link.
• Keep passwords, PINs, card numbers, CVV, full bank details, and crypto seed phrases or private keys to yourself.
• Share documents like passports or national IDs only on official services you opened yourself, never by chat or email.
• Remove sensitive details before checking a message anywhere, including in our checker.

What to do if you already clicked

• Do not enter anything else on the page. Close it.
• If you typed a password, change it from a device you trust, and turn on two-factor authentication.
• If you installed an app or gave remote access, disconnect from the internet and remove it; seek help from someone you trust.
• Follow the step-by-step clicked a scam link guide.

What to do if you already paid

• Contact your bank or payment provider straight away and ask them to stop or recall the payment.
• Do not send more money to "recover" what you lost. A second contact offering to get your money back for a fee is another scam.
• Use the sent money to a scammer guide for the full sequence.

What to save as evidence

• Screenshots of the message, the sender's number or handle, and any links shown (without clicking them again).
• Dates, amounts, reference numbers, and the payment method used.
• Any receipts, confirmation emails, or call logs related to the contact.

Keep evidence in one place so it is easy to share when you report.

When to contact your bank, platform, telecom provider, or local authority

• Your bank or payment provider: as soon as any money moved, or card and account details were exposed.
• The platform: report the account on the app where it happened (messaging app, marketplace, or social network).
• Your telecom provider: if your number may be compromised, or you suspect a SIM-swap.
• Your local authority: report through the official channel for your country in the reporting directory and country reporting guides.

How to use ScamMessageChecker.com safely

• The checker runs in your browser, needs no account, and does not store the message you paste.
• Remove passwords, OTPs, card numbers, and IDs before pasting anything.
• Treat the result as guidance to help you think, not a verdict - it highlights possible risk signals and cannot guarantee whether a message is genuine or a scam.
• Browse the recovery guides if something has already gone wrong.

Final reminder

Scams rely on speed and pressure, so the safest habit is simply to pause and verify through official channels you find yourself. This checklist is general educational information, not legal or financial advice. If you have lost money or feel unsafe, contact your bank and your local authorities without delay.