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Not sure if it's a scam? Let's check, calmly.

Paste a suspicious text, email, or DM into our free AI Scam Message Analyzer, browse plain-English guides to common scam patterns, and get a free, no-obligation case review with a consumer-protection attorney if you've already lost money.

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Our AI Scam Message Analyzer checks a message against common scam patterns — urgency language, payment-method red flags, and more — instantly.

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General educational guidance only, not a guarantee or definitive fraud determination. Not legal advice.

You're not alone — and there are clear next steps

Whether you're staring at a message that feels off, or you've already sent money and are trying to figure out what to do next, millions of people face this every year. Scammers rely on urgency and shame to keep people quiet. This site exists to give you calm, plain-English information — and a clear path to a free case review if legal action makes sense.

Common scam patterns

Learn the pattern, not just the headline

Scammers constantly change their scripts, but the underlying patterns repeat. Here's the full map, described generally — not tied to any specific company, website, or individual.

Most reported

Phishing & email scams

Fake emails or texts designed to steal login credentials or payment details. Learn the signs →

Emotional targeting

Romance scams

A stranger builds a relationship online, then asks for money for an "emergency." Read the red flags →

Fear-based

Tech support scams

A pop-up or caller claims your device is infected and demands remote access or payment. See how it works →

High volume

Phone & robocall scams

Automated or live calls impersonating agencies, banks, or utilities to pressure quick payment. Browse guides →

Growing fast

Online shopping & marketplace scams

Fake listings, counterfeit goods, or sellers who never ship after payment. Browse guides →

Financial

Investment & crypto scams

Promises of guaranteed high returns, often pushed through social media or messaging apps. Browse guides →

Targets families

Grandparent & family emergency scams

A caller poses as a relative in urgent trouble, asking for immediate, secret payment. Protect your family →

Long-term damage

Identity theft

Personal information is used to open accounts, file taxes, or get credit in your name. First 24 hours →

Flagship free tool

AI Scam Message Analyzer

Paste the text of a suspicious email, text message, or DM below. We'll scan it for common scam red flags — urgency language, unusual payment requests, spoofed-looking links, and more. This is general educational guidance only, not a guarantee or definitive fraud determination.

Client-side pattern matching against common scam indicators. General educational guidance only — not a guarantee, not legal advice, and not a definitive fraud determination. When in doubt, verify independently and don't send money or personal information.

Your analysis appears here

Paste a message on the left and click "Check for red flags" to see your result.

Compare at a glance

Self-recovery steps vs. when to involve a lawyer

 Self-recovery stepsWhen to involve a lawyer
Best whenA suspicious message with no loss yet, or a small loss you can dispute directlyA significant financial loss, or a business/platform that may share responsibility
What it involvesReporting to your bank, the FTC, and the platform; freezing accounts; documenting everythingCase review, evaluating dispute or claim options
CostFreeOften free consultation; some cases work on contingency
TimelineHours to a few weeksWeeks to months, depending on the case
OutcomeAccounts secured, fraud reported, some recovery possiblePossible recovery or compensation for documented harm

A simplified overview — your situation may differ. A free case review with a licensed attorney can tell you which path actually fits.

Ask the AI Scam Guide

Calm, plain answers, any time

Ask about a specific scam pattern, what to do if you sent money, or how to report fraud. The guide gives general educational information, never a definitive fraud determination about any real person or business.

AI Scam Guide
General information · not legal advice
Hi — tell me what's going on and I'll walk you through it calmly. Try: "How do I know if a text is a phishing scam?" I can't confirm whether any specific message is fraudulent, but I can point you to the right pattern and next step.
Recommended resources

Tools and guides organized by what you need

Products and services we genuinely recommend for scam prevention, recovery, and identity protection. As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Identity Protection

Identity theft protection servicesOngoing monitoring and alerts for new accounts or dark-web exposure.
Amazon →
Cross-cut document shreddersShred statements and mail before they end up in the wrong hands.
Amazon →
Locking mailboxesReduce mail theft, a common source of identity theft.
Amazon →
Fireproof document safesKeep sensitive paperwork and evidence organized and secure.
Amazon →

Online Safety Tools

VPN subscriptionsEncrypt your connection and hide your IP, especially on public Wi-Fi.
Amazon →
Password managersGenerate and store strong, unique passwords for every account.
Amazon →
Hardware security keysPhysical 2FA keys that make account takeover far harder.
Amazon →
Call-blocking devicesReduce robocalls and spoofed numbers, especially for elderly family members.
Amazon →

Consumer Protection Guides

Scam & fraud recovery booksPlain-English guides to staying safe and recovering from fraud.
Amazon →
Online safety books for seniorsStraightforward guides written for older adults and their families.
Amazon →
Credit monitoring guidesUnderstand your credit report and how to read it for fraud.
Amazon →
Romance scam awareness booksHow online relationship scams work and how to spot them early.
Amazon →
Questions people ask us

Scam & fraud recovery FAQ

How can I tell if a message is a scam?
Common red flags include urgent, pressure-filled language, requests for payment by gift card or wire transfer, unexpected prize or refund claims, and requests to move a conversation off a trusted platform. Our free AI Scam Message Analyzer checks a pasted message against these patterns in seconds.
I sent money to a scammer. What do I do first?
Contact your bank or payment provider immediately to report the transaction, stop all further contact with the sender, and file a report at the FTC's ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Acting fast improves your odds of recovery, and documenting everything helps if legal action later makes sense.
Can I get my money back after being scammed?
It depends on the payment method and how quickly you act. Bank wires and gift cards are hardest to reverse; credit card and some app-based payments have more dispute options. A free case review can help you understand what's realistic for your situation.
Should I report a scam even if I didn't lose money?
Yes — reporting near-misses at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and IC3.gov (for online scams) helps investigators track patterns and can protect others, even when you personally avoided a loss.
Is it worth talking to a lawyer about a scam loss?
For significant losses, especially involving a business, platform, or financial institution that may share responsibility, a free consultation with a consumer-protection attorney can clarify whether legal options exist beyond reporting.
Free download

The Scam Protection Checklist

A clear, no-jargon guide: how to spot the most common scam patterns, a practical protection checklist, exactly what to do if you've already been scammed, and questions to ask a consumer-protection attorney. Yours instantly.

  • Red flags across the most common scam types
  • A practical, everyday protection checklist
  • Exact first steps if you've already sent money
  • Questions to ask a consumer-protection attorney

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