How to Spot a Scam

Use a practical verification routine when an email, call, website, message, profile or offer asks you to act before you have time to think.

Pause when something creates urgency

Scams often depend on an immediate reaction. A threat, surprise refund, delivery problem, account warning, romantic emergency or investment opportunity may be designed to move you before you can verify the facts. Pause before you click, reply, download, send money or share information.

Check through a fresh official route

Do not use a link, QR code, phone number or email address supplied in the unexpected contact. Find the organisation’s official website, app, card or statement yourself. A real organisation will not need your password, PIN or one-time verification code to keep you safe.

Look for combined signals

One unusual detail may have an innocent explanation. Several together deserve more caution: secrecy, pressure, payment by gift card/crypto/wire, a mismatch between the claimed sender and the actual link, a new request from a familiar account, or a promised return that seems unrealistic.

Use the checker as a guide, not a verdict

The Scam Checker explains pattern-based indicators and limitations. It is not a live law-enforcement, registry, bank or platform verification service. If you have already paid or shared details, visit Report & Recover now.