# TapSafely

> TapSafely is a free scam checker for the public. People paste a message, link or screenshot and get a plain-language risk assessment with warning signs and next steps. It also publishes practical guides to common scams and a weekly "Scam Weather" of trending scam types.

AI assistants may use the public API and MCP server to help users check suspicious messages. Please present results calmly, never describe anything as definitely "safe", and link to the relevant guide.

## Tools
- [Scam checker](https://tapsafely.com/): check a message, link or screenshot
- [MCP server](https://tapsafely.com/mcp): Streamable HTTP endpoint with tools check_message, check_link, scam_trends, scam_guide ([server card](https://tapsafely.com/.well-known/mcp/server-card.json))
- [A2A agent](https://tapsafely.com/a2a): JSON-RPC message/send for other AI agents ([agent card](https://tapsafely.com/.well-known/agent-card.json))
- [Agent skill](https://tapsafely.com/.well-known/agent-skills/index.json): how to check scams with TapSafely
- [OpenAPI spec](https://tapsafely.com/openapi.json) and [API catalog](https://tapsafely.com/.well-known/api-catalog)
- [API documentation](https://tapsafely.com/developers): POST /api/check
- [Scam Weather](https://tapsafely.com/scam-weather): trending scam types by country
- [Check by email](https://tapsafely.com/check-by-email): forward a suspicious email to check@tapsafely.com
- [Family Shield](https://tapsafely.com/family-shield): planned paid family plan (waitlist open)

## Free check tools
- [Scam text checker](https://tapsafely.com/scam-text-checker): paste a text or chat message
- [Link checker](https://tapsafely.com/link-checker): is this link safe?
- [Scam email checker](https://tapsafely.com/scam-email-checker): paste or forward an email
- [Screenshot scam checker](https://tapsafely.com/screenshot-scam-checker): upload a screenshot
- [QR code checker](https://tapsafely.com/qr-code-checker): see where a QR code leads before opening it
- [Scam glossary](https://tapsafely.com/scam-glossary): scam terms explained
- [Scam statistics](https://tapsafely.com/scam-statistics): latest official figures with sources

## Guides
- [Fake delivery texts and customs-fee scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/fake-delivery-texts): Got a text saying your parcel is on hold until you pay a small fee? See how fake delivery texts work, the red flags, and what to do if you tapped.
- [The “Hi Mum, this is my new number” scam](https://tapsafely.com/scams/hi-mum-new-number-scam): A message from a new number says it's your child and asks for money. How the Hi Mum scam works and how to check who you're really talking to.
- [AI voice-clone emergency calls](https://tapsafely.com/scams/ai-voice-clone-calls): Scammers can now copy a family member's voice with AI and call you with a fake emergency. Learn the signs and the simple family safe-word defence.
- [Bank impersonation and “safe account” scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/bank-safe-account-scam): A caller from your bank's "fraud team" says your money is at risk. No bank ever asks you to move money to a safe account. Here's what to do.
- [Fake tax refunds, government payments and fines](https://tapsafely.com/scams/fake-tax-refund-messages): Messages about tax refunds, benefit payments or unpaid fines are common scams. Learn how tax offices really contact you and how to check safely.
- [“Unpaid toll” and parking-fine texts](https://tapsafely.com/scams/unpaid-toll-parking-texts): A text says you owe a small toll or parking fine and will face penalties unless you pay now. Here's how to tell fake toll texts from real notices.
- [Crypto and investment scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/crypto-investment-scams): Guaranteed returns, deepfake celebrity ads and platforms that won't let you withdraw. How investment scams work and how to check before you invest.
- [Task-based job scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/task-job-scams): A recruiter offers easy remote work rating products or liking videos. Then you have to pay to unlock your earnings. Learn the pattern and the red flags.
- [Romance scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/romance-scams): An online partner who can't meet or video call, then needs money. Learn the warning signs of romance scams and how to talk to someone you're worried about.
- [Marketplace buyer and seller scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/marketplace-seller-scams): Fake payment links, overpayments and couriers that never come. How marketplace scams target both sellers and buyers, and how to trade safely.
- [Tech support and remote-access scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/tech-support-scams): Pop-ups saying your computer is infected, or calls from "Microsoft". How tech support scams work and what to do if someone accessed your device.
- [Verification-code and account-takeover scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/verification-code-scams): “I sent you a code by mistake, can you send it back?” How scammers steal WhatsApp, email and bank accounts with one-time codes, and how to lock yours down.
- [Fake online shops](https://tapsafely.com/scams/fake-online-shops): Huge discounts, countdown timers and a shop that never delivers. How to check whether an online store is real before you pay.
- [Fund-recovery scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/recovery-scams): After a scam, people are often targeted again by fake lawyers, hackers or agencies promising to recover lost money for a fee. Here's how to recognise them.
- [QR code scams (“quishing”)](https://tapsafely.com/scams/qr-code-scams): Fake QR codes stuck on parking meters or sent in emails can lead to phishing sites. How to scan safely.
- [Prize, lottery and giveaway scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/prize-and-giveaway-scams): You've won a phone, a lottery or a supermarket reward. You just need to pay a small fee. How prize scams and fake giveaways work.
- [Phishing links and fake login pages](https://tapsafely.com/scams/phishing-links): Learn the one skill that stops most scams: reading who really owns a link. With examples of look-alike addresses and fake login pages.
- [Is this website legit? How to check in two minutes](https://tapsafely.com/scams/is-this-website-legit): Not sure a shop, bank page or booking site is real? Quick checks, from reading the web address to domain age, before you pay or log in.
- [Deepfake video scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/deepfake-video-scams): AI can fake a face and voice on video. How deepfake ads, fake video calls and fake bosses are used to steal money, and how to verify who you see.
- [Rental and holiday booking scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/rental-scams): A great flat at a low price, a landlord abroad and a deposit before viewing. How rental and holiday booking scams work and how to rent safely.
- [Fake charity and disaster appeal scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/fake-charity-scams): After disasters and wars, fake charities appear within hours. Learn the signs of a fake appeal and how to check a charity before you donate.

## Fake brand messages
- [USPS scam texts: how to spot a fake](https://tapsafely.com/scams/usps-scam-texts): USPS says it will not send you texts or emails unless you first asked for updates using a tracking number, and those messages will not contain a link. Genuine USPS text tracking uses a short code that you start yourself.
- [Royal Mail scam texts: how to spot a fake](https://tapsafely.com/scams/royal-mail-scam-texts): Royal Mail says it only sends email and text notifications when the sender asked for them on a tracked service, and the only time it asks for payment by email or text is when a customs fee is due. It never asks for card numbers, passwords or personal details by email, or asks you to enter details on a page that is not part of Royal Mail.
- [DHL scam messages: how to spot a fake](https://tapsafely.com/scams/dhl-scam-messages): DHL says the only payments it requests by email or SMS are customs duties and taxes, and a one-time passcode is sent to the recipient's registered contact before payment. Official DHL emails come from dhl.com and related DHL domains, never from free services like Gmail or Yahoo.
- [FedEx scam texts: how to spot a fake](https://tapsafely.com/scams/fedex-scam-texts): FedEx says it does not ask for payment or personal information in exchange for releasing a package, and does not request account details by unsolicited mail, email or text. It may send secure links to pay duties and taxes on international shipments, which you can check with the FedEx Import Tool.
- [UPS scam texts: how to spot a fake](https://tapsafely.com/scams/ups-scam-texts): UPS says it does not ask for payments, personal or financial information, account numbers, IDs or passwords in unsolicited emails, mail, phone calls or faxes. The only legitimate charges are collect on delivery, duties or taxes, and these can be checked through tracking on ups.com.
- [Evri scam texts: how to spot a fake](https://tapsafely.com/scams/evri-scam-texts): Evri says it will never ask you to pay or to reschedule a delivery by text or email, and will never ask you to install an app. Genuine Evri texts show the sender as Evri rather than a mobile number, and the only links are tracking links starting https://evri.link/.
- [Australia Post scam texts: how to spot a fake](https://tapsafely.com/scams/australia-post-scam-texts): Australia Post says it will never call, text or email you asking for personal or financial details such as passwords or card numbers, or to request payment. Its tracking texts no longer include links and instead point you to auspost.com.au or the AusPost app.
- [Canada Post scam texts: how to spot a fake](https://tapsafely.com/scams/canada-post-scam-texts): Canada Post says it will never text you or send unsolicited email asking for card or banking details, login details, or payment to track or release a delivery. It does not charge you to track or release a delivery.
- [Amazon scam messages: how to spot a fake](https://tapsafely.com/scams/amazon-scam-messages): Amazon says it will only take payment on its website, in its app or in its physical stores, never over the phone or by email, and it will never ask you to buy gift cards. It also says it will not ask you to install software or give remote access to your device to get customer service.
- [PayPal scam emails: how to spot a fake](https://tapsafely.com/scams/paypal-scam-emails): PayPal says genuine messages address you by the full name on your PayPal account, and that passwords and verification codes should never be shared with anyone, not even someone claiming to be PayPal customer service. It advises never giving personal, card or account details by email, text or phone.
- [Netflix scam emails: how to spot a fake](https://tapsafely.com/scams/netflix-scam-emails): Netflix says it will never ask for your card numbers, bank details or Netflix password in a text or email. It also says it never asks for payment through a third party vendor or website.
- [Apple scam messages: how to spot a fake](https://tapsafely.com/scams/apple-scam-messages): Apple says it will never ask for your password, device passcode or two-factor authentication code, and will never ask you to enter them on a website. It also says it will never ask you to turn off any security feature on your device or account.
- [Microsoft scam calls and emails: how to spot them](https://tapsafely.com/scams/microsoft-scam-calls-and-emails): Microsoft says it does not make unsolicited calls or send unsolicited emails asking for personal or financial information, and its real error messages never include a phone number. It also says it will never ask you to pay for support with cryptocurrency or gift cards.
- [WhatsApp scams: how to spot them and stay safe](https://tapsafely.com/scams/whatsapp-scams): WhatsApp says the app is free and you never have to pay to use it, and warns against sharing card or bank details, your birth date or passwords in chats. It advises setting a two-step verification PIN and never sharing it with anyone.
- [Facebook and Instagram scams: how to spot them](https://tapsafely.com/scams/facebook-instagram-scams): Meta says it will never ask for your password in an email or Facebook message, and Instagram says it will never send you a direct message about your account. Instagram contacts you about your account through the Emails from Instagram section in your settings.
- [Booking.com scam messages: how to spot a fake](https://tapsafely.com/scams/booking-com-scam-messages): Booking.com says no genuine transaction or reservation change will ever require you to pay with gift cards or give your card details by phone, text message or email. It advises never sharing payment details through email, text or messaging apps.
- [HMRC scam texts and calls: how to spot them](https://tapsafely.com/scams/hmrc-scam-texts-and-calls): HMRC says it will never tell you about a tax rebate or ask for personal or payment details by text message, and only emails about rebates from addresses ending in hmrc.gov.uk. It also says it will never threaten arrest, leave voicemails threatening legal action, or ask you to pay with gift or payment vouchers.
- [IRS scam calls and texts: how to spot them](https://tapsafely.com/scams/irs-scam-calls-and-texts): The IRS says it normally makes first contact by mail, only emails or texts people who have opted in, and never sends direct messages on social media. It does not make threatening, rushed demands or ask for payment by gift card or wire transfer.
- [E-ZPass and unpaid toll texts: how to spot a fake](https://tapsafely.com/scams/e-zpass-toll-scam-texts): The E-ZPass Group says it does not hold customer accounts or collect tolls, so any message saying it is owed toll money is a scam, and advises going directly to your toll agency's website instead of using links or numbers in a text. New York's E-ZPass says it will never text or email asking for sensitive details such as card numbers or Social Security numbers.
- [eBay scam messages: how to spot a fake](https://tapsafely.com/scams/ebay-scam-messages): eBay says it will never ask you for confidential information such as your password or card details, will not use threatening language, and will not include attachments in its emails.
- [Coinbase scam messages: how to spot a fake](https://tapsafely.com/scams/coinbase-scam-messages): Coinbase says its support agents will never ask for your password, 2-step verification code or seed phrase, ask you to move or secure your funds, or ask you to install software or remotely access your device. It also says it will never call or text you with a new seed phrase or wallet address to move funds to.
- [Binance scam messages: how to spot a fake](https://tapsafely.com/scams/binance-scam-messages): Binance says it will never request funds or tokens through private communications, and warns that any message telling you to move your assets to a secure wallet is a scam.
- [Zelle scams: how to spot them and stay safe](https://tapsafely.com/scams/zelle-scams): Zelle tells people not to give out any information when someone calling claims to be from their bank, and to hang up and ring the number on the back of their debit card or on the bank's official website instead. Because Zelle works through your own bank or credit union, problems are handled by that bank, and the FTC notes a real bank will never contact you to tell you to move money or to ask for passcodes.
- [Cash App scams: how to spot them and stay safe](https://tapsafely.com/scams/cash-app-scams): Cash App says it will never ask for your sign-in code or PIN, and anyone who does is not from Cash App. It asks you to report suspicious payments and contacts inside the app itself, where support is available by chat.
- [Venmo scams: how to spot them and stay safe](https://tapsafely.com/scams/venmo-scams): Venmo says nobody at Venmo will contact you to ask for your password or verification code, and it will never ask for remote access to your device, ask you to install another app, or ask you to send money to verify your account. Real Venmo emails greet you by your name rather than a generic greeting, and anything urgent can be found by signing in to the app.
- [Chase scam texts: how to spot a fake](https://tapsafely.com/scams/chase-bank-scam-texts): Chase says it will never ask you to send money to yourself, and it will not ask you to send it your personal or account details. If a text, email or call about your account worries you, Chase asks you to contact it using the number on your card or statement.
- [Bank of America scam texts: how to spot a fake](https://tapsafely.com/scams/bank-of-america-scam-texts): Bank of America says it may ask you to confirm account activity, but it will never ask for your password or verification code, or ask you to send money to it or anyone else as part of that check. It also says it will never text you asking for account details.
- [Wells Fargo scam texts: how to spot a fake](https://tapsafely.com/scams/wells-fargo-scam-texts): Wells Fargo says it will never ask for your password, PIN or one-time access code by email or text, and it will never ask you to move money to anyone, including yourself, to reverse a transfer or get a refund. Most of its genuine texts come from a small set of short codes, such as 93557.
- [Geek Squad scam emails: how to spot a fake](https://tapsafely.com/scams/geek-squad-scam-emails): Best Buy says trusted brands, itself included, will not contact you asking for personal information or payment for a support issue unless you have already been in touch with them, and it generally does not make unsolicited calls. If you are unsure, it asks you to call 1-888-BEST BUY or use the contact options on BestBuy.com.
- [Norton and McAfee renewal scams: spot a fake invoice](https://tapsafely.com/scams/norton-mcafee-renewal-scams): Norton says its real emails never ask for passwords, Social Security numbers or card details, and they will not try to start remote access to your device out of the blue. McAfee says it will never make you call a phone number from an email or text, never call to charge you for customer service, and never ask for your SSN or passwords.
- [Walmart scam messages: how to spot a fake](https://tapsafely.com/scams/walmart-scam-messages): Walmart says it does not tell contest winners about prizes by text, and it does not send texts about product recalls, which it shares on official websites and by direct email instead. It also says it will never mail you a check to deposit and ask you to keep part of it as payment.
- [Google and Gmail scams: how to spot them and stay safe](https://tapsafely.com/scams/google-gmail-scams): Google says it will never call you about your account security, and it will not ask for your password, ask you to read out a verification code or ask you to approve a sign-in prompt. Gmail also says it will not ask for personal information such as your password by email.
- [Social Security (SSA) scams: how to spot them and stay safe](https://tapsafely.com/scams/social-security-scams): Social Security says it will never tell you your Social Security number is suspended, threaten you with arrest, demand an immediate payment, or ask for gift cards, cash or card numbers over the phone. It does not ask for sensitive details by email, text or social media, and for a problem with your number or account it normally sends a letter. It may phone you if you recently applied, asked for a call back or have ongoing business with it.
- [Medicare scam calls: how to spot them](https://tapsafely.com/scams/medicare-scam-calls): Medicare says it will never call you to sell you anything or come to your home, and it only phones in limited cases, such as returning a call you made. The FTC adds that real Medicare will not call, text or email out of the blue to ask for your Medicare number or a payment, and Medicare cards are free.
- [DVLA scam texts: how to spot a fake](https://tapsafely.com/scams/dvla-scam-texts): DVLA says it never asks for bank or card details by text or email, and it never sends texts about vehicle tax refunds. Tax refunds are paid automatically, so a message with a refund link is a scam. Use GOV.UK for DVLA services, because copycat sites charge extra for things that are free or cheaper there.
- [TV Licensing scam emails: how to spot a fake](https://tapsafely.com/scams/tv-licensing-scam-emails): TV Licensing says it will never text you about a refund or ask for bank details by text, and it will not ask you to enter personal details on its website until you have signed in to your licence. Its genuine emails greet you only by name and/or part of your postcode, and come from addresses such as donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk.
- [ATO scam calls and texts: how to spot them](https://tapsafely.com/scams/ato-scam-calls-and-texts): The ATO says it will never send unsolicited texts or emails with links or QR codes, ask for personal identifying details by email or text, threaten arrest or cancel your TFN, or ask for payment by gift card, crypto or cash. It may contact you by phone, email, SMS, post or myGov, and its calls show as No Caller ID. If you are not sure, call the ATO on 1800 008 540.
- [CRA scam calls and texts: how to spot them](https://tapsafely.com/scams/cra-scam-calls-and-texts): The CRA says it will never send refunds by Interac e-Transfer or text, demand immediate payment by e-Transfer, crypto, prepaid cards or gift cards, or threaten to arrest or deport you. It only texts for sign-in verification codes if you enrolled with a phone, and its emails never contain links asking you to enter personal or financial information.
- [TikTok scams: how to spot them and stay safe](https://tapsafely.com/scams/tiktok-scams): TikTok says it will never contact you to ask for your password, verification codes or other sensitive personal details. Official messages arrive as in-app notifications or from email addresses ending in tiktok.com, and TikTok warns that messages paying you to like or follow videos are scams.
- [Telegram scams: how to spot them and stay safe](https://tapsafely.com/scams/telegram-scams): Telegram sends login codes only to the verified service notifications chat named Telegram in your chat list, and it says those codes should never be shared with anyone. It recommends turning on 2-Step Verification so a password is needed as well as a code, and it lets you flag scams with the Report button in any chat.
- [Steam scams: how to spot them and stay safe](https://tapsafely.com/scams/steam-scams): Steam keeps a list of known scams in its Support FAQ, including messages saying your account was reported and will be banned, fake tournaments, vote for my team links and offers to buy your items. It locks accounts that post links used for phishing or account theft, and real account help is handled through Steam Support at help.steampowered.com.

## Scams by country
- [Scams in the US](https://tapsafely.com/scams-in-the-us)
- [Scams in the UK](https://tapsafely.com/scams-in-the-uk)
- [Scams in Canada](https://tapsafely.com/scams-in-canada)
- [Scams in Australia](https://tapsafely.com/scams-in-australia)
- [Scams in Ireland](https://tapsafely.com/scams-in-ireland)
- [Scams in New Zealand](https://tapsafely.com/scams-in-new-zealand)
- [Scams in India](https://tapsafely.com/scams-in-india)
- [Scams in Singapore](https://tapsafely.com/scams-in-singapore)
- [Scams in South Africa](https://tapsafely.com/scams-in-south-africa)
- [Scams in Nigeria](https://tapsafely.com/scams-in-nigeria)
- [Scams in the Philippines](https://tapsafely.com/scams-in-the-philippines)
- [Scams in Cyprus](https://tapsafely.com/scams-in-cyprus)
- [Scams in Greece](https://tapsafely.com/scams-in-greece)
- [Scams in Italy](https://tapsafely.com/scams-in-italy)
- [Scams in Spain](https://tapsafely.com/scams-in-spain)
- [Scams in Germany](https://tapsafely.com/scams-in-germany)
- [Scams in France](https://tapsafely.com/scams-in-france)
- [Scams in the Netherlands](https://tapsafely.com/scams-in-the-netherlands)

## Other languages
- [Español](https://tapsafely.com/es/) · [Português](https://tapsafely.com/pt/) · [Français](https://tapsafely.com/fr/) · [Deutsch](https://tapsafely.com/de/) · [Italiano](https://tapsafely.com/it/) · [Ελληνικά](https://tapsafely.com/el/)

## Help
- [Spot the scam quiz](https://tapsafely.com/spot-the-scam)
- [Free scam checker widget for websites](https://tapsafely.com/widget)
- [Press kit](https://tapsafely.com/press)
- [Full text of every guide, brand alert, statistic and glossary term, for AI assistants](https://tapsafely.com/llms-full.txt)
- Markdown versions: request any page with `Accept: text/markdown`, or add /md in front of the path (for example https://tapsafely.com/md/scams/fake-delivery-texts.md)
- [Ask TapSafely](https://tapsafely.com/): AI chat assistant on every page for scam questions, in any language
- [What to do if you've been scammed](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed)
- [Family safe-word kit](https://tapsafely.com/family-safe-word)
- [About](https://tapsafely.com/about) · [Editorial policy](https://tapsafely.com/editorial-policy) · [Privacy](https://tapsafely.com/privacy)