--- title: "Scam text checker: is this text real? | TapSafely" url: https://tapsafely.com/scam-text-checker source: TapSafely description: "Got a strange text about a parcel, toll, bank or a new number? Paste it into our free scam text checker and see the warning signs in seconds." --- [Home](https://tapsafely.com/)/[Free tools](https://tapsafely.com/tools)/ Scam text checker Free scam text checker # Scam text checker: is this text message real? Paste the whole text, WhatsApp or chat message, including any link. We check it for known scam patterns, fake brand links and pressure tricks, then an AI review explains what we found in plain language. - **Delivery and toll texts:** fees, missed parcels and unpaid tolls - **Bank and account texts:** fake fraud alerts and locked accounts - **“Hi Mum” messages:** a family member on a new number - **Job and prize texts:** easy money, tasks and giveaways Free, no sign-up, in any language. We don't store what you check. [Open the free checker on this page](https://tapsafely.com/scam-text-checker) to check a message, link or screenshot. ## The scam texts going around most - **Parcel and redelivery fees.** "Your parcel is on hold, pay a small fee." [How fake delivery texts work](https://tapsafely.com/scams/fake-delivery-texts). - **Unpaid tolls and parking.** "Final notice: pay your toll today to avoid a fine." [How toll text scams work](https://tapsafely.com/scams/unpaid-toll-parking-texts). - **Bank fraud alerts.** "Did you make this payment? Reply NO or call us." [The safe account scam](https://tapsafely.com/scams/bank-safe-account-scam). - **New number from family.** "Hi Mum, I dropped my phone, this is my new number." [The Hi Mum scam](https://tapsafely.com/scams/hi-mum-new-number-scam). - **Codes you didn't ask for.** "I sent you a code by mistake, can you send it back?" [Verification code scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/verification-code-scams). - **Easy jobs.** "Earn from home by liking videos." [Task job scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/task-job-scams). ## How to check a text yourself 1. Don't reply, and don't tap any link or call any number in the message. 2. Ask: did I expect this? Real companies rarely text out of the blue asking for money or details. 3. Look for pressure: deadlines, threats, fines or "last chance" wording. 4. Check with the company directly using its app or a number you already trust. 5. For a family member on a "new number", call the old number or ask a question only they would know. ## What to do with a scam text - In the US and the UK, forward the text to **7726** (it spells SPAM) to warn your mobile network. - Use your phone's "Report junk" or "Block and report" option, then delete the message. - Report it to the official fraud service in your country. [See the worldwide list](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed#where-to-report). Tip: remove your own name, address and account numbers before pasting. We don't store what you check. ## Questions people ask Can you tell who sent a text? No tool can reliably trace a sender, and scammers often spoof numbers or use real people's hacked accounts. What we can do is show whether the message itself matches known scam patterns. Is it safe to reply STOP to a scam text? It's better not to. Replying tells scammers your number is active. Report the text as junk and delete it instead. Does it work for WhatsApp, Telegram and Instagram messages? Yes. Paste any chat message. If you can't copy it, take a screenshot and use the screenshot checker. Does it work in other languages? Yes. Paste messages in any language. The AI review understands most major languages. I already tapped the link. What now? If you only opened the page, close it. If you entered details, act now: call your bank using the number on your card, change any password you typed and turn on two-step verification. ### Already clicked or paid? Acting in the first hour matters. [What to do now](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed) ### Still unsure? Describe what happened and our AI assistant will help, in any language. Ask TapSafely ### Check by email Forward suspicious emails to **check@tapsafely.com**. [How it works](https://tapsafely.com/check-by-email) ## Related guides [Guide ### Fake delivery texts and customs-fee scams 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… Read guide](https://tapsafely.com/scams/fake-delivery-texts)[Guide ### “Unpaid toll” and parking-fine 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 tol… Read guide](https://tapsafely.com/scams/unpaid-toll-parking-texts)[Guide ### The “Hi Mum, this is my 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'… Read guide](https://tapsafely.com/scams/hi-mum-new-number-scam) ## More free tools [Free tool ### Link checker See who really owns a link, how old the site is and where it leads, before you open it. Open tool](https://tapsafely.com/link-checker)[Free tool ### Scam email checker Paste an email, or forward it to us, and see if it's phishing. Open tool](https://tapsafely.com/scam-email-checker)[Free tool ### Screenshot checker Upload a screenshot of an ad, post or chat you can't copy. Open tool](https://tapsafely.com/screenshot-scam-checker)[Free tool ### QR code checker Scan a QR code safely and see where it leads before anything opens. Open tool](https://tapsafely.com/qr-code-checker)