---
title: "Spot the scam quiz: can you tell a fake? | TapSafely"
url: https://tapsafely.com/spot-the-scam
source: TapSafely
description: "Ten real-world style messages. Can you tell which are scams? Take the free two-minute quiz, learn the warning signs and challenge your family."
---

[Home](https://tapsafely.com/)/ Spot the scam quiz

Quiz

# Spot the scam: can you tell a fake from the real thing?

Ten real-world style messages. Decide which are scams, then share your score and challenge your family. Takes two minutes.

1. Message 1 of 10 · SMS

   +1 (555) 010-0199

   USPS: Your package is on hold due to an incomplete address. Update your details within 24 hours: usps-redelivery[.]top/update

   ScamLooks genuine

   Scam. USPS says it doesn't text links unless you asked for tracking, and the web address isn't usps.com. [Learn more: usps-scam-texts](https://tapsafely.com/scams/usps-scam-texts)
2. Message 2 of 10 · SMS

   YourBank

   Your verification code is 482913. Don't share this code with anyone. We will never call you to ask for it.

   ScamLooks genuine

   Probably genuine, if you just asked for a code. It has no link and tells you not to share it. The scam starts when someone calls and asks you to read it out. [Learn more: Verification-code and account-takeover scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/verification-code-scams)
3. Message 3 of 10 · WhatsApp

   Unknown number

   Hi Dad, it's me, I dropped my phone so this is my new number. Can you pay a bill for me today? I'll pay you back tomorrow x

   ScamLooks genuine

   Scam. A new number, a reason not to call, and an urgent payment are the three signs of the Hi Mum / Hi Dad scam. Call your child on their old number. [Learn more: The “Hi Mum, this is my new number” scam](https://tapsafely.com/scams/hi-mum-new-number-scam)
4. Message 4 of 10 · Phone call

   Caller ID: your bank

   This is the fraud team. Your account is compromised. To protect your money, move it to a safe account we'll give you right now.

   ScamLooks genuine

   Scam. No real bank asks you to move money to a safe account, and caller ID can be faked. Hang up and call the number on your card. [Learn more: Bank impersonation and “safe account” scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/bank-safe-account-scam)
5. Message 5 of 10 · Sponsored video

   Famous presenter

   I turned 250 euros into 8,000 a month with this AI trading platform. The banks tried to stop me. Places close at midnight.

   ScamLooks genuine

   Scam. Celebrity deepfake ads, guaranteed returns and a deadline are classic investment scam signs. [Learn more: Crypto and investment scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/crypto-investment-scams)
6. Message 6 of 10 · SMS

   GP surgery

   Reminder: your appointment is on Tuesday at 10:20 with Dr Patel. Reply C to cancel. Please don't reply with any other information.

   ScamLooks genuine

   Probably genuine. It gives you information you'd expect, asks for no money or details and has no link. If unsure, call the surgery on its usual number.
7. Message 7 of 10 · Telegram

   Recruiter Anna

   Earn $300 a day liking videos from home. Pay a small deposit to unlock premium tasks and withdraw your commission.

   ScamLooks genuine

   Scam. Real jobs never ask you to pay to get paid. This is a task-based job scam. [Learn more: Task-based job scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/task-job-scams)
8. Message 8 of 10 · SMS

   +44 7700 900456

   Unpaid toll: $4.15 is due. Pay today to avoid a $50 late fee: ezpass-tolls[.]com/pay

   ScamLooks genuine

   Scam. Toll agencies don't text random numbers with payment links. Check your account on the official toll website you normally use. [Learn more: e-zpass-toll-scam-texts](https://tapsafely.com/scams/e-zpass-toll-scam-texts)
9. Message 9 of 10 · Email

   IT Support <it-helpdesk@company-portal[.]help>

   Your password expires today. Click here to keep your current password: portal-login[.]help/office

   ScamLooks genuine

   Scam. The sender's domain isn't your company's, and "keep your password" links are a common way to steal work logins. [Learn more: Phishing links and fake login pages](https://tapsafely.com/scams/phishing-links)
10. Message 10 of 10 · App notification

    Your food delivery app

    Your order is on its way. Track your rider in the app.

    ScamLooks genuine

    Probably genuine if you just ordered. It asks for nothing and sends you to the app you already use, not to a link.

## Your score

Challenge a friend[Check a real message](https://tapsafely.com/#check)

## The five signs that give most scams away

1. **Urgency:** a deadline, a threat or a last chance.
2. **A link or number you didn't look up yourself.**
3. **A request for money, a code, a password or card details.**
4. **A reason you can't check:** a new number, a broken microphone, "don't tell anyone".
5. **Unusual payment:** gift cards, crypto, a "safe account" or a stranger's bank account.

Not sure about a message you've received? [Check it free](https://tapsafely.com/#check).

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