Is This Text a Scam? Check It in 2 Minutes With Free AI

The quick answer

Don't tap the link or reply. Copy the message (or take a screenshot), then paste it into a free scam checker such as Bitdefender Scamio, Norton Genie, or a general AI like ChatGPT, and ask, "Is this a scam, and what should I do?" If you're still unsure, contact the company yourself using the number on your card, bill or official app.

The warning signs to look for

Most scam texts follow the same playbook. They want you to act fast, before you have time to think:

Urgency or fear: "Your account is locked," "final notice," "package on hold."
A link or number to contact: real companies rarely ask you to tap a link to "verify" anything.
Odd payment requests: gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps.
Asking for a code: no real bank, government or delivery company will ask you to share a one-time code.
"Hi Mum/Mom, this is my new number": a classic. Call the person on the number you already have.

Three free AI tools that can check it for you

Bitdefender Scamio

scamio.bitdefender.com · web, WhatsApp, Messenger

A free chatbot built only to spot scams. Paste a message, link or screenshot and it explains what it sees. You'll create a free Bitdefender account the first time.

Best for: people who'd rather "text" a helper.

Norton Genie

Search "Norton Genie" · web and iPhone app

Norton's free scam detector. Upload a screenshot and get a verdict plus next steps. It reads English messages, and can check links in any language.

Best for: the screenshot-and-go approach.

ChatGPT

chatgpt.com · web, iPhone, Android

Not a dedicated scam tool, but great at explaining why something looks wrong, and you can ask follow-up questions. Grok, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot work the same way.

Best for: learning the signs so you spot the next one yourself.

How to check a message in 2 minutes

Don't tap the link and don't reply, not even "STOP."
Press and hold the message and choose Copy, or take a screenshot.
Cross out anything personal first, like your name, account number or address.
Open Scamio, Genie or ChatGPT, then paste or upload it with the prompt below.
If it looks like a scam, delete it and block the number. Many phones also let you report it as junk.
Still unsure? Contact the company directly using the number on your card, bill or official app. Never use the number in the text.

Try this prompt (copy and paste)

Copy-and-paste prompt

I got this message and I'm not sure if it's a scam. Here it is: "[paste the message, with personal details removed]". It came from [the number or sender]. Please tell me: (1) does this look like a scam, (2) which warning signs you see, and (3) exactly what I should do next. Explain it simply.

AI is a second opinion, not the final word. It can miss a clever scam or flag a real message by mistake. When money or your accounts are involved, always check directly with the company or your bank. If you've already shared details or paid, contact your bank right away and report it to your country's fraud authority.

Common questions

Can AI really tell if a text is a scam?

AI tools are good at spotting common warning signs like urgency, strange links and payment requests, and explaining them in plain English. They aren't perfect, so treat the answer as a second opinion and verify with the company directly.

Is it safe to paste a scam text into ChatGPT?

Yes, as long as you remove personal details like your name, account numbers and codes first. Never tap the link in the message itself.

What should I do if I already tapped the link?

Don't enter any information. Close the page, and if you typed a password, change it from the official app or website. If you shared bank details or paid, call your bank immediately.

Sources

Facts about tools, plans and safety on this page come from these official pages. Free plans change often; we last checked them on October 17, 2026.

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