QUICK CHECK
Is this a scam?
Use this checklist to evaluate whether something you've encountered is likely a scam. No sign-up required.
If you are in immediate danger or have already lost money: Stop all contact with the suspected scammer. Do not send more money. Contact your bank and local police immediately.
Step 1: Check the contact method
How did this person or organisation first reach you?
Warning signal: They contacted you first — unsolicited call, message, email, or social media DM
Warning signal: The contact came from a number, email, or account you don't recognise
Strong warning: They claim to be from a bank, government agency, or well-known company but contacted you out of the blue
Step 2: Check what they're asking for
What is the person or organisation asking you to do?
Strong warning: They're asking for money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a bank transfer
Strong warning: They want your passwords, PIN, or full bank account details
Warning signal: They're asking you to install software or give remote access to your device
Warning signal: They want you to keep the contact secret from family or friends
Step 3: Check the pressure and urgency
How are they communicating with you?
Strong warning: They say you must act immediately or something bad will happen
Strong warning: They threaten legal action, arrest, or account closure if you don't comply
Warning signal: The offer seems too good to be true — unusually high returns, prizes, or windfalls
Step 4: Check what you can verify
Can you independently confirm who you're dealing with?
Warning signal: The website URL is slightly different from the real company (e.g. "paypa1.com" instead of "paypal.com")
Warning signal: The email address uses a free provider (Gmail, Hotmail) for what claims to be a business
Strong warning: When you search for the company or person online, you find scam reports or nothing at all
If you ticked more than one warning signal
The more signals that apply, the higher the risk. If you ticked any "Strong warning" item, treat it as a scam until proven otherwise.
What to do right now:
- Stop all contact with the suspected scammer
- Do not send any money or information
- Tell someone you trust what happened
- Contact your bank if money or account details were involved
- Report it to your national fraud authority
Where to report scams
United Kingdom: Action Fraud — 0300 123 2040
United States: FTC ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Denmark: Politi.dk — 114 (non-emergency)
Australia: Scamwatch.gov.au
European Union: Contact your national police service or Europol