Question 1

"Your parcel is held, pay customs fees" — is it a scam?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in the vast majority of cases. Real carriers never ask for fees by text message with a link. Track your parcel only on the carrier's official website, by typing the address yourself.

Question 2

"Your health card is expiring" or "you are owed a refund" from a health service?

Accepted Answer

It's a scam. Public health services never text links asking for your bank details. Check only on the official website or app, and beware of addresses imitating the service on a different domain.

Question 3

"Unpaid fine" or "unpaid toll" by text — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Don't click. A real fine can be checked on the official government website only. Government agencies don't use look-alike domains: a site imitating an official name on a .com or .top address is fraudulent by construction, however credible it looks.

Question 4

"New device detected", "transaction in progress", "call this number immediately" — is it really my bank?

Accepted Answer

No. This is a fake bank alert: the message pushes you to call a number run by the scammer, who will pose as your bank adviser. Banks never send sign-in links by text and never ask for credentials. If in doubt, call the number on the back of your bank card — never the one in the message.

Question 5

A relative messages me from a "new number" asking for help?

Accepted Answer

This is the classic family-impersonation scam. Send no money and no code. Call your relative on their old number, or check with another family member — always before acting, never after.

Question 6

The message asks me to install an app or a "security update"?

Accepted Answer

Always refuse. A legitimate app is only downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. A file installed from a texted link can spy on your phone and intercept your banking codes.

Question 7

Why do they ask me to continue on WhatsApp or Telegram?

Accepted Answer

Switching channels is a red flag: it lets the scammer display a credible photo and escape carrier filtering. A serious organization never asks you to leave its official channel.

Question 8

How do I read a link's address before clicking?

Accepted Answer

The real domain sits just before the extension (.com, .net…) and the first "/" — not at the start of the address. Unusual extensions (.biz, .top, .link), official-looking names on the wrong domain, and shortened links (bit.ly, is.gd) should stop you cold.

Question 9

I clicked, replied or paid. What should I do, in what order?

Accepted Answer

1) Contact your bank immediately and freeze your card if you entered banking details. 2) Change your passwords from another device. 3) Report the scam: forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) in the US and UK, file at reportfraud.ftc.gov or ic3.gov (US), Action Fraud (UK) or ReportCyber (Australia). 4) Get support — being caught out is nothing to be ashamed of.

Question 10

How can I check a message I'm unsure about?

Accepted Answer

Paste it into our free analyzer: it examines the text, the links and the scenario, then tells you within seconds whether it matches known scam patterns. No sign-up, your message is not stored.

Scam FAQ: clear answers to the most common scenarios

A message that isn't covered here?