Is This a Scam? Paste or Describe the Message to Find Out — Free
Figures last verified against official sources in July 2026.
Quick Answer
If a message or caller created urgency to act now, demanded gift cards, wire, or crypto payment, threatened arrest or benefit suspension, or offered an unexpected prize, these are documented FTC and FBI red flags for fraud. No legitimate government agency or business contacts you this way. Do not pay. Hang up. Report to reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Seniors often get suspicious calls, texts, or emails designed to create panic and pressure fast action — the scammer's goal is to stop you from thinking clearly. We built this tool because you deserve a fast, private way to check whether what you just received matches known fraud patterns, without creating an account or sharing personal information anywhere.
- Seniors who just received a suspicious call, text, or email and aren't sure if it's real.
- Adults who were asked to pay by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency and want a second opinion.
- Caregivers helping an elderly parent evaluate a suspicious contact before they respond.
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How to Use This Tool — Step by Step
- Choose your input method. Select whether you want to paste the exact message text or answer guided yes/no questions about a phone call you received.
- Enter the details. Paste the suspicious text message or email, or answer each question honestly about what the caller said or demanded.
- Review the results. Check your risk level and carefully read through the specific red flags our system detected based on FTC and FBI patterns.
- Take action. Follow the calm action checklist provided, and select your state to get the correct official link to report the fraud to your Attorney General.
💡 Pro Tip
Scammers often use caller ID "spoofing" to make it look like they are calling from the real police department or a government agency. Never trust the caller ID — always hang up and dial the official number yourself.
Real-Life Examples — How This Works in Practice
Dorothy, 72 — Received an urgent phone call
Dorothy received a call from someone claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. The caller said her Social Security number had been suspended due to suspicious activity in Texas. They told her she needed to transfer her savings into a "secure government crypto wallet" immediately or face arrest. She used the "Describe a Call" tab.
Result: High Risk (4+ Flags). The tool detected threats of arrest, demands for crypto, false government affiliation, and extreme urgency.
Action Taken: Dorothy realized it was a scam, hung up immediately without sending money, and reported the incident to the FTC and her state's Attorney General.
Harold, 68 — Received a text message
Harold got a text message stating: "Congratulations! You won a $500 pharmacy gift card for being a loyal customer. Act now and pay just $25 shipping via Western Union to claim your prize." He pasted the message into the tool.
Result: High Risk. The tool matched red flags for "prize," "act now," and "Western Union."
Action Taken: Harold deleted the text, blocked the number, and did not send the $25 fee.
These are representative examples. Individual results vary. Always verify with official agencies before making decisions.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Trusting Caller ID
Many people assume a call is legitimate because their phone screen says "IRS," "Police," or a local number. Scammers easily fake caller ID. The fix is to hang up and call the organization back using a trusted number from a phone bill or official website. Check FTC guidelines on caller ID spoofing.
2. Staying on the line out of politeness or fear
Scammers tell victims that hanging up will lead to immediate arrest or total loss of funds. They do this to keep you isolated from family who might talk you out of it. The fix is to hang up the phone immediately—a legitimate organization will never arrest you for disconnecting a call.
3. Not reporting the scam because "nothing happened"
If you spot a scam and don't lose money, you might just delete the message and move on. The fix is to take two minutes to report the attempt. Reporting helps authorities track trends and shut down fraud rings, protecting others who might be more vulnerable. Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Official Government Sources Used in This Tool
| Source Name | What We Used It For | Direct Link |
|---|---|---|
| FTC Consumer Advice | Red-flag pattern categories and scam alert database | consumer.ftc.gov |
| FTC Report Fraud | Federal fraud reporting portal | reportfraud.ftc.gov |
| DOJ National Elder Fraud Hotline | Elder fraud response and support | ovc.ojp.gov |
| FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center | Cybercrime and impersonation fraud reporting | ic3.gov |
Seniors Audit is an independent educational platform. Not affiliated with any government agency, insurance company, or financial services firm. We do not receive payment for referrals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this scam decoder work?
This tool compares your text message or call description against a database of known red flags identified by the FTC and FBI. It checks for specific keywords, high-pressure tactics, and payment demands that legitimate organizations never use, providing an instant risk assessment and actionable next steps.
What are the most common red flags the FTC says to watch for?
The FTC warns that scammers typically use four main tactics: pretending to be from an organization you know (like the government), saying there is a problem or a prize, pressuring you to act immediately, and telling you to pay in a specific way like gift cards or wire transfers.
The caller said they were from Social Security. How do I know if it's real?
The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten your benefits, demand immediate payment, or ask for your Social Security number over the phone. If you receive a call like this, hang up immediately. You can verify your account status directly at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
What should I do if I already sent money to a scammer?
Act quickly. Contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report the fraud and try to stop the transaction. If you paid with a gift card, contact the company that issued the card. Then, report the scam to reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI's IC3 at ic3.gov.
Can scammers fake a real phone number on my caller ID?
Yes, this is called spoofing. Scammers use technology to make your caller ID show a legitimate organization's name or a local phone number to gain your trust. Never rely on caller ID to verify who is calling. Always hang up and call the organization directly using a trusted number.
What is the DOJ Elder Fraud Hotline and how do I reach them?
The Department of Justice National Elder Fraud Hotline is a free resource created for people age 60 and older who have experienced financial fraud. Case managers help you report the crime and find local support. You can reach them at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).
My grandchild called asking for emergency money. Is that a scam?
This is a common "grandparent scam." Scammers impersonate family members in fake emergencies, like an arrest or accident, and demand immediate payment via wire transfer or gift cards, often begging you not to tell anyone. Hang up and call your grandchild or other family members directly to verify.
How do I report a scam to my state attorney general?
Every state has a consumer protection office run by the Attorney General. You can file a complaint directly on their official website. Use the state selector in our tool above to find the direct, secure link to report fraud to your specific state's Attorney General office.
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About This Educational Estimate: This tool is for educational purposes only. Seniors Audit uses the official formulas published by the relevant government agency, but results are estimates based on the information you entered. Rules, rates, and eligibility thresholds change annually and vary by individual circumstance.
If you have Medicare questions, a free SHIP counselor in your state can review your specific situation at no cost — find yours at shiphelp.org.
Seniors Audit is independent and not affiliated with any government agency or insurance company. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any government agency, insurance company, or financial services firm. All calculations use the official formulas and current figures published by the agencies listed above. We do not receive payment for referrals, leads, or any action taken by visitors to this site.