Text X-Ray
Text X-Ray is a free scam text checker. Not sure about a text, WhatsApp message or email? Paste it below and we’ll highlight the warning signs, check any links in it and tell you what to do next. It all runs in your browser, so nothing is uploaded and links are never opened.
Try an example:
Private by design: your message is checked on your device. It isn’t uploaded, stored or shared, and links in it are never opened or visited.
How to use Text X-Ray
- Copy the message you’re unsure about. On a phone, press and hold the text bubble and choose Copy. Try not to tap any links while you do.
- Paste it into the box and press Check message. It works with texts, WhatsApp and Messenger messages, emails and social media DMs.
- Read the verdict (Looks OK, Be careful or Likely scam). Your message is shown with the warning signs highlighted, and each reason is explained underneath.
- Any links in the message get the same checks as our Link X-Ray tool. Press X-Ray this link to see the full breakdown. Links are never opened.
- Follow the What to do next steps. If it’s a scam, report it and delete it.
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The scams it looks for
Most UK scam messages follow a handful of scripts, and they all share the same goal: get you to tap a link, pay a small fee, hand over a code or send money before you’ve had time to think.
- Parcel and delivery fees: fake texts from Royal Mail, Evri, DPD, DHL or Yodel saying a parcel is held until you pay £1.45 or so. The fee is tiny because the real target is your card details.
- HMRC tax refunds and DVLA vehicle tax: “You’re due a tax refund” or “your vehicle tax has expired”. HMRC never tells you about refunds by text or email, and the DVLA doesn’t text about car tax.
- “Hi Mum” and new number scams: a message from an unknown number claiming to be your child who has broken their phone, followed quickly by a request to pay a bill. Always ring them on the number you already have.
- Bank fraud team impersonation: a message about an “unusual payment” asking you to reply with a code, call a number, or move money to a “safe account”. Your bank will never ask for a code or ask you to move money.
- Prize, reward and refund bait: “You’ve won”, “claim your reward”, “you’re eligible for compensation”. Real prizes don’t need your card details.
- Account warnings: Netflix, Amazon, PayPal or Apple saying your account is suspended until you “update your payment details”.
- Link tricks: “Reply Y, then reopen this message to activate the link” is a trick to get round the protection that blocks links from unknown senders.
How the verdict works
The checker looks for scam phrases (urgency, payment requests, requests for card details, codes or passwords, prize and refund bait, threats of fines), names of organisations scammers commonly copy, phone numbers, and links. It then weighs them up. A single strong sign, such as a fee request or a link that doesn’t belong to the company named in the message, is enough for Likely scam. A few weaker signs add up to Be careful.
Looks OK means we didn’t spot the usual signs, not that the message is definitely genuine. Scammers change their wording all the time. If a message asks for money or personal details, check with the sender using contact details you already trust.
How to report scam messages in the UK
- Texts: forward them to 7726. It’s free on all major UK networks, and it helps them block the sender.
- Emails: forward them to report@phishing.gov.uk.
- WhatsApp: open the chat, tap the contact’s name, then choose Block and Report.
- If you’ve lost money or shared bank details: call your bank on the number on your card, or dial 159. Then report it to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040 (in Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101).
Privacy
The checker runs entirely in your browser. Your message isn’t uploaded, logged or stored, and links in it are never opened, visited or expanded. Refresh the page and it’s gone. Even so, you may want to delete personal details like your name or address before pasting.
FAQ
Can it tell me for certain whether a message is a scam?
No tool can. The checker spots the patterns scammers commonly use, but a carefully written scam may not trigger any of them, and a genuine message can sometimes look suspicious. Use it as a second opinion.
Should I reply STOP to a scam text?
No. Replying, even with STOP, confirms your number is active. Forward it to 7726 and delete it.
The message has my name in it. Does that mean it’s real?
Not necessarily. Names, addresses and phone numbers leak in data breaches, so scammers often have them. Judge the message by what it’s asking you to do.
Related: Catpool home, Security, Link X-Ray, QR X-Ray, Photo X-Ray, Has My Password Been Leaked?.
