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How to Spot a Scam Text Message (and Ask AI to Check It)

Scam texts are getting more polished, and some are now written with AI, so spelling mistakes are no longer a reliable clue. The good news is that the warning signs that matter have not changed. Here is how to check any message in a minute.

Step by step

  1. Look for urgency. Your account is locked, a package is stuck, pay in 24 hours. Real companies rarely threaten you by text.
  2. Look for a request to act. Click this link, call this number, reply with a code. Any of these from an unexpected message is a red flag.
  3. Do not tap the link. Instead, open the company's app or type its website yourself. Look for the same message there.
  4. Paste it into an AI for a second opinion. Remove names and account numbers, paste the text and ask if it looks like a scam and why.
  5. Delete and report. Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) and delete them. Block the number.

A prompt you can copy

Type this into ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini

Here is a text I got. Is it likely a scam? Explain the warning signs in plain words and tell me what to do next. [paste the text, without any personal numbers]

Good to know. AI can help you think, but it cannot see the sender. When in doubt, contact the company using a number you already trust.

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Common questions

Can AI tell for sure whether a text is a scam?

No, but it is good at pointing out common warning signs. Treat its answer as a second opinion.

What if I already tapped the link?

Do not enter anything. Close the page. If you typed a password, change it at once and call your bank if money was involved.

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