WhatIsReal — Free Scam Detection for Texts, Emails, and Links

Forward any suspicious text message, email, or link to WhatIsReal and get an instant, AI-powered scam analysis. Our multi-layer engine checks for spoofed sender domains, suspicious URLs, urgency language, impersonation of banks or government agencies, and other red flags — so you always know what's real before you click, reply, or share personal information.

WhatIsReal is designed for everyone, especially seniors and people who aren't confident with digital threats. AI-generated phishing texts and spoofed emails now look nearly indistinguishable from real messages from your bank, the IRS, the DMV, or a delivery service. The FTC reported $12.5 billion lost to fraud in 2024, and AI-driven scams are accelerating that number. WhatIsReal gives you a simple, one-message way to check anything suspicious — no tech skills required.

What you can check

• Try the free scam checker — paste any suspicious text, email, or link for an instant analysis.
• Check a phone number — look up callers that have been reported for robocalls, spoofing, or scam activity.
• Search the FTC complaint database — run lookups across millions of consumer-filed fraud and Do-Not-Call reports.
• View the Fraud Alert Map — see where phone scams and robocalls are happening across the United States, updated daily.
• Data broker directory — find and opt out of 600+ people-search sites selling your personal information.
• Report fraud to the FTC — file a guided three-step complaint directly through WhatIsReal.
• Learning center — expert guides on phishing, smishing, spoofing, and everyday online fraud prevention.
• Real Suspicious — community-sourced feed of recent scam reports submitted by WhatIsReal users.

How it works

1. Forward a suspicious text, email, or link — via SMS, email, or our web tool.
2. Our engine scores the message on a 0–100 scale across sender identity, language, links, and domain reputation.
3. You get back a clear verdict — Likely Safe, Suspicious, or Likely Scam — plus plain-language reasons and safe next steps.

Plans and support

WhatIsReal offers a Free plan with one scam check per week via SMS, a Standard plan with unlimited checks across text, email, and phone lookups, and a Premium plan that adds .eml file uploads and enhanced analysis. Every new account starts with a free seven-day Premium trial.

Have a question? Read the FAQ, browse the Learning Center, or contact our team. For legal and privacy details, see our Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Refund Policy. WhatIsReal is a solution of Released Solutions LLC.