Is this text a scam?
Paste any suspicious SMS, iMessage, or WhatsApp text. Cautellus checks it for smishing patterns, fake delivery alerts, bank-impersonation, and pig-butchering openers in seconds.
Three steps. Instant verdict.
Copy the text
Long-press the message on your phone, tap Copy. Include the link if there is one — Cautellus checks domains against known phishing lists.
Paste into the scanner
Open Cautellus and paste the message into the text tab. No forwarding, no screenshots required — just the text.
Get a verdict
Cautellus analyzes the language, links, and patterns. You get a risk score and a plain-English explanation in seconds.
What it catches
Fake delivery notifications
"USPS package on hold — verify your address." Scammers impersonate USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL with lookalike URLs that harvest your card or login.
Toll-road past-due texts
"E-ZPass / SunPass: outstanding toll of $6.99." Toll authorities never text payment links — they mail printed notices.
Bank fraud alerts
"Chase: suspicious $497 charge — reply Y to confirm." Real banks tell you to log into the app, never reply with a code or click a link.
IRS & government impersonation
"IRS: failure to respond will result in arrest." The IRS does not text. Neither does the SSA, Medicare, or any U.S. court.
Verification-code hijack
A code you didn’t request shows up, then someone messages asking you to share it. Sharing it gives them access to your account.
Wrong-number opener
"Sarah, are we still on for golf?" The opener for a pig-butchering scam — chats turn friendly and end with a fake crypto investment pitch.
2FA SMS phishing
A text impersonating Apple, Google, or your bank asking you to confirm a sign-in. The link goes to a fake login page that captures both your password and 2FA code.
Lottery & sweepstakes
"You’ve won the Publishers Clearing House — pay $99 processing fee to claim." Real PCH never charges to receive a prize. Texts are always fake.
Real scam-text examples
USPS: Your package is on hold due to incorrect address. Please update within 24h to avoid return: usps-track.vip/verify
Lookalike domain (real USPS uses usps.com), urgency tactic, and USPS does not text delivery issues unless you’ve enrolled in Informed Delivery.
Chase Bank Alert: Unusual login from new device. If this wasn’t you, call 1-800-555-0118 immediately.
The phone number is not a real Chase number. Real bank alerts tell you to use the app or call the number on the back of your card — never a number in the message.
IRS Final Notice: Your refund of $1,247.00 is pending. Confirm your routing info here: irs-refund-portal.com/claim
The IRS does not text taxpayers. Ever. The domain (irs-refund-portal.com) is not irs.gov. Refunds are processed by the bank you already gave them.
Your Apple ID was used to sign in on a Windows PC. If this wasn’t you, secure your account: appleid-verify.help/login
Apple ID alerts come through the Apple ID notification center and email — not SMS. The domain is fake. The login page captures your Apple ID, password, and 2FA code.
Your texts stay private
We never connect to your phone or read your message history. You copy and paste only the text you want scanned.
The message is analyzed in real time and immediately discarded. We don’t log, store, or share what you scan.
Phone numbers in the message are hashed before any pattern check. We see scam patterns, not your contacts.
Questions
How do I check if a text is a scam?
Paste the full text — including any link — into Cautellus. The AI checks for known scam patterns, lookalike domains, urgency language, and current threat data. You get a verdict in seconds.
Are USPS package texts real?
Only if you signed up for Informed Delivery and the text is from the official short code. Anything with a "reschedule" or "verify address" link is a scam.
What if I already clicked a scam link?
If you only loaded the page, you’re likely fine — close the tab. If you entered a password, change it everywhere you used it. If you entered card info, contact your bank immediately.
How do I report a scam text?
Forward it to 7726 (SPAM) — your carrier uses these reports to block the scam network-wide. Also report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Is the scanner free?
Your first scan is free, no account needed. Unlimited scans require Cautellus Plus at $9.99/mo after a 7-day free trial that requires a card and auto-renews unless cancelled. Cancellation is self-serve.
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