Lesson: Using the Scam & Threat Detector
The Scam & Threat Detector is your free, instant way to check whether a link, message, or file is safe — before you click, reply, or open it.
How to use it:
- Copy the suspicious URL, message text, or file into the Detector
- Get an immediate read on whether it shows signs of phishing, malware, or a scam
- Not sure what to make of the result? Ask Support Chat to walk through it in plain language
Good things to check:
- A link in a text or email that feels off, urgent, or unexpected
- A message asking you to “verify,” “confirm,” or “act now”
- A file attachment from someone you weren’t expecting to hear from
- Anything that asks for a password, MFA code, or payment information
What the Detector can’t do:
- It gives you an opinion, not a guarantee. It’s a strong first read, not a forensic conclusion — when something is high-risk or you want certainty, that’s what Expert Scam Analysis is for.
- It won’t take action for you. If something is a real threat, you still need to avoid clicking, disconnect if needed, and change any exposed passwords — the Detector tells you what you’re dealing with, it doesn’t clean it up.
- It’s not a substitute for caution. Legitimate companies never ask for passwords, MFA codes, full card numbers, or PINs — no tool result changes that rule.
Want a deeper look?
For an expert to personally analyze a threat and advise your next steps — any format, including a URL, file, text, or even a voicemail — submit it through the Helpdesk Request Form for Expert Scam Analysis, a flat $15 per submission.
