Paste a suspicious SMS, email, or chat message, a URL you're unsure about, or a screenshot of one, and AI will assess the likelihood it's a scam. Any language is supported.
Please do not enter any personal or confidential information.
This is AI-generated guidance, not a guarantee. If you're still unsure, contact your local police or a consumer protection hotline.
OpenAI has disabled ChatGPT accounts linked to a criminal organization in Poipet, Cambodia, that used the chatbot to execute large-scale cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes. The fraudsters exploited AI to create fake identities, fabricate documents, and generate deceptive marketing materials for false trading platforms. The investigation also revealed evidence of forced labor, highlighting how AI and cryptocurrency enable sophisticated organized crime operations.
Minnesota implemented a ban on cryptocurrency kiosks starting August 1st, making it one of the first states in the nation to prohibit these machines used by scammers to steal nearly $1 million from residents. The law requires all kiosks to be physically removed by December 31st, while regulated online platforms remain legal. Victims' testimonies played a crucial role in passing this legislation.
An elderly resident in Nanjing, China nearly fell victim to an investment fraud scheme using a fake financial app promising unrealistic returns. Police officers intervened with the victim and explained how the scam operates, successfully protecting his 20,000 yuan savings from being lost.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Oceanside, British Columbia, are investigating a fraud case where an elderly couple transferred approximately $600,000 to a cryptocurrency fund found online, allegedly endorsed by a prominent national politician. Police are urging residents to use only trusted advisors and financial institutions for investments.
A university study reveals that AI chatbots are significantly more effective than human scammers at persuading victims in romance fraud schemes. An AI agent successfully convinced 46% of participants to install an app, compared to just 18% for a human scammer, raising serious concerns about AI-assisted fraud.
Police in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, reported a significant increase in online fraud and illegal investment scheme complaints in recent years. Cases rose from 122 in 2022 to 347 in 2025, with schemes like AMG Pantheon using Ponzi-style operations. Authorities are urging residents to be cautious of unrealistic investment returns and report suspicious activities.
Myanmar's military leader has highlighted how scam gangs operating in the country are exploiting Starlink satellite internet to conduct romance and investment fraud against victims worldwide. The fraudulent industry operates on a multi-billion dollar annual scale, with reports of forced labor among foreign nationals at scam centers.
Argentina's Commercial Appeals Court ruled on shared responsibility in a phishing fraud case where a customer lost approximately 2.2 million pesos after fraudsters gained remote access to his phone. The court found both the bank's inadequate monitoring systems and the customer's negligence in downloading unauthorized remote access software contributed to the fraud, assigning 80% liability to the bank and 20% to the customer.
Malwarebytes has upgraded its Scam Guard fraud detection feature to combat increasingly sophisticated scams. A survey reveals that 25% of victims experienced harassment or extortion, 20% had personal information exposed, and 15% lost money. Phone and SMS phishing attacks are among the most common fraud types, yet many smartphone users mistakenly believe built-in security is sufficient protection.
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime reported that cybercrime networks in Southeast Asia caused losses between $88-114 billion in 2025, primarily through cryptocurrency fraud. Criminal gangs are increasingly using AI, Telegram, and specialized blockchain platforms to conduct sophisticated scams on a global scale. Recent mass arrests across the Philippines, Malaysia, and South Korea have resulted in the detention of hundreds of suspects.
Fraudulent emails impersonating Germany's ELSTER electronic tax declaration portal are being used to steal personal information. The scammers trick recipients into downloading malicious PDF files by using official-looking language and false deadlines. Consumer protection agencies warn of telltale signs that can help identify these phishing attempts.
A Check Point Software report reveals that major tech brands were the most exploited in phishing attacks during Q2 2026, with Microsoft (22.6%), LinkedIn (11.6%), and Google (6.7%) leading the list. Criminals abuse user trust in well-known companies to steal credentials and financial data through fake emails and cloned websites. ChatGPT appeared for the first time in the top targets, indicating AI services are becoming new phishing vectors.
Advanced telephone scams using AI-generated voices have surged dramatically in Italy, with over 27,000 fraudulent cases reported annually. Criminals extract voice samples in just three seconds to clone voices and impersonate relatives or colleagues, demanding urgent wire transfers. The fraud techniques have evolved to include deepfake video calls and SIM swapping attacks.
A sophisticated AI-powered voice fraud attempt targeting an elderly couple in northern Italy used synthesized audio impersonating a family friend's voice to create a fake medical emergency. The scammers possessed personal details about the impersonated friend but were exposed when they referenced a non-existent hospital, failing to extract the demanded funds for fabricated medical expenses.
Taipei police arrested a money mule involved in a romance scam that defrauded a victim of over NT$5 million. The victim met an unknown woman on social media in September of the previous year and was lured into fraudulent investment schemes through romantic trust-building. The suspect has been transferred to prosecutors for charges of fraud and money laundering.
A 76-year-old woman in Italy became a victim of fraud when a scammer impersonated a Carabinieri colonel. Using false authority, the perpetrator gained the victim's trust and stole gold and watches. This impersonation-based scam specifically targets elderly individuals.
An elderly couple in Bayreuth, Germany, fell victim to a phone scam and lost €330,000. Scammers falsely claimed the couple's daughter was seriously ill and needed expensive foreign medications, persuading them to hand over the money. Police are seeking witnesses to the handover.
Scammers are using AI-generated deepfake videos to pose as wealthy individuals or celebrities on dating apps, building emotional connections before requesting money. A Filipino woman lost her entire year's savings to such a scam, and experts warn that this technology will become increasingly sophisticated.
Indonesia faces a surge in AI-powered voice fraud that exploits the rapid expansion of digital payment systems. Criminals use voice cloning and deepfake technology to impersonate family members and colleagues, deceiving victims into sending money immediately. More than 70,000 AI-based fraud reports were recorded from January to July 2025 alone, highlighting how fraud tactics are evolving faster than regulatory responses.
AI-powered voice cloning fraud is surging in Indonesia, with deepfake attacks involving facial and voice forgery increasing by 1,400% between 2024 and 2025. Scammers extract voice recordings from social media to impersonate family members or relatives, posing as people in emergency situations to commit financial fraud. Authorities warn citizens to verify unexpected calls through official contacts and never share OTP codes or banking information.
