Is this SMS a scam?

This tool looks for patterns common in Indian scam messages. It can miss new tricks and can flag a genuine message, so treat the result as a second opinion, not proof.

Or tick what's true about it

If you'd rather not paste the message, answer these instead.

• I didn't expect it, and it came from a normal 10-digit mobile number or an unknown WhatsApp account.
• It says my account, KYC, SIM, electricity or gas will be blocked or cut today.
• It offers a pre-approved loan, "no CIBIL", "no documents", or money in minutes.
• It says I have won a prize, lottery, cashback or refund.
• It asks me to click a link, install an app, or download an .apk file.
• It asks for an OTP, PIN, password or card details, or asks me to scan a QR code to receive money.
• It offers a part-time job, "like and earn", or daily income from home.
• It claims to be from police, CBI, customs or a court and mentions arrest or a parcel.

The five rules that stop almost every SMS scam

1. Never share an OTPAn OTP is a signature. No bank, company or police officer will ever ask you for one.
2. You never scan a QR code to receive moneyScanning a QR and entering your PIN always sends money out of your account.
3. Don't install apps from linksOnly from the Play Store or App Store, and check the developer name first.
4. Urgency is the scam"Today", "within 2 hours", "last warning". Real organisations give you time and send letters.
5. Verify through your own routeCall the number on your card, passbook or the company's official website, never a number in the message.

Questions people ask

How do I know if an SMS is really from my bank?

Genuine bank and company SMS in India come from a registered header such as AX-HDFCBK or JD-SBIINB, not from a 10-digit mobile number. Even then, don't click links in unexpected messages. Open your bank's app or call the number printed on your card or passbook.

I clicked the link but didn't enter anything. Am I safe?

Usually yes, if you didn't install anything or type any details. If a file downloaded (especially an .apk), delete it. If you entered a PIN, password or OTP, call your bank to block the account or card and call 1930 immediately.

Where do I report a scam SMS or call?

Report it on the Chakshu section of sancharsaathi.gov.in, which helps get numbers blocked. If you lost money, call 1930 right away and file at cybercrime.gov.in.

The checker found no warning signs. Is the message safe?

Not necessarily. Scammers change their wording all the time. If you did not expect the message, don't click, don't call back numbers in it, and check with the company through its official app or website.