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How to Check a Suspicious SMS Before You Click

A simple first check for strange SMS, email and popup messages.

Suspicious SMSBest for: any text message that feels urgent, strange or unexpected.Use the checker first, then match the closest guide.
Open free scam checkerAlready clicked? Get help
Phone showing a suspicious SMS message with Your IT and Tech Mates scam checker warning signs
Quick answer

Do not click first. Look for urgency, links, payment requests and requests for codes. Use the checker before replying, paying or installing anything.

30 second decision

Should I click, reply or pay?

No

Do not click links, reply with private details, pay money or install software from this message.

Check

Use the checker first, then match the closest guide.

Help

If someone already clicked, paid, entered details or installed remote access, start Quick Help.

Check this message now

Example message

“Your parcel has a fee. Pay now to avoid return: bit.ly/xyz”

This is a general example only. Do not paste passwords, codes, banking details, card numbers, Medicare details, licence numbers or confidential business records into any public tool.

Warning signs

  • Unknown or shortened links
  • Urgent wording like final notice or act now
  • Payment, password or code requests
  • Sender does not match the real company

What to do now

  • Do not click the link yet
  • Open the official app or website yourself
  • Paste only the suspicious wording into the checker
  • Ask for help if you already clicked
Free tool

Check the message before you act

Paste the suspicious wording into the free Scam SMS & Email Checker. It gives general guidance only and cannot guarantee accuracy.

Open free scam checker
Why this helps

Built for real users, not security experts.

This short guide is written for family members, seniors, students, workmates and small business owners who need a plain-English answer quickly. It links to the free checker for a risk score and to Quick Help for serious cases.

Plain-English warning signsSafe next stepPrivacy-safe sharingLocal help path

Related Scam Safety Shorts

Hi Mum New Number Scam →Parcel Delivery Scam SMS →Toll Road Scam SMS Australia →
Is this guide a guarantee?

No. It is general guidance only. Always verify through official channels and get help quickly if you clicked, paid, entered details or installed remote access software.