Home / Free tools / Scam text checker
FREE TOOL / SCAM TEXT CHECKER
Is this text
a scam?
Paste the message. We'll point out the red flags scammers use in New York, like fake E-ZPass tolls, DMV tickets, Con Ed shutoffs, package holds, and bank alerts, and tell you exactly what to do. It runs on your device. Nothing you paste is sent anywhere.
- Free, no sign-up
- Private: never leaves your browser
- Written by NYC techs
NEW YORK / THE SCAM TEXTS WE SEE EVERY WEEK
The six scams hitting NYC phones.
E-ZPass and toll texts
“Unpaid toll of $4.15, pay now to avoid a $50 fee.” Real E-ZPass New York texts come only from short code 39769. Anything else is fake.
SCAM / 02DMV and parking tickets
“Your license will be suspended” or “unpaid parking violation” with a link. The DMV and NYC Finance don't text you payment links.
SCAM / 03Con Ed and PSEG shutoffs
“Your power will be shut off in 30 minutes.” Utilities never take gift cards, Zelle, Venmo, or crypto, and they don't threaten same-hour shutoffs by text.
SCAM / 04Package and USPS texts
“Your package is on hold, the address is incomplete.” USPS doesn't text links unless you signed up with a tracking number.
SCAM / 05Bank and Zelle alerts
“Did you send $950? Reply NO.” Then a fake “fraud department” calls and talks you into sending money to “protect” it. Your bank never asks you to move money.
SCAM / 06Fake virus warnings
A pop-up or text says your computer is infected and to call “Microsoft” or “Apple.” Real companies don't do that. Close it and call us instead.
The four red flags in almost every scam text
1. A link you didn't ask for. Real companies are happy for you to open their app or type their website yourself. Scammers need you to tap their link, because their link is the trap.
2. Pressure to act right now. “Final notice,” “within 24 hours,” “your account will be closed.” Urgency is there so you don't stop and check.
3. Payment that can't be reversed. Gift cards, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, crypto, and wire transfers. No utility, government office, or bank asks for these.
4. A request for a code or password. The six-digit code your bank texts you is the key to your account. Nobody legitimate will ever ask you to read it back.
Already tapped the link? Do this now.
- Typed a card number? Call the number on the back of the card and ask for a new one.
- Typed a password? Change it from a different device, then turn on two-step login.
- Read back a code? Call your bank immediately. That code may have let someone in.
- Downloaded something? Don't open it. Have a technician check the device.
FAQ / SCAM TEXTS
Scam text questions, answered.
How can I tell if a text message is a scam?
Look for four things: a link you didn't ask for, pressure to act right now, a request for payment by gift card, Zelle, crypto, or wire, and a request for a code or password. A real company will let you log in on its own website or app instead. When in doubt, don't tap the link; open the company's app or type its website yourself.
How do I know if an E-ZPass text is real?
Real E-ZPass New York texts come only from the short code 39769, start with EZPNY, and only link to e-zpassny.com or tollsbymailny.com. A toll text from a 10-digit number, an email address, or an international number is fake, especially if it asks you to reply Y.
I clicked a link in a scam text. What should I do?
Don't enter anything else. If you typed a card number, call the number on the back of the card and ask for a new one. If you typed a password, change it from a different device and turn on two-step login. If you typed a one-time code, call your bank right away. If you downloaded something, have a technician check the phone or computer. ITGoNYC can lock your accounts down the same day: call 347-549-9059.
Is this scam checker private?
Yes. The check runs entirely in your browser. The text you paste is never sent to ITGoNYC or anyone else, and it isn't saved.
Can the checker be wrong?
Yes. It looks for the patterns that almost every scam text uses, so a clever scam can slip through and an unusual real message can look suspicious. Treat it as a second opinion. If money or an account is involved, check with the company directly using its app or a number you already trust.
Can you help my parents avoid scam texts and calls?
Yes. Our senior tech help visits set up call and text filtering, a family code word, alerts on bank accounts, and two-step login, then show your parent the two or three things to watch for. Visits are $129 an hour, or $99 an hour on the $39 a month HomeBase plan.
DISPATCH / OPEN 7 DAYS
Protect a parent from the next one.
Call filtering, a family code word, and accounts that can't be drained. Senior tech help visits across NYC and Long Island.
347-549-9059Or email support@itgonyc.com