Paste a suspicious text or email into AI before you click anything
Delivery, toll, bank and refund texts are common phishing tricks. AI can point out red flags and tell you how to check the real company.
1. Copy this prompt
Paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Grok (the free versions work), then replace the [highlighted brackets] with your details. Leave out account numbers and SSNs.
I received this [text / email] from [SENDER NUMBER OR ADDRESS]: "[PASTE MESSAGE, WITHOUT CLICKING ANY LINK]". The link text shows: [PASTE LINK TEXT, DON'T OPEN IT]. 1) List any scam red flags (sender, urgency, link domain, requests for information). 2) Tell me how to check with the real company without using anything in the message. 3) Tell me what to do right now if I already clicked or entered details.
2. Follow these steps
(stored only in your browser; uncheck to erase)
What to expect, and what to do if they say no
What happened when people tried it
Reported ChatGPT pointed out the message came from a Philippine phone number rather than the post office and flagged it as a scam; the poster says this kept them from falling for it.
What the AI did: A Reddit user received a delivery text asking them to verify a postcode and personal details within 24 hours and asked ChatGPT about it.
Source: Reddit r/ChatGPT · 2025 · Self-reported; not independently verified
Why this works
The problem: Phishing messages copy real brands and create urgency, and one click can expose card details or passwords.
How AI helps: AI can analyze the wording, sender and link (without you clicking it), list red flags, and tell you how to verify through official channels.
Tools & what they cost
| Tool | Cost |
|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Free option available (Paid upgrades exist, but the free version works for this) Free tier; paid plans available |
| Claude | Free option available (Paid upgrades exist, but the free version works for this) Free tier; paid plans available |
| FTC: Report fraud | Free (No cost at all) Free |
| FTC: How to recognize and avoid phishing scams | Free (No cost at all) Free |
What do these labels mean?
- Free No cost at all.
- Free option available Paid upgrades exist, but the free version works for this.
- Costs money You pay a set price or subscription.
- Takes a cut of savings Charges a percentage of what it saves you.
- Time · Difficulty Our estimates for a typical first try, not guarantees.
- Reported What the linked source says happened, often self-reported. Your results will vary.
Watch out for
- Chatbots can be wrong in both directions; when in doubt, verify with the company directly.
- Never paste passwords, full card numbers or one-time codes into a chatbot.
Was this helpful?
Tried it? Tell us what happened, good or bad. We read every reply and may share success stories (only with your OK).
Sources
- https://www.reddit.com/r/ChatGPT/comments/1ledld1/chatgpt_just_saved_me_from_a_scammer/
- https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-avoid-phishing-scams
- https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages
Last verified 2026-10-19. Not financial, legal, tax or medical advice. Disclaimer.