Copycat Watchby Headed In

Is this a scam?

Paste the text, email, link or phone number that worries you. You'll see the scam signs in it, in plain words, and what to do next.

What you paste never leaves your phone. The check runs right here on this page. We don't see it or save it, and there's no sign-up.

En español · Nurse or NCLEX test-taker? · Job offer or recruiter? Try Job Check

Got a screenshot? Type the main lines and the link exactly as you see them. Don't tap the link to copy it: press and hold, then Copy.

Before you do anything
  • Don't tap links, call numbers or reply inside the message.
  • Check by going around it. Call the company or person on a number you already have: the back of your card, a bill, your contacts. Or type the real website yourself.
  • Never give out a code sent to your phone or a password, to anyone, and never give your card or Social Security number to someone who contacted you first. A real company doesn't text or call out of the blue asking for them. If you're unsure, hang up and call the number on your card or the company's own site. Copycat Watch never asks for any of it.

Already sent money or gave out a number? Call your bank now with the number on your card. Then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and, for money lost online, ic3.gov. If it was your Social Security number or someone opened credit in your name, go to IdentityTheft.gov.

Report the message so it reaches fewer people
  • A scam text: forward it to 7726 (it spells SPAM), then delete it. Works on every big U.S. carrier.
  • A scam email: forward it to reportphishing@apwg.org. Also use your email's own "Report phishing" or "Report junk" button.
  • Pretending to be a company: most have a report address on their own site. Type the site yourself to find it.
  • Any scam: ReportFraud.ftc.gov. It helps the FTC spot new ones.

Want to talk it through with a person? The free AARP Fraud Watch Helpline is 877-908-3360, for anyone, any age.

Someone posing as a person you know?

A "new number" text from a friend, a coach or a therapist asking for money, or a second account with their photo: call them on the number you already have before you send anything. If they have an "Is this really me?" page, it lists their only real accounts.

Someone posing as you, or copying your posts? Do the free 10-minute self-check, or let Copycat Watch watch five apps for your face, your name and look-alike handles and fill in the takedowns for you. We never ask for your ID or passwords.

Nurse, or waiting on the NCLEX?

A nurse's name and license number are on public lookups, so these calls can sound real. The three we see most:

  • "Your license is under investigation." Someone says they're the board of nursing, the DEA or the police, your license is tied to a crime, and you have to pay a "bond" or fine today. Hang up. Look your license up yourself on Nursys.com or your state board's own site. The DEA says its agents never call to demand money.
  • "Pay to keep your NCLEX date." A text or email says your test date or Authorization to Test is on hold until you pay a fee. Your registration lives in your Pearson VUE account: log in at pearsonvue.com yourself.
  • "Real NCLEX questions" for sale. Leaked questions, a diploma or a license without the exam are fraud, and a license gotten that way can be taken back later.

In Florida, the Department of Health warns that people are posing as its staff, and its real emails only come from @flhealthsource.gov addresses (its fraud alert).

Studying for real? Hall Pass has free NCLEX practice, written by an RN.

Buying or selling for cash?

Write a receipt you both agree to with Paper Trail. The buyer scans a code, you both tap agree, and you both keep the same copy. Free, and we never see it.

This checker looks for well-known scam signs. It can miss a new trick and it can't promise a message is safe, so always check by going around it. It isn't legal or financial advice. The "How old is this site?" button sends only the site's name to the public domain registry (rdap.org); nothing else leaves this page. Headed In LLC isn't affiliated with any company or agency named here.