Can ChatGPT or Claude tell you if a message is a scam?

Yes, up to a point. Paste a suspicious message into ChatGPT or Claude and it will usually point out the warning signs and explain them clearly. But treat it as a second opinion, not a verdict. It can’t see who really sent the message, and it can be wrong. If it says “this looks fine”, you still need to check for yourself.

How to ask

1. Don’t click anything first. No links, no attachments, no replying, no ringing a number in the message.

2. Copy the wording. Select the text of the message and paste it into a new chat. Most apps will also let you upload a screenshot.

3. Take out personal details. Remove your name, address, phone number, account numbers and any codes before you send it. Our guide to what not to type into AI explains why.

4. Ask a clear question. For example:

I received this text message out of the blue. I haven't clicked anything.
Does it show signs of being a scam? Explain which parts worry you and why.
What should I do next? I'm in the UK.

[paste the message here]

Tell it anything useful: “I do bank with them”, “I’m not expecting a parcel”, “it came from a mobile number”.

5. Don’t ask it to visit the link. It may not be able to open it, and a scam page can be built to look perfectly genuine. Stick to the wording.

What AI is good at

• Spotting pressure tactics. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) lists the classic signs: a message that claims authority, creates urgency, plays on emotion, offers something scarce, or hooks onto something in the news. AI is good at noticing these and naming them.
• Explaining why. A good answer goes line by line. “A real bank wouldn’t ask you to move money to a safe account.” That teaches you what to look for next time.
• Recognising well-known scams. Missed parcel fees, “Hi Mum, I’ve got a new number”, tax refunds, fake fines.
• Being a calm voice. Scams work by rushing you. Stopping to ask a question is itself a good defence.

What AI is bad at

• It can’t check who sent it. It only sees words. It doesn’t know whether that number or email address really belongs to your bank.
• It can’t see your accounts. It has no idea if you owe a parking charge or are due a refund.
• It can be confidently wrong, both ways. It may flag a genuine reminder from your dentist, or pass a well-written scam. The NCSC says scams are getting smarter and that some fool even the experts.
• It tends to follow your lead. Ask “this is fine, isn’t it?” and you’re more likely to hear yes. Ask a neutral question.
• It isn’t a safe source of links or phone numbers. In June 2026, National Trading Standards warned that criminals are manipulating AI tools into recommending fake shopping websites. Don’t ask AI for your bank’s phone number. Get it from your card or a statement.

So: if AI says “this looks like a scam”, believe it and delete the message. If it says “this looks genuine”, don’t take its word for it.

What to do regardless

Whatever the AI says, these steps are the ones that keep you safe.

Contact the organisation yourself. Use a phone number or website you already trust: the back of your bank card, a bill, their official app. Never use the contact details in the message.

For anything to do with your bank, dial 159. It’s a short number run by Stop Scams UK that connects you to most UK banks.

Report it. It’s free and it helps protect other people.

• Scam texts: forward to 7726. It spells SPAM on a keypad.
• Scam calls: text the word “Call” followed by the number to 7726.
• Scam emails: forward to [email protected], the NCSC’s reporting service.

If you’ve already clicked, paid or shared details:

1. Ring your bank straight away.
2. Report it to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland). In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. Report Fraud is the new name for Action Fraud.
3. Change the password on any account you think is affected.
4. For advice on what to do next, call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

The simple rule

Don’t judge how polished a message looks. Judge what it’s asking for. Money, codes or personal details, in a hurry, from someone who contacted you first? Stop, and check through a route you trust.

AI can help you slow down and think. The decision, and the phone call to check, are still yours. For more on the tricks themselves, see Is this a scam? and our guide to AI voice-clone scams.

Next step

Test yourself with our Can you spot the scam? quiz. It takes a few minutes, and it’s good practice before a real one lands.