SafeHop
Answers
Scam questions, answered
SafeHop is a free scam checker and browser extension. It warns about scam messages, phishing links, fake shops, scam ads and fake virus alerts before you click, explains why in plain words, and works in English, Japanese, Spanish and Hindi.
- How can I check if a text message is a scam?
- Is there a free tool to check whether a link is safe before I open it?
- What should I do if I clicked a scam link?
- What should I do if I shared an OTP or verification code?
- How do I close a fake virus warning that says my computer is infected?
- How can I tell if an online shop is fake?
- What is the "Hi Mum, this is my new number" scam?
- Is SafeHop free and safe to use?
- Which browsers does the SafeHop extension work on?
- Can I check a suspicious message on my phone?
How can I check if a text message is a scam?
Look for the classic signs: pressure to act today, a link you didn't expect, a request for a code, PIN or password, a small "fee" to release a parcel or prize, or a request to pay in gift cards or crypto. If you are unsure, don't click anything: paste the whole message into a free checker such as the SafeHop message checker, which reads the wording and every link without opening them. You can also contact the company through its official app or the number on your card.
Is there a free tool to check whether a link is safe before I open it?
Yes. The SafeHop checker checks a pasted link without opening it: it follows where the link really goes, spots fake brand names and look-alike letters, and checks the site against known scam lists and its domain age. Shortened links are marked "Can't tell" rather than "safe", because their destination is hidden. The free SafeHop browser extension does the same check automatically on every link you open.
What should I do if I clicked a scam link?
Clicking alone is usually not the problem; typing details into the page is. Close the page and don't enter anything. If you typed a password, change it on the real website and turn on two-step login. If you entered card or bank details, call your bank on the number on your card straight away. Report the message: forward scam texts to 7726 in the UK, report at reportfraud.ftc.gov in the US, call 1930 or use cybercrime.gov.in in India, and call #9110 or 188 in Japan.
What should I do if I shared an OTP or verification code?
Act immediately: a one-time code is often all a scammer needs to empty an account or take over WhatsApp or email. Call your bank on the number on your card and ask them to block transfers, change the password of the account the code was for, and check its recent activity. No real bank, delivery company or support team ever asks you to tell them a code.
How do I close a fake virus warning that says my computer is infected?
Don't call the number on the screen: real security warnings never ask you to phone anyone. Hold the Esc key to leave full screen, then close the tab or the browser. If it won't close, open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc on Windows) and end the browser. If you already called, installed a remote-access app or paid, disconnect the computer from the internet and call your bank. The SafeHop extension blocks these fake-alert pages before they appear.
How can I tell if an online shop is fake?
Warning signs: prices far below every other shop, a brand name inside a different web address (such as brandname-outlet.shop), a site created only days or weeks ago, cheap endings like .shop, .top or .xyz, no real company address, and payment only by bank transfer or crypto. Before buying, check the address carefully or paste it into a link checker; the SafeHop extension warns about brand-new shops that copy brand names.
What is the "Hi Mum, this is my new number" scam?
A message claims to be your child, parent or friend writing from a new or temporary number because their phone broke or was lost, and soon asks for money for an urgent bill. Before sending anything, call the person on the number you already have. A real family member will understand the check.
Is SafeHop free and safe to use?
Yes, SafeHop is free for people, with no account, no ads and no data selling. Messages and pages are analysed inside your browser and never sent to SafeHop; for unfamiliar websites only the site name is checked with its server, never the full address or anything you type. See the privacy policy.
Which browsers does the SafeHop extension work on?
Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Firefox on computers, plus Brave and other Chromium-based browsers and Firefox for Android. Install it from the Chrome Web Store, Edge Add-ons or Firefox Add-ons.
Can I check a suspicious message on my phone?
Yes. Open the SafeHop message checker in your phone's browser and paste the message: nothing to install. It works for SMS, WhatsApp, LINE and email text in English, Japanese, Spanish and Hindi.
Got a suspicious message right now? Paste it into the free checker: it tells you if it looks like a scam and what to do, without opening any link.