ScamGuard

🔗 Link Checker

Got a link you don't trust? Paste it in — ScamGuard checks the domain against community scam reports, urlscan.io reputation, RDAP registration data and AI red-flag analysis, and returns a verdict before you click.

Shortener & wrapper safety

Short-link services like bit.ly, t.co, tinyurl.com, linktr.ee and messenger click-to-chat formats like wa.me are legitimate services. Scammers use them because the wrapper hides where the click actually goes.

A legitimate shortener domain is not proof the destination is safe. Judge the destination behind the short link, not the shortener itself.
Before you click

On mobile, long-press the link to preview the URL. On desktop, hover to see the target in the status bar.

Copy the expanded URL

If your preview shows the final URL, paste that here instead — the checker analyses the destination domain, not the wrapper.

wa.me is WhatsApp

A wa.me link opens a chat with a specific number. See our wa.me record.

Deeper coverage

For phishing pattern detection specifically, use the phishing link checker.

What ScamGuard checks for

  • ScamGuard community scam database lookup
  • urlscan.io reputation verdict
  • RDAP domain registration & age
  • Hosting country and provider
  • AI red-flag analysis (phishing, fake-login, brand impersonation)
  • Safe inspection — the link is never opened in your browser

⚠️ Red flags and warning signs

  • Shortened link from an unknown sender
  • URL misspells a known brand
  • Link demands urgent action
  • Lands on a login page you didn't request
  • Sender pressures you not to preview or verify the link

How to protect yourself

  • Check every unexpected link here first
  • Long-press on mobile to preview the real URL
  • Type real brand URLs directly into the browser
  • Use a password manager — it won't autofill on lookalike domains
  • Enable 2FA so a stolen password isn't enough

ScamGuard tools you can use right now

Frequently asked questions

What does the ScamGuard link checker actually check?

Four things, in this order: (1) whether the domain appears in the ScamGuard community scam database, (2) urlscan.io's public reputation verdict for the domain, (3) RDAP registration data — when the domain was registered and its registrar, and (4) an AI pass that reads the URL structure and any evidence you provide for phishing, brand-impersonation and fake-login patterns.

Do you follow the link or expand shorteners?

No — we do not fetch the destination page, and we do not automatically expand short URLs like bit.ly or t.co. A short link is a wrapper; the scanner analyses the wrapper's own domain and reputation. If you can copy the expanded/final URL from your phone's link preview, paste that instead for the strongest check.

Is a legitimate shortener like bit.ly automatically safe?

No. bit.ly, t.co, tinyurl and linktr.ee are legitimate services, but the destination behind any specific short link can be anything — including a phishing page. The shortener domain being legitimate says nothing about the destination.

Is it safe to paste a suspicious link here?

Yes. ScamGuard analyses the URL server-side using metadata lookups (RDAP, urlscan.io, our database). It doesn't open the link in your browser.

Is it free?

Yes. 3 free scans, no signup. Then affordable credit packs for unlimited scans.

Related ScamGuard checkers

Try ScamGuard free

3 free scans — no signup required. Then create an account for unlimited investigations.

Analyze With ScamGuard