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How to Check if an Account Is Linked to a Scam

Before you transfer money to a stranger online, run through these checks first.

  1. Search the account or phone number in a scam-report registry

    Some countries have a free public registry or website where you can search a bank account number or phone number to see whether it has previously been reported in a scam.

  2. Use an official scam-check app if one is available

    Some police departments or consumer protection agencies offer a mobile app that flags an account or phone number reported multiple times in cybercrime complaints over a recent period, such as the last few months.

  3. Check other identifying details too

    Beyond the account number or phone number, search the other party's username, nickname, or business name as well. This often turns up additional scam reports the account-number search alone misses.

  4. No results don't guarantee it's safe

    A clean result only means nothing has been reported yet, or reports haven't been logged in that system. It doesn't guarantee the account is safe, so don't let a clear check alone convince you to lower your guard.

  5. Add extra safeguards on top of the check

    Where possible, combine your check with additional protection: meet in person for local deals, or use an escrow or buyer-protection payment option offered by the marketplace.

  6. Already been scammed? Move straight to reporting

    If you've already lost money regardless of what a check shows, don't wait. Go straight to filing a cybercrime report and requesting a freeze on the receiving account.

A quick check before paying can save you real money

Searching an account number or phone number against a scam-report registry takes less than a minute and can catch known repeat offenders before you send a single payment. Make it a habit for any transaction with a stranger, especially for high-value items.

No red flags doesn't mean it's risk-free

Because these registries rely on other people having already reported the same account, a brand-new scammer or one operating just below the radar can show a clean result. Pair the check with in-person exchanges or an escrow service whenever the amount is significant.

Frequently Asked Questions

The account came back clean. Is it safe to send the money?

Not necessarily. A clean result means nothing has been reported yet, not that the account is guaranteed safe. Combine the check with other precautions, especially for larger amounts or unfamiliar sellers.

What should I check besides the bank account number?

Also search the phone number, username, nickname, and any business name the other party uses. Scam reports are sometimes filed under one identifier but not another.