Everything you need to know about ScamRanger
Getting Started
ScamRanger is a scam education and verification tool. It checks messages for scams in real time, with automatic filtering plus the ability to manually scan messages from any platform. It also includes education and gamified experiences to help you learn more, along with Trusted Contacts to help support vulnerable family members or friends.
Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and search for “ScamRanger.” Make sure you select the correct app by checking the icon . Or download directly using these links:
• iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scam-ranger/id6566190274
• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.scamranger.ai&hl=en_US
If you received an activation code from a trusted organization (such as your financial institution, employer, or care facility), tap “I have a code” and enter it where prompted. If you received a QR code instead, you can scan it in place of typing the code.
If you don’t have an activation code from a trusted organization, you can purchase a subscription to ScamRanger, tap “Get started” instead. You’ll be taken through the standard App Store or Google Play subscription process, where you can choose from a few available subscription options.
Permissions and notifications
To automatically filter scam messages, ScamRanger needs your permission to access and check your text messages. Granting this permission is optional - you can still review messages manually.
Once filtering is enabled, ScamRanger automatically filters incoming messages from unknown senders. Messages from people in your contact list are not checked by ScamRanger.
Automatic filtering helps identify potential scams as soon as they arrive. Because scams often rely on creating a sense of panic, urgency, or fear, reviewing a message before you react can help reduce those emotional responses. This gives you a moment to assess the message more calmly and make a more informed decision before taking any action. Always use caution with messages from unknown senders. You can still scan messages manually.
Yes, you can change your permissions at any time. You can still manually scan suspected scam messages if you choose to disable automatic filtering.
Messages identified as Medium, Considerable, or High warning that contain scam indicators are automatically filtered. On iPhone, they are moved to the Spam folder. On Android, they trigger a notification.
Enabling SMS reporting on iPhone allows you to send a message that was either sent to your spam folder or is from an unknown sender to scan with ScamRanger to check for signs of scam messaging.
ScamRanger uses photo access so you can upload a screenshot of a message from your photo gallery to be checked for scam indicators.
ScamRanger uses your camera for two things: taking a photo of a message to scan it for scams, and scanning a QR code if your organization gave you one instead of an activation code.
Notifications let ScamRanger alert you in real time when something needs your attention, including:
• Scam alerts when a suspicious message is detected
• Trusted contact updates if someone you’re monitoring receives a risky message
• Scam awareness tips with expert advice and best practices
Without notifications enabled, you won’t be alerted right away if a potential scam is detected.
Message analysis and results
You can scan messages from a range of platforms, including SMS, RCS, Mail, WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Telegram, Signal, and any direct messaging platform, including voicemail transcripts.
When uploading a message, ensure that the full text of the message is included, however, exclude images and logos.
Anything can be a scam. Warning levels indicate how likely a message is to show characteristics of a scam and help you understand the level of warning associated with it. ScamRanger’s warning levels are:
• High warning: This message shows strong signs of being a scam.
• Considerable warning: This message shows several signs of being a scam.
• Medium warning: This message contains some signs of being a scam.
• Slight warning: This message contains a few signs that warrant some caution.
• Low warning: No common scam signs were detected, but caution is still recommended.
When a scam is detected, ScamRanger doesn’t just flag it, it identifies the characteristics of the type of scam, breaks down the psychological tactics being used, and recommends what steps to take next.
We understand that you may not agree with this result or feel that the message is genuine. Scam decisions can sometimes be difficult to judge, especially when a message feels personal, urgent, or convincing. Before taking any action, consider getting an independent view from a trusted source.
You may want to check advice from reputable scam prevention organizations or speak with someone you trust, such as a friend or family member. A second opinion can help you make a more informed decision and reduce the risk of acting on a message that may not be what it seems.
Finally, you can report the message to us via the ‘Contact us’ section under ‘Get help’ in ScamRanger ‘Settings’. Or through submitting a form on our website: https://scamranger.ai/ContactUs/Add
Trusted contacts
With ScamRanger’s trusted contacts feature, you can help your loved ones who may be more vulnerable to scams. If a scam targets them, you’re notified so you can step in early, offer support, and help prevent serious financial or emotional harm.
The trusted contact will need to approve the request. Once approved, the contact will appear under My trusted contacts as approved and you will be notified.
Trusted Contacts receive a notification whenever a message is flagged as High warning or Considerable warning for their protected contact.
On iPhone, this happens when the protected contact reports a message from the Spam folder or verifies a message flagged as High warning or Considerable warning.
On Android, this happens automatically when the protected contact receives a message flagged as High or Considerable warning, or when they manually scan a message flagged as High or Considerable warning.
Learning Lab
Learning Lab is a place to explore how scams work and the tactics scammers use to influence decisions. Discover different types of scams, learn how they operate, build practical skills, and earn badges as you complete activities in the ScamRanger app.
Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and search for “ScamRanger.” Make sure you select the correct app by checking the icon . Or download directly using these links:
• iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scam-ranger/id6566190274
• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.scamranger.ai&hl=en_US
If you received an activation code from a trusted organization (such as your financial institution, employer, or care facility), tap “I have a code” and enter it where prompted. If you received a QR code instead, you can scan it in place of typing the code.
If you don’t have an activation code from a trusted organization, you can purchase a subscription to ScamRanger, tap “Get started” instead. You’ll be taken through the standard App Store or Google Play subscription process, where you can choose from a few available subscription options.
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What should I do if the app is not responding?
When you send a suspicious message to our WhatsApp number or scan the QR code provided by your trusted organization, you will normally receive a review within a few minutes. If you don't receive a response, please try sending the message again. If the problem continues, contact us at support@scamranger.ai .
If something isn't working or you'd like to share feedback, email us at [support email address]. You'll receive an automatic confirmation as soon as your message arrives, and we aim to respond within 48 hours.
To help us assist you faster, please include:
● A description of what happened
● The type of phone or device you're using
● Roughly when the issue occurred
● Your activation code (can be found in the ScamRange setting on the top right corner)
Please don't include passwords, PINs, or full account numbers in your email.
Occasionally the service may be interrupted. If that happens, we'll work to restore it as quickly as possible and send a notification to the app once restored.
While the service is unavailable, do not act on any message you're unsure about. Don't click links, share personal details, or make payments. If you're worried about a message related to your bank account, contact your bank directly using the phone number on the back of your card or on the bank's official website.
Data and privacy
If you enable automatic filtering ScamRanger reads incoming messages from unknown senders only (people not in your contact list), to identify and flag potential scam messages. These messages are analyzed by ScamRanger to determine the level of warning. Messages from people in your contact list are not read by ScamRanger.
ScamRanger is designed with privacy in mind, collecting only the minimum information necessary to provide its services. Given the sensitive nature of the messages users receive, we are committed to limiting data collection and handling all information responsibly and securely.
If you access Scam Ranger through your trusted organization, we collect only an activation code to enable your account.
If you subscribe through in-app purchase, we collect your first name, last name, email, and age group. Age group information is collected to personalize your experience, as different age groups are often targeted by different types of scams.
Your privacy is important to us. ScamRanger does not share your personal information with third parties.
If you use ScamRanger through a trusted organization, the organization may receive anonymized risky messages (such as message text or text extracted from a screenshot) to help identify scam trends. No personal or other information is shared.
Different scams are more common at different stages of life and may target situations that some people experience, such as divorce, bereavement, or medical treatment. Understanding your approximate age helps us identify scams that may be more relevant to you and highlight when you could be targeted with age-related scam tactics.