Frequently Asked Questions
What does Scam Llama do?
Scam Llama is a simple, easy-to-read scam checker. It does three things:
- Check a Message — paste a suspicious text or email, or pick a screenshot, and we'll tell you if it looks like a scam.
- Check a Photo — pick a photo to check whether it might be AI-generated or fake.
- Red Flag Checklist — walk through 10 of the warning signs that come up most often in scams targeting seniors.
Do I need to set anything up?
No. The app works out of the box. Photo checking and the checklist are ready to use as soon as you open the app. For more thorough message analysis you can optionally add your own Anthropic Claude API key in Settings — but it's not required.
What's the "Read Out Loud" button?
On every result screen, there's a big "Read This Out Loud" button. Tap it and Scam Llama will read the result to you using your phone's built-in voice. Tap it again to stop.
Is my data private?
Yes. Local checks happen on your device. AI message analysis only runs after you say yes, and only the message text is sent — no names, contacts, or device info. Photo verification runs on-device first, and only sends the photo to deepfake-detection services after you give permission. We have no servers, no accounts, no tracking. See our Privacy Policy.
How accurate is it?
Scam Llama is a tool to help you spot warning signs — not a guarantee. Even a "looks safe" result doesn't mean you should send money or share personal information with someone you don't know. Always pause, talk to someone you trust, and verify through official channels before acting.
I think I've been scammed. What should I do?
If you've sent money or shared personal information:
- Contact your bank immediately to attempt to reverse transactions
- Change passwords on any compromised accounts
- Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- File a report with the FBI's IC3 at ic3.gov
- Consider placing a credit freeze with all three credit bureaus
- Tell a family member or friend you trust — you are not alone, and most scams target many people the same way
What's the difference between Scam Llama and Love Llama?
Love Llama focuses on romance scams in dating contexts. Scam Llama is a general-purpose scam checker designed to be friendly for seniors and anyone who wants a calm, plain-English answer when something feels off.