Check a scary letter from a photo

No need to retype it — take a photo or screenshot of the letter, notice, or bill and upload it. The checker reads the text and the visual signals (letterhead, sender, formatting) and flags whether it looks legitimate or like a scam.

Why a photo works

Most scary mail is physical — an IRS notice, a debt-collection letter, an eviction notice, a court summons. Photographing it is faster than transcribing, and the image also lets the check weigh visual cues like a missing letterhead or an odd return address.

What it looks at

The same red flags as the text checkers: untraceable payment demands (gift cards/wire/crypto), threats of arrest, missing required elements, urgency pressure, and a sender that can't be verified — plus a check of any email domain shown.

If you already paid or shared your info

Don't panic — acting quickly limits the damage. Do these now:

• Paid by gift card, wire, or crypto? Contact the gift-card issuer, wire service, or exchange right away — some transactions can still be stopped — and keep the receipts and card numbers.
• Entered a card number or paid online? Call your bank to freeze or replace the card and dispute the charge.
• Typed a password or login on a linked page? Change it now — and anywhere you reused it — and turn on two-factor authentication.
• Shared your SSN or other ID? Start a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.gov and consider a credit freeze with the three credit bureaus.
• Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov (and, for online scams, the FBI at ic3.gov).

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