Back to projects

Scam Checker

Privacy-first security tool helping users identify potential online scams. Analyses text, emails, links, images, and files entirely client-side.

Built With

Next.jsTypeScriptClient-side NLP

Project Timeline

Problem Identification

Mar 2024

Observed the rise in phishing and scam messages in Australia. Researched common scam patterns, red flags, and existing detection tools to find gaps.

Scam Pattern Database

Apr 2024

Built a comprehensive database of scam indicators: urgency phrases, suspicious URLs, impersonation patterns, financial pressure tactics, and social engineering markers.

Scoring Algorithm Design

May 2024

Designed a weighted scoring system that analyses text for multiple risk factors and returns a confidence score with detailed breakdowns of flagged elements.

Core Checker Interface

Jun 2024

Built the main scam checking tool with text input, real-time analysis, and visual risk indicators. All processing runs client-side for complete user privacy.

Multi-Input Support

Aug 2024

Extended the checker to handle emails, URLs/links, and added dedicated pages for each input type with tailored analysis rules.

Image & File Scanning

Sep 2024

Added OCR-based image scanning and file upload support (PDF, DOCX, TXT). Implemented client-side text extraction with size limits and rate limiting.

SEO & Content Strategy

Nov 2024

Created scam awareness guides, how-to articles, and educational content. Implemented structured data, FAQ schema, and optimised for high-intent search queries.

Custom Domain & Branding

Dec 2024

Registered scamchecker.app domain. Rebranded from 'Is It a Scam?' to 'Scam Checker' for better search visibility. Full SEO audit and meta tag overhaul.

Global Reporting Directory

Jan 2025

Added a global scam reporting page with international reporting bodies. Built contact page and disclaimer for legal compliance.

Analytics & Growth

Feb 2025

Integrated Google Analytics, refined search rankings, and expanded guide content. Monitoring organic traffic growth and user engagement patterns.