NordVPN's scam checker flagged a lottery scam but struggled with a job scam

Many online scams no longer resemble old lottery or inheritance cons. NordVPN has launched a free, web-based AI scam checker that scans links, files, text, and images without an account. It checks URLs, email addresses, and phone numbers against known malicious databases and uses AI to spot patterns commonly used in scams, such as scare tactics and artificial urgency.

I tested the tool against real messages from my inbox. It correctly flagged a run-of-the-mill lottery scam and explained the specific red flags. A targeted recruitment scam proved harder: the messages drew on LinkedIn details, used dense stitched phrasing and hyper-personalization, came from a Gmail address with no online presence, featured an odd name, and requested an executive bio, cover letter and a SWOT assessment before suggesting an outside assistant who would charge a fee.

NordVPN flagged one message that included the assistant’s email; F-Secure flagged the first email as phishing without explanation, and AskSilver refused to analyze it.

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