For family

If someone in your family sent you here, this page is just for you.

Smells Fishy is a simple button on your phone. When you see a text, email, or message that looks strange, you press the button. We read the picture and tell you — in plain words — whether it's safe, a scam, or something in between.

  1. 1

    Tap the link they sent you.

    This adds a small Shortcut to your phone. You only do this once. It does not change anything else on your phone.

  2. 2

    When something looks off, hold the side button.

    On newer iPhones it's called the Action Button. On older phones, tap the back of your phone twice. Either way, your phone takes a picture of whatever is on the screen and sends it to us.

  3. 3

    Read the plain answer.

    One of four answers: scam, fishy, checks out, or I can't tell yet. If it says scam, don't tap or reply. If it says checks out, you can relax. If you're not sure, show it to your family member.

What it won't do.

  • It won't read your texts on its own. It only looks when you press the button.
  • It won't send your photos anywhere after the check is done.
  • It won't call you or ask for a password. If anything claiming to be Smells Fishy calls or texts you, that is not us.

That's it. Three steps, one button, one plain answer.

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