Quick Answer: The Scam-O-Meter is a free tool that compares your situation against official warning signs from federal agencies like the FTC, FBI, CFPB, and SEC. Answer a few questions about what you are being told, and the tool shows you how many red flags match—so you can make an informed decision before handing over money.
I have been helping people with debt since 1994, and the one constant in three decades is this: scammers never stop inventing new ways to take your money.
They prey on fear. They prey on hope. They prey on people who are already struggling and desperate for a solution. And the worst part? By the time most people realize they have been scammed, the money is gone.
That is why I built the Scam-O-Meter.
What Is the Scam-O-Meter?
It is a free assessment tool that helps you identify warning signs before you make a decision. You answer questions about your situation, and the tool checks your answers against official red flags published by federal agencies.
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This is not my opinion. Every warning sign in the tool comes directly from guidance published by the FTC, FBI, CFPB, SEC, and FINRA—with citations so you can verify them yourself.
What Situations Can You Check?
The Scam-O-Meter covers the most common traps I see people fall into:
- Debt Relief Companies — Promises to settle your debt for pennies on the dollar
- Credit Repair Services — Claims they can remove accurate negative items
- Debt Collectors — Aggressive callers demanding immediate payment
- Investment Opportunities — Too-good-to-be-true returns with no risk
- Romance Scams — Online relationships that turn into money requests
- Government Imposters — Calls claiming to be the IRS, Social Security, etc.
- Job Offers — Work-from-home opportunities that require upfront fees
- Other Situations — Anything that feels off
How It Works
- Select your situation from the dropdown menu
- Answer the questions honestly about what you are being told
- See your results on a spectrum from “Few Concerns” to “Many Warning Signs”
- Get guidance on next steps based on what the tool found
The whole process takes about two minutes.
Important: The Scam-O-Meter identifies warning signs—it does not make the final call for you. Whether something is actually a scam depends on your research and judgment. The tool gives you the information; you make the decision.
Why I Built This
Every week, I get emails from people who have been scammed. They paid thousands to a debt relief company that did nothing. They sent money to someone they met online. They gave their Social Security number to a caller pretending to be from the government.
By the time they contact me, the damage is done.
I wanted a tool that could help people before they become victims. Something simple. Something free. Something based on real federal guidance, not just my opinions.
The best time to spot a scam is before you hand over your money—not after.— Steve Rhode
What the Results Mean
After you complete the assessment, the Scam-O-Meter shows you:
- How many red flags match your situation
- Which specific warning signs were triggered
- Recommended next steps based on your results
✓ Few Concerns
- Few or no red flags detected
- Still do your own research
- Trust but verify
✗ Many Warning Signs
- Multiple red flags match
- Proceed with extreme caution
- Consider walking away
What To Do If You See Red Flags
If the Scam-O-Meter shows warning signs, here is what I recommend:
- Slow down. Scammers create urgency. Legitimate opportunities can wait.
- Do more research. Search the company name plus “scam” or “complaints.”
- Check the BBB. Look for patterns in complaints, not just the rating.
- Talk to someone you trust. A second opinion can save you thousands.
- Report it. If you have already lost money, file reports with the FTC and your state attorney general.
Before You Sign Anything: If you are considering hiring a debt relief company, run their contract through the Contract Decoder after using the Scam-O-Meter. The Scam-O-Meter checks for red flags in what they are telling you; the Contract Decoder checks for red flags in what they are asking you to sign.
The Tool Is Free—Use It
There is no catch. No email required. No upsell. Just a tool that helps you make better decisions.
If it helps one person avoid losing their savings to a scammer, it was worth building.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Scam-O-Meter really free?
Yes. No payment, no email signup, no strings attached. I built it to help people, not to collect leads.
Where do the warning signs come from?
Every red flag in the tool comes from official guidance published by federal agencies: the FTC, FBI, CFPB, SEC, and FINRA. Citations are provided so you can verify them yourself.
Can the tool tell me definitively if something is a scam?
No. The tool identifies warning signs based on federal guidance, but the final determination is yours to make. Many red flags suggest higher risk, but only you can decide whether to proceed based on your research.
What should I do if the tool shows many warning signs?
Slow down and do more research. Check for complaints online, look up the company with your state attorney general, and talk to someone you trust before making any decision.
Can I use this for any situation?
The tool covers debt relief, credit repair, debt collectors, investments, romance scams, government imposters, job offers, and general situations. If your situation does not fit these categories, select “Other” for general scam warning signs.
TL;DR: The Scam-O-Meter is a free tool that checks your situation against official federal warning signs for scams. Takes two minutes. No signup required. Use it before you hand over money to anyone.
Before You Sign Anything: Run any debt relief contract through the free Contract Decoder to spot hidden fees and unfair terms. Check the company’s complaint history with the Scam-O-Meter.
Compare Your Real Options: Most debt relief companies won’t tell you about all your options — especially the ones they can’t profit from. Credit counseling has a 21-27% completion rate. Settlement resolves about 1% of enrolled debts fully. Bankruptcy has a 95% discharge rate — and protects your retirement. Take the Find Your Path quiz for a recommendation based on your actual numbers.
