Anti-Scam Playbook 2026: 7 Free Tools to Spot Tech Fraud

Tech scams in 2026 are more sophisticated than ever. AI-generated phishing emails, deepfake voice calls, fake apps on official stores, smishing campaigns. The good news: 95% of scams can be detected with 7 free tools. None require subscriptions.

1. Have I Been Pwned — breach monitor

Check if your email is in known data breaches.

2. VirusTotal — link / file scanner

Scan suspicious URLs through 70+ antivirus engines before clicking.

3. TinEye — reverse image search

Spot fake dating profiles, stolen identity photos.

4. Hiya or Truecaller — scam call blocker

AI-powered scam call identification.

5. NextDNS — network-level scam blocking

DNS-based filter blocks phishing domains.

6. ExpressVPN Threat Manager — ad/tracker blocker

Built-in if you already have ExpressVPN.

7. uBlock Origin + Privacy Badger

Free browser extensions. Defeats 99% of malvertising.

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