In today’s digital world, WhatsApp scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. To help combat this, I’ve created a simple tool that lets you analyze any WhatsApp conversation for potential scam indicators. The tool extracts your conversation and copies it to your clipboard so you can easily get it analyzed by Claude.ai.
What Does It Do?
This tool extracts your WhatsApp conversation, formats it properly, and copies it to your clipboard for analysis by Claude.ai. Claude will check for:
- Signs of scam or fraud
- Manipulation tactics
- Suspicious patterns
- Red flags
- Recommended actions
I use Claude.ai, but the tool copies the conversation to your clipboard so you could use any other AI, such as chatGPT if you want.
Setting Up the Tool
- First, you’ll need to use WhatsApp Web (web.whatsapp.com) in your browser
- Create a bookmarklet by following these steps:
- Get the JavaScript code from: https://robertjwallace.com/scam/detector.js
- Note that going to this url simply lists the javascript so you can copy and paste it at the next step. The code is clear and easy to understand so you can see that it is safe.
- Visit the Bookmarklet Maker: https://caiorss.github.io/bookmarklet-maker/
- Paste the code into the input field
- Click “Create Bookmarklet”
- Drag the generated bookmarklet to your browser’s bookmarks bar
- On some browsers this will add the bookmarklet but it doesn’t copy the code. If the bookmarklet doesn’t work, copy the generated Javascript. Then right click on it to bring up the context menu and select the edit menu item. Replace the “address” field with the copied Javascript and save it.
- On some browsers you will not be able to drag the bookmarklet. In that case, copy the generated Javascript, then right click on the bookmark bar and create a new bookmark. Then paste the copied javascript into the address field. Give the new bookmark a name and click the save button.
How to Use It
- Open WhatsApp Web in your browser
- Navigate to the conversation you want to analyze
- Click the bookmarklet in your bookmarks bar – this copies the formatted conversation to your clipboard
- The bookmarklet should open Claude.ai in a new tab. If it doesn’t, then open a new tab and visit Claude.ai
- Start a new chat
- Paste the conversation (Ctrl+V on Windows, Cmd+V on Mac, or right-click and select “Paste”)
- Send the message to Claude for analysis
What to Look For
When Claude analyzes your conversation, pay special attention to:
- Urgency or pressure tactics
- Requests for personal information
- Financial discussions or requests
- Inconsistent stories
- Emotional manipulation
Privacy Note
The tool runs entirely in your browser and only copies conversation text to your clipboard. No data is stored or sent anywhere until you paste it into Claude.ai yourself.
When to Use It
Consider running an analysis if:
- Someone you met online is asking for money
- A “business opportunity” seems too good to be true
- An unknown person is pushing for personal information
- You feel pressured to make quick decisions
- Something just doesn’t feel right
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues:
- Nothing Happens: Make sure you’re on WhatsApp Web and have a conversation open
- Empty Analysis: Scroll through the conversation to load more messages before using the bookmarklet
- Clipboard Failed: Try clicking the bookmarklet again
Limitations
Remember that while this tool can help identify potential scams, it’s just one part of staying safe online. Always:
- Trust your instincts
- Verify identities independently
- Never send money to people you haven’t met
- Keep personal information private
- Report suspicious activity to WhatsApp
Sample output from Claude.ai
Let me analyze this WhatsApp conversation in detail.
Signs of Scam/Fraud:
- Investment scam involvement: References to a “site” that the victim identified as fraudulent
- False authority claim: Mentions an unverifiable aunt at Goldman Sachs
- SEC threat: Used fake regulatory threats, a common scam tactic
- Identity verification avoidance: Consistently refuses to provide verifiable information
Manipulation Tactics:
- Emotional manipulation:
- Guilt-tripping (“trust and soul between us were mutual”)
- Playing victim (“Why should I explain?”)
- Using personal information against victim (“This is why Paula left you three times”)
- DARVO (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender):
- Denies being a scammer
- Attacks victim’s ability to trust
- Reverses situation to paint themselves as the victim
- Love bombing evidence in victim’s response (reference to shared photos, gifts like tiger balm)
Suspicious Patterns:
- Refuses to address direct questions about identity
- Deflects when confronted with evidence
- Uses romantic relationship as shield against accusations
- Attempts to make the victim doubt their own judgment
Major Red Flags:
- Cannot/will not verify claimed identity
- Uses unverifiable connection to financial institution (Goldman Sachs aunt)
- Claims of SEC threats (common in investment scams)
- Emotional manipulation when confronted
- Uses victim’s personal history (Paula) as weapon
Recommended Actions:
- Cease all contact immediately
- Document all conversations
- Report to:
- FBI’s IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center)
- FTC for romance scam reporting
- Local law enforcement
- Review any financial transactions made during the relationship
- Alert your bank if you shared any financial information
- Check your credit reports if any personal information was shared
The victim appears to be handling this well by:
- Maintaining clear boundaries
- Requesting specific verifiable information
- Recognizing and acknowledging the fantasy/reality distinction
- Staying composed while being manipulated
- Appreciating personal growth despite the scam (yoga, photography)
This shows classic elements of a romance/investment hybrid scam where the scammer uses emotional manipulation to deflect from their inability to verify their identity or claims. The victim’s final message shows healthy recognition of the situation.
Have you used this tool to check a suspicious conversation? What did you find? Share your experiences in the comments below, but remember to keep personal details private.
Stay safe online!
Note: This tool requires a modern web browser and access to Claude.ai, or other chat AI.
Need help? Feel free to ask questions in the comments section below.