To start, gather the content of an email, text message, social media post, or website that you find suspicious. You can either take a photo or screenshot of the item or select and copy its text. Let’s try both methods.

Next, browse to the Genie website. If you took a photo or screenshot of the item, click the first option for Add image. Then select and upload the image you captured.

If you instead chose to copy the text from the item, click the second option for Add Text. Paste the copied text.

At the next screen, click the Begin scan button to tell Genie to analyze the text.

Genie analyzes the content, extracts the text, checks any links, and then looks for other scam tactics and red flags. After its analysis, the tool will tell you if it finds the message legitimate, malicious, or just suspicious. If it considers the content malicious or suspicious, it may identity the type of scam being run.

Click the link for More details if it appears. Genie again labels the type of scam in place and summarizes how it works.

Return to the main page from the summary. Here, you can rate the response with a thumbs up or thumbs down based on how well Genie did. The tool also offers a chat feature in which you can share any questions or concerns. You’ll find a few suggested questions that you can pose. Otherwise, type and submit your own question at the prompt. Depending on Genie’s responses, you should be able to carry on the chat with further questions.

Genie’s iOS/iPadOS app works similarly to the website, but you may find it more convenient if the email, text, or other content is on your mobile device. Download the app from Apple’s App Store. Go through the first few screens to enter your name and view any recent activity.

Take a photo or screenshot of the content in question or copy its text. At the app’s home screen, tap the plus icon at the bottom. Tap Add image to add a photo or screenshot of the suspicious item. Tap Add text to paste copied text from the item. Tap the Begin Scan button.

Genie analyzes the content and delivers its response. You can then rate the analysis with a thumbs up or thumbs down and ask any follow-up questions in mind.