The Jacana app has checked over a million texts, emails, websites, and chat conversations, and spotted over ten thousand scams.
Along the way, we’ve noticed situations which are high risk, but are not definitively scams:
A text from an unknown number that opens like an old friend. Sometimes it’s exactly that. Sometimes it’s the first message of a scam that takes weeks.
A thin rental listing that asks you to contact them off-platform. This is often a scam. But plenty of ordinary landlords would rather not pay the platform’s fees either.
A job offer in your messages, paying unusually well, that asks you to continue the conversation on another app. Real recruiters do this. So do employment scams.
To help you navigate these situations safely, Jacana now tells you it’s “worth a second look”.
What changes
Unlike scam warnings, which are designed to be clear and prescriptive, this class of warnings is designed to empower you with the information and guidance needed to navigate a risky situation safely.
We say in plain language what is risky, without making a conclusion, so that you’re aware of the situation.
We give you a pointer on what to do next, and empower you to decide how to proceed.
Getting it
If you’re new to Jacana, check out our products page to see plan options. Manual scans are free. Upgrade to Jacana Premium or Jacana Family for always-on protection.
If you already have Jacana, go to settings and check that you’re using the latest version of the app. If you are, this is already live!
“Worth a second look” was inspired by your feedback
Every warning has a thumbs up and a thumbs down button. Your feedback helped us see this opportunity to improve the product for everybody. If we warn on something safe, or miss a scam, please let us know! If we got it right, or saved you from a scam, please let us know that too!
Stay Safe,
Dan