How Assayer works

Assayer accepts one universal input: paste a URL, paste text (a message, email body, listing description, or payment request), upload a screenshot, paste an image from your clipboard, or capture the visible browser tab with the Assayer extension. You can also combine image plus URL plus text in one submission when that context is available.

Assayer classifies what you shared after submission. You do not pick a separate “mode” for websites versus messages versus screenshots.

Every report is built from the evidence you provide. Assayer does not monitor your device, inbox, or browsing history.

• Deterministic checks — rule-based review of visible text and URLs for patterns such as urgency language, secrecy requests, credential or payment-method pressure, hostname and brand mismatches, lookalike characters, and suspicious payment instructions. These checks run locally on the server from normalized input.
• URL-risk evidence — when your submission includes a usable HTTP or HTTPS URL, Assayer may query Google Web Risk Lookup for known threat-list matches at check time. A clean lookup only means no listed threat was found then; it is not proof that a site or business is legitimate.
• Structured analysis — when enabled, Assayer may send normalized evidence to a configured AI provider for a structured report with warning evidence, validating evidence, missing-information notes, and a recommended next action. Provider credentials stay on the server.

Reports include both warning evidence (signs that increase concern) and validating evidence (signs that may lower concern when they are real and relevant). Assayer is not built only to condemn a submission.

Assayer uses six public result labels: Likely Safe, Not High Risk, Uncertain, Caution, High Risk, and Likely a Scam. Each label is paired with caution copy that reminds you it is not a guarantee.

Confidence is shown as Limited, Moderate, or Strong. It reflects how complete and consistent the available evidence is — not how certain Assayer is that nothing bad will happen. A Strong confidence on Caution still means you should verify before paying.

• Likely Safe / Not High Risk — fewer serious warning signs in what was shared. Verify seller identity, delivery terms, and payment destination before large payments.
• Uncertain — the submission is too thin or ambiguous for a stronger call. Assayer may request one specific missing item (checkout page, seller profile, payment method, etc.).
• Caution / High Risk / Likely a Scam — warning evidence outweighs validating evidence in what you shared. Pause payment and verify through an independent channel.

Scammers often hide the details that would expose them. Assayer lists missing information when a stronger judgment needs one more concrete item — for example the full checkout URL, the payment recipient name, or the seller profile behind a marketplace listing.

Every report can include a limitations section. Common limitations include: Assayer only sees what you submitted; screenshots may omit the address bar or sender metadata; a clean Web Risk result is not proof of legitimacy; and automated checks can produce false positives or false negatives.

If Assayer returns Uncertain, add the single most useful missing piece and check again rather than treating silence as safety.

Reports are private. Access uses an unguessable link with a report token — they are not publicly searchable. Anonymous reports expire automatically after the retention period described in the Privacy Policy. Raw uploads are kept only briefly for processing.

From your report page you can delete the report when you no longer need it. Share links, when available, are optional and revocable. Assayer does not publish your submission as a public accusation.

Assayer is decision support. It helps you pause, inspect evidence, and verify before irreversible payments. It does not replace your bank, a marketplace, law enforcement, or a legal or financial adviser. No result label means “verified safe” or “definitely legitimate.”

When warning signs appear, use buyer protection where available, confirm contact details through official channels you find yourself, and see Safety and reporting guidance if you may have already paid.