Frequently Asked Questions
This page answers the most common questions about how ScanLens works, what the verdicts mean, what data is used, and why web checks differ from iOS, Android and Chrome experiences.
What is ScanLens?
ScanLens is a link safety tool that helps people check suspicious URLs and request content before opening it. The website gives a fast SAFE, SUSPICIOUS, or DANGEROUS verdict for a public URL. The apps are context-optimized: iOS and Android add mobile message, QR and screenshot checks, while Chrome is for browser content.
How does the ScanLens website work?
On the website, you paste a URL, complete the human verification check, and run a scan. ScanLens then applies automated checks and threat signals to return a best-effort verdict with a short explanation to help you decide what to do next.
What do SAFE, SUSPICIOUS, and DANGEROUS mean?
SAFE means nothing obvious looks wrong based on current checks. SUSPICIOUS means the link shows unusual patterns or warning signs and should be treated carefully. DANGEROUS means the link shows strong scam, phishing, or malware indicators and should not be opened.
Does SAFE mean a link is guaranteed to be safe?
No. A SAFE result is not a guarantee. It means ScanLens did not find strong warning signals at the time of the scan. You should still be careful with login pages, payment pages, password resets, and any link asking for personal or banking details.
What is the difference between Web Free, Personal Pro, iOS, Android and Chrome?
Web Free is a one-off public URL check, with one free web scan per day. Personal Pro increases website and Chrome checks and requires an active licence key. iOS and Android are separate mobile products for messages, QR and screenshots. Chrome is for browser checks and does not require opening links from another app.
Do I need an account to use ScanLens?
No. ScanLens does not require an account to use the website scanner, and there is no standard sign-up flow on the site. You can scan a link without creating a profile or entering personal details.
What data does ScanLens store when I scan a link?
ScanLens has to process the URL you submit so it can return a result. For reliability, abuse prevention, and product improvement, ScanLens may store event data such as timestamps, verification status, hashed URL identifiers, and derived non-reversible features. The training dataset is designed not to store the full raw URL.
Does ScanLens use scan data for training?
Yes. ScanLens may use anonymized scan events to improve detection quality and train internal models. According to the Training and Privacy pages, this is done using hashed identifiers and derived features rather than storing full raw URLs in the training dataset.
Why does the website ask for human verification before scanning?
The verification step helps protect the public scanner from abuse, bots, and automated mass scanning. That keeps the service more stable for normal users and reduces spam or misuse of the public endpoint.
What should I do if a link is marked SUSPICIOUS or DANGEROUS?
Do not open the link, do not enter passwords, and do not send money or codes through it. Go to the official website or app manually instead of clicking the message link. If you already interacted with the page, change affected passwords, enable 2FA where possible, and contact the real service through official support channels.
Can I scan QR codes, screenshots, or images with ScanLens?
The website is focused on quick URL checks. For QR codes and screenshot-based checks, use iOS or Android. Chrome provides browser context checks for pages, links, text and pasted message content.
Is ScanLens free to use?
The website scanner is available at no cost for one free web scan per day. Personal Pro increases website and Chrome allowance, while mobile products are separate from website subscriptions.
Still need help?
ScanLens provides support by email and secure online forms. If your question is not covered here, visit the Support page or email [email protected].