Authored by Harshil Patel and Sakshi Jaiswal 

McAfee Labs has recently uncovered a large scale CountLoader campaign that uses multiple layers of obfuscation and staged payload delivery to evade detection and maintain persistence in infected systems. The infection process relies on several layers of loaders, including PowerShell scripts, obfuscated JavaScript executed through mshta.exe, and in memory shellcode injection, each stage decrypting and launching the next. The attackers employ a custom encrypted communication protocol to interact with their C2 servers. By registering a backup domain used by the malware, we were able to sinkhole the traffic and observe thousands of infected machines connecting to the C2 infrastructure. Final payload deployed in this campaign is a cryptocurrency clipper, which monitors clipboard activity and replaces copied wallet addresses with attacker controlled ones to redirect cryptocurrency transactions. 

Sinkholing 

Sinkholing is a defensive technique in which researchers take control of malicious domains or infrastructure used by malware. Instead of allowing infected systems to communicate with attacker controlled C2 servers, the traffic is redirected to a researcher controlled server. This approach enables researchers to monitor infected hosts, collect telemetry, measure the scale and spread of a campaign. 

Key Findings 

• McAfee researchers identified a large-scale CountLoader campaign using multi-stage payload delivery and heavy obfuscation techniques. 
• Researchers successfully sinkholed malware communication using a backup C2 domain, enabling visibility into the campaign’s infrastructure and infected hosts. 
• The sinkhole received approximately 5,000 connections per minute from infected systems. 
• Telemetry collected during the investigation revealed around 86,000 unique infected machines. 
• The malware also spreads through USB drives, with approximately 9,000 infections attributed to removable media. 
• The final payload deployed in this campaign is cryptocurrency clipper malware that hijacks clipboard data to redirect cryptocurrency transactions. 

C2 Sinkholing and Geographical Prevalence  

As the malware contacts the C2 servers in the reverse order and only hell1-kitty[.]cc was used by attackers, we were able to register hell10-kitty[.]cc and were able to gain insights into the campaign. 

On average, around 5,000 infected clients contacted our server every minute. 

In total, we observed approximately 86,000 unique infections. 

Telemetry collected revealed that this CountLoader campaign has a broad global footprint. The highest number of infections were observed in India, followed by Indonesia, the United States, and several countries across Southeast Asia. 

Conclusion 

CountLoader is a multistage malware loader that uses obfuscated JavaScript and trusted Windows utilities to deliver additional payloads. It ensures persistence via scheduled tasks and uses multiple fallback C2 domains to maintain reliability. Malware employs in-memory execution and security bypass techniques to evade detection.  

In recent campaigns, it has been observed deploying cryptocurrency clipper malware to silently hijack transactions.  

McAfee Researchers identified a flaw in its communication mechanism and were able to exploit it to gain insights into the campaign. 

Technical Analysis 

The following diagram illustrates the complete infection chain used in this CountLoader campaign, from the initial execution to the deployment of the final payload. 

The infection begins when an EXE file is executed. This file launches a PowerShell command, which downloads and executes an obfuscated JavaScript loader known as CountLoader. The loader is executed using mshta.exe, a legitimate Windows utility often abused by malware to run scripts. 

Once executed, it performs several tasks: 

• Establishes persistence by creating a scheduled task that runs every 30 minutes. 

• Contacts multiple C2 servers, trying them in reverse order until a connection is successful. 

• Attempts to spread via USB drives by replacing files with malicious LNK shortcuts that execute the malware when opened. 

• Wait for the C2 server to issue commands to download and execute payloads. 

The payload execution chain consists of several stages: 

Launcher: A secondary JavaScript component creates another scheduled task that runs every 60 minutes, ensuring long term persistence. 

PowerShell Packer: The launcher executes an obfuscated PowerShell script that acts as a packer. This script decrypts and launches the next stage. 

Injector: The next PowerShell stage disables security mechanisms such as AMSI and injects shellcode into a legitimate process. 

Shellcode Execution: The injected shellcode unpacks the final payload directly in memory. 

Final Payload: The final payload is executed under the process systeminfo.exe. In this campaign, the deployed payload was identified as a cryptocurrency clipper malware, which monitors clipboard activity and replaces copied cryptocurrency wallet addresses with attacker controlled addresses. 

Stage 1– Exe 

The infection chain begins with the execution of a malicious EXE file, it immediately runs a PowerShell one-liner as shown in the below image. 

Stage 2 – PowerShell 

The PowerShell script fetched from the URL decodes a Base64-encoded string and executes the resulting content. It also employs an unusual obfuscation technique, where the variable names are crafted to resemble the highlighted pattern, making the script harder to read and analyze.

Multiple such variables are used to create a complete base64 string which is then decoded and executed through Invoke-Expression. 

Stage 3 – CountLoader 

The file is a HTA file with JavaScript that uses string obfuscation technique to evade detection. 

It starts by hiding the mshta window to ensure that the malicious activity runs silently in the background without alerting the user. 

The script then attempts to delete its own file in case it was executed locally. If the script determines that it is not being executed from a URL, it terminates immediately.  

Then the script tries to contact C2 servers, iterating through the list in reverse order.

A handshake process is performed to verify connectivity with the server. The client sends an encrypted “checkStatus” message, and the server responds with an encrypted “success” message if the connection is valid 

All communications between the client and the server are encrypted, with slightly different encryption schemes used for each direction: 

1. Client to Server:  text → (key+(base64encode(utf16le(xor(text, key))))) 
2. Server to Client:  text → (key+(base64encode(xor(text, key)))) 

The key is a randomly generated six digit number created for each message. 

If the handshake is successful, the corresponding domain is selected as the active C2 server, which is used for all subsequent communications. 

To maintain persistence on the infected system, the malware creates a scheduled task if one does not already exist. 

The scheduled task command line is slightly different if it detects CrowdStrike or Reason AV installed on the system, likely as an attempt to evade detection from these AVs. 

After establishing persistence, the malware gets a JWT token from the C2 server, which is used to authenticate further requests. 

The get_jwt_token function sends system information about the infected host to the server.

This includes details related to cryptocurrency usage, such as installed wallets and browser extensions, allowing the attackers to determine whether the victim is likely involved with cryptocurrency. 

Finally, the malware gets commands from the C2 server, which is then executed on the compromised system. 

Each command contains a taskType value that determines the action to be performed on the infected system. 

The table below shows the command codes and their actions. 

Code	Command
1	execute exe file
2	execute python file
3	execute dll file
4	uninstall itself
5	send domain info to C2
6	execute msi file
9	spread by infecting usb files
10	execute HTA file
11	execute powershell file

We observed two commands from the above list being sent to the malware as highlighted below: 

Spreading via USB drives (taskType – 9) 

When instructed by the C2 server to spread via USB drives, the malware replaces certain file types on all connected external drives with LNK shortcut files. These shortcuts are crafted so that when a user opens them, the malware executes while simultaneously opening the original file to avoid suspicion. 

Targeted file types are  exe , pdf , doc and docx. 

The build ID of the malware is appended with “_usb”. 

Deploying payload using powershell (taskType – 11) 

The CountLoader is capable of running many types of executable files, In this campaign, it deploys a separate execution chain that ultimately leads to a clipper malware. 

CountLoader launches the next stage using the following command line: 

Payload Launcher 

The Payload Launcher is very similar to CountLoader in terms of both functionality and obfuscation techniques. 

However, unlike CountLoader, which retrieves tasks from the C2 server, the launcher contains hard-coded task information. 

For persistence, it creates a scheduled task which executes  “mshata.exe {domain}/{name}“ every 60 minutes. 

In the task configuration: 

“url” specifies the url of the payload. 

“taskType” is set to 11, indicating that the payload should be executed as a PowerShell script. 

Powershell Packer 

The PowerShell script executed by the launcher acts as a simple packer. It is obfuscated using the same obfuscation technique mentioned earlier. Its primary function is to decrypt and execute another PowerShell script. 

Injector 

The next stage is another PowerShell script responsible for injecting shellcode into a running process. 

Before performing the injection, the script disables AMSI (Antimalware Scan Interface) using script from GitHub – S3cur3Th1sSh1t/Amsi-Bypass-Powershell.  

After disabling AMSI, the script executes code that performs shellcode injection, 

And injects in one of these legitimate processes: 

Shellcode 

The injected shellcode unpacks and loads the final payload directly into memory, 

Final Payload 

The payload observed in this campaign is a clipper malware. This type of malware changes cryptocurrency address in clipboard to that of attacker’s when user copies any address. 

It starts by fetching the C2 server address, which it gets by a technique called EtherHiding, where the C2 server address is fetched from Ethereum blockchain. 

Once the C2 server address is obtained, the malware begins reporting system activity to the server. 

It then continuously monitors the clipboard contents. 

McAfee Coverage 

McAfee provides extensive coverage against CountLoader:  

Trojan:Script/CountLoader4.DES
Trojan:Script/JSBackdoor.HELK!2
Trojan:Shortcut/LNKDownloader.HK
Trojan:Shortcut/Worm.HELK
Trojan:Script/ObfuPS.HELK
Trojan:Script/AMSIBypass.STS!1
Ti!5F9FF671955A
Ti!DC602CB53A9C

Indicators Of Compromise 

IOC
EXE (stage 1)	5f9ff671955a6d551595f9838aed063c496da5039be0d222fe84f96cb3e1d32a
PS url (stage 2)	https://memory-scanner[.]cc/Presentation[.]pdf
PS (stage 2)	3c278499c5e3ced3bf1a6a7287808c5267075f1dec0aa5c7be2c4c444f33f2bc
CountLoader download URLs	https://memory-scanner[.]cc/
	https://hell1-kitty[.]cc/update1_usb_usb_usb[.]VOcx4wEV8
CountLoader v3.3	c68e436d4cb984db026210806f50d0c81eec5f6e4860197dab91fab6f31ef796
CountLoader v4.1	e2faad8111e7d47349cbc549b85e62231b8678057906bc813aad7242fa95ae63
	e5e1d8ec4cd109df290752ee3d4b2cbc9de6df4360e9983548f1bc6b1d088540
CountLoader C2 Domains	hell1-kitty[.]cc
	alphazero1-endscape[.]cc
	api-microservice-us1[.]com
	bucket-aws-s1[.]com
	bucket-aws-s2[.]com
	fileless-storage-s3[.]cc
	globalsnn1-new[.]cc
	globalsnn2-new[.]cc
	globalsnn3-new[.]cc
	handle-me-sv1[.]com
	hardware-office[.]cc
	health-smooth-eu1[.]com
	health-smooth-eu2[.]com
	health-smooth-eu3[.]com
	holiday-updateservice[.]com
	memory-protection-layer1[.]cc
	memory-protection-layer2[.]cc
	microservice-update-s1-bucket[.]cc
	microservice-update-s2-bucket[.]cc
	my-smart-house1[.]com
	polystore9-servicebucket[.]cc
	s3-updatehub[.]cc
usb lnk files	10593dbe9edfde7943fdaadd7882f190216b2f6502667daf701088a6e810deaf
	0a69a9cc75d65774e5eb90a4a739bd4335d33b176dc4923acb691bd45af66bdf
	27c6a6bda2c0ef3ecb78dad9c6bb7c3abaf2e32b3ad96f372a0102c0c9c0f08d
	2cd449f1bb24f05d2e240812a74bd62f2583bbbe4d0ccc9ae5736240e29a0068
	30dcd5c71beb76d2f8df768d5fd9e9145cb8fbbfc951a63b969d26d3b64002b9
	dd4c7f5aae404816cf447b8090b620c1a1971a35c6791116aa3f871f00ae011b
	42a1fc74334c9a3b8720c79df55f84c7398bd31609eb10581e8c7155835498e3
	9c0d334aac5a6f66016dc5ce8df75c46d519a4e6d16c68cf2b1405c81189186d
	44f6313e9542c0d51937a70160fe4137012905d8c79ad27ccc0021788ecfaa4e
payload launcher url	https://hell1-kitty[.]cc/gamecenter[.]fileManager
	https://hardware-office[.]cc/foundation[.]halflife
payload launcher	cbdfb46b9265a3dfb3bc6b0aade472dde28b1660dbd3ded3b67b1530b4497cca
		packer url	http://45[.]156[.]87[.]118:3015/select
			http://45[.]156[.]87[.]62:3443/production
http://104[.]253[.]1[.]137/content
packer	4a5e1d6ee1217e1fbacf54fc6017fbf9d24a25078266b02358d56a9c7437ceb7
injector	05becb67d8bf1e49fcfccb0d346b82368a2b1c2bf07316078c364c7b020154de
shellcode	44daa1b68737b55a711963eec211c7c018bcba4cb6d68c286a4b45ea781a7d73
payload	dc602cb53a9c24abfcdaadf0ca8256b5fb5cac6d91d20ed8431bdaaf51c0cafe
payload C2	https://edr-security-bucket1[.]cc/

The post Sinkholing CountLoader: Insights into Its Recent Campaign appeared first on McAfee Blog.

If you have ever checked your child’s grades online, submitted a college paper through a school portal, downloaded homework assignments, or received messages from a teacher through a classroom app, there is a good chance you have used Canvas, a nationwide learning management system that was just in a massive data breach. 

This is exactly the moment McAfee+ Advanced was built for. With our built-in Scam Detector to flag risky links, QR codes, and deepfakes; Identity Monitoring that alerts you when your data appears where it shouldn’t; and Personal Data Cleanup that removes your information from the dark web and data brokers, McAfee+ Advanced is an all-in-one solution for protection after a data breach.

Now let’s get into what you need to know about this breach: 

Who Is Behind the Canvas Breach? 

The ransomware group ShinyHunters is claiming responsibility for the attack. The group alleges it stole roughly 275 million records tied to nearly 9,000 schools and educational institutions worldwide. 

How Did the Canvas Cyberattack Happen? 

Instructure, the company behind Canvas, confirmed a cyber incident affecting its cloud-hosted environment. The attackers later posted claims about the breach on their leak site, where ransomware groups pressure organizations into paying by threatening to release stolen data publicly. 

What Information Was Stolen in the Canvas Breach? 

The stolen data reportedly includes: 

• Student names  
• Teacher and staff names  
• Email addresses  
• Student IDs  
• Course and enrollment information  
• School-related records  

ShinyHunters claims the breach exposed roughly 275 million records and more than 231 million unique email addresses. 

How Could the Canvas Data Breach Impact Families and Students? 

Even if financial information was not exposed, this kind of data can still be extremely valuable to scammers. Criminals can use real school names, real classes, teacher names, and student information to create highly convincing phishing emails, fake school alerts, scholarship scams, tuition scams, or password reset messages. 

A scam message referencing your child’s actual school or assignment is much harder to spot as fake. 

This is a real message from Canvas from a community college professor after yours truly took an anthropology class for fun during the pandemic. It’s full of links to apply for programs and reach out to professors. It has exact details about courses I’ve taken.  

While this correspondence is real, it’s exactly the type of messaging that scammers could fake and replicate, replacing real links with fake “paid” opportunities to pursue degrees.  

Now think of the millions of messages and specific scenarios scammers have access to, to create dubious and convincing scams. That’s why protecting yourself after a breach is key.  

What To Do Right Now 

Here are some actions you can take immediately ot protect yourself after this breach:

• Change you or your child’s Canvas password immediately, and update any other accounts where they reuse that password 
• Turn on multi-factor authentication (2FA) on parent and student accounts wherever the school permits it — Instructure’s own post-incident guidance specifically called out enforcing MFA as a recommended precaution 
• Ask your school what identity protection is being offered if sensitive data was involved 
• Consider placing a credit freeze on your or your child’s file to block new accounts from being opened in their name 
• Avoid clicking links in any messages that reference the breach, go directly to the official site instead 

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And that, my friends, is issue number one in this week’s This Week in Scams. Let’s get into what else is on our radar in cybersecurity and scam news. 

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Fake Amazon Recall Texts Are Targeting Shoppers  

Your phone buzzes. It’s a text from an unknown number, but the message looks official. 

“Dear Amazon Customer, we are writing to inform you that an item from your March 2026 order has been identified for recall.” There’s an order number. A link at the top of the message. A note about quality standards and a refund waiting for you. 

It looks real. It has the Amazon logo, the branded formatting, even a reference to the “Amazon Customer Safety Team.” The only thing it doesn’t have? Any connection to Amazon at all. 

This is a fake Amazon recall scam, and it is making the rounds right now. The goal is to get you to click that link, which takes you to a site designed to harvest your login credentials, payment information, or both.  

If you get a text like this, do not click the link. Go directly to amazon.com in your browser, log in, and check your orders and messages from there. Amazon does not initiate recall or refund processes through unsolicited texts with outside links. 

What Is a Fake Amazon Recall Scam And How Does It Work? 

A fake Amazon recall scam is a text message or email in which criminals impersonate Amazon to convince you that one of your recent orders has been flagged for a product recall. The message directs you to an external link leading to a phishing site designed to steal your Amazon credentials, credit card details, or personal information. 

Red Flags To Watch For 

• The text comes from an unknown number, not a short code or verified sender 
• The link goes to a domain that is not amazon.com 
• The message asks you to complete a refund through an external link 
• Small typos or awkward phrasing appear in what looks like official communication 
• The greeting says “Dear Amazon Customer” rather than your actual name 

What To Do If You Get One 

• Do not click the link 
• Go to amazon.com directly and check your orders and account notifications 
• Report the text to Amazon at stop-spoofing@amazon.com 
• Block the number 

Where McAfee Steps In (So You Don’t Have to Guess)  

Scams today are layered.  A fake email leads to stolen credentials. A breach leads to targeted phishing. And those follow-ups are getting harder to spot.  

With McAfee+ Advanced, multiple layers work together so you’re not left figuring it out after the damage is done: 

• Identity Monitoring alerts you if your personal info shows up where it should not, so you can act fast  
• Personal Data Cleanup helps remove your information from sites selling it. 
• Scam Detector flags suspicious texts, emails, links, QR codes, and even deepfake videos before you engage  
• Safe Browsing helps block risky sites, even if you do accidentally click  
• Device Security helps detect malicious apps or downloads  
• Secure VPN keeps your data private, especially on public Wi-Fi    

McAfee Safety Tips This Week 

Our advice based on this week’s scams and stories: 

• If your child’s school uses Canvas, update their password now and enable multi-factor authentication if available 
• Consider a credit freeze for your child’s identity, especially if sensitive identifiers were part of the breach 
• Never click links in unsolicited texts about refunds, recalls, or account issues — go directly to the official site instead 
• Treat any message that references your recent orders or personal account details with extra skepticism, even if it looks legitimate 
• Use Scam Detector to check suspicious links before engaging, and stay alert in the weeks and months after a breach, not just the first few days 

And we’ll be back next week with more scams and cybersecurity news making headlines. 

The post How to Protect Yourself After the Canvas Education Data Breach + Fake Amazon Recall Texts appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Scam messages are getting smarter and faster. 

According to McAfee’s 2026 State of the Scamiverse report, Americans now spend 114 hours a year trying to figure out what’s real and what’s fake online. That’s nearly three full workweeks lost to second-guessing messages, alerts, and links. 

And when scams do succeed, they move quickly. The typical scam unfolds in about 38 minutes, leaving little room for hesitation. 

That creates a gap: People want to check before they act, but the tools haven’t always met them in that moment. 

ChatGPT + McAfee is designed to close that gap, bringing scam detection directly to a platform people are already using to ask questions and make decisions. 

And it’s available to anyone. You don’t have to be a McAfee subscriber. 

This isn’t just detection. It’s guidance in the exact moment you’re deciding what to do.  

Instead of guessing, you can paste a message or drop in a screenshot and get a clear explanation of what’s risky, and what to do next, powered by McAfee’s threat intelligence. 

What You Can Do with ChatGPT + McAfee 

With this integration, checking something suspicious becomes as simple as asking a question. 

Paste a message. Drop in a link. Upload a screenshot. 

McAfee analyzes it and explains what’s going on clearly and in context. 

Here’s how it works: 

Feature	What it does	How it protects you
Link safety check	Paste a suspicious URL and get a reputational analysis based on McAfee threat intelligence	Scam links are often designed to look legitimate. A quick check helps avoid phishing and malware
Message analysis	Submit texts, emails, or social messages for evaluation	Many scams now rely on urgency and tone. Analysis helps surface subtle red flags
Screenshot uploads	Upload screenshots of messages, emails, or posts for review	Scams don’t always come as clean text. This makes it easier to check what you’re actually seeing
Clear explanations	Get a breakdown of why something is flagged as risky or safe	Not just a warning—an explanation that helps you recognize patterns next time
Guided next steps	Receive recommendations on what to do next	Helps prevent escalation, especially in moments of uncertainty

It’s a quick, accessible way to get answers in the moment. But it’s just one part of a broader system designed to protect you more comprehensively. 

Add the app to your ChatGPT account here. 

Built on McAfee’s Threat Intelligence 

Behind the scenes, ChatGPT + McAfee is powered by the same intelligence that fuels McAfee’s broader scam protection ecosystem. 

When you submit something for review: 

• Links are checked against known threat signals  
• Messages are analyzed for scam patterns and language cues  
• Results are translated into clear, human-readable explanations  

The goal isn’t just to flag risk. It’s to help you understand it. 

A New Way to Stay Ahead of Scams 

Scams aren’t slowing down. If anything, they’re becoming more convincing, more personalized, and harder to detect. 

That’s where ChatGPT + McAfee comes in. But this is only one part of a much bigger system designed to protect you before, during, and after a scam attempt. 

With McAfee+ Advanced, multiple layers work together so you’re not left figuring it out after the damage is done: 

• Identity Monitoring alerts you if your personal info shows up where it should not, so you can act fast  
• Personal Data Cleanup helps remove your information from sites selling it. 
• Scam Detector flags suspicious texts, emails, links, QR codes, and even deepfake videos before you engage  
• Safe Browsing helps block risky sites, even if you do accidentally click  
• Device Security helps detect malicious apps or downloads  
• Secure VPN keeps your data private, especially on public Wi-Fi    

The ChatGPT experience gives you a fast, intuitive way to check something in the moment. 

McAfee+ Advanced makes sure you’re protected across everything else.

The post Now Available: Use ChatGPT with McAfee to Spot Scams Faster appeared first on McAfee Blog.

You’re scrolling through Facebook or TikTok and see it. 

A flash sale from a brand you recognize. A limited-time investment opportunity. A job posting that promises quick money. 

The ad has comments. The account looks polished. Maybe someone you follow even liked it. 

So you click. 

From there, things move fast. You’re pushed to act quickly, enter your information, or send payment before the “deal” disappears. And just like that, the money is gone or your account is compromised. 

This isn’t an edge case anymore. According to new FTC data, nearly 30% of people who reported losing money to a scam in 2025 said it started on social media, with total losses hitting $2.1 billion. 

That’s why McAfee+ Advanced includes comprehensive protection designed to help you spot and stop scams at every step, including McAfee’s Scam Detector, which flags suspicious links and messages and explains why they may be risky, along with identity and privacy tools that help protect your information if a scam slips through. 

How Social Media Ad Scams Work 

A social media ad scam is when scammers use paid ads, fake profiles, or hijacked accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok to promote fake products, services, or investment opportunities in order to steal money or personal information. 

Step	What happens	What to do	How McAfee helps
1	You see an ad, post, or DM promoting a deal, job, or investment	Don’t engage immediately, even if it looks legitimate	Scam Detector flags suspicious links and messages before you interact
2	The ad links to a website or moves you into DMs	Avoid clicking unfamiliar links or continuing off-platform	Safe Browsing helps block risky or newly created websites
3	You’re pressured to act quickly or “secure your spot”	Slow down and verify the company independently	Scam Detector explains urgency tactics and why they’re risky
4	You’re asked to pay, share login info, or download something	Never send money or credentials based on a social media interaction	Identity Monitoring helps protect your personal data if exposed
5	The product never arrives, the investment disappears, or your account is compromised	Report the scam and secure your accounts immediately	Personal Data Cleanup and monitoring help reduce ongoing exposure

Red Flags To Watch For 

• Deals that feel unusually cheap or urgent  
• Ads linking to unfamiliar or slightly misspelled websites  
• Requests to move conversations off-platform quickly  
• Payment requests via apps, crypto, or wire transfer  
• Accounts with limited history or inconsistent engagement  

And that is the first part of This Week in Scams! This Friday we’re taking a different format to talk about this new FTC data and all that it reveals.  

Let’s keep digging in: 

FTC Report: Social Media Scams Are Now The Most Costly Fraud Channel 

New data from the FTC shows just how dominant social media has become in the scam landscape. 

• Social media scams drove $2.1 billion in reported losses in 2025  
• Losses have increased eightfold since 2020  
• Investment scams alone accounted for $1.1 billion of those losses 

Where Scams Are Happening And What’s Changing 

Category	What to know
Most common scams	Shopping scams lead, with over 40% of victims reporting purchases from social media ads that never arrived
Most costly scams	Investment scams drive the biggest losses, often starting with ads or group chats showing fake success
What’s changing	Scammers are using platform tools like ads, targeting, and profile data to reach people more precisely than ever

How Scams Play Out Across Platforms 

Platform	How scams typically start	What to watch for
Facebook	Ads, Marketplace listings, hacked accounts	Fake stores, duplicate listings, urgent purchase pressure
Instagram	Sponsored posts, influencer impersonation	“Limited drop” scams, fake brand collaborations
TikTok	Ads, stolen videos/profiles, comment links, bio links,	“Get rich quick” schemes, external link funnels, reselling via TikTok
WhatsApp	Group chats, investment communities	Fake testimonials, coordinated pressure to invest

 How McAfee Protects You from Scams and Cyber Threats 

McAfee+ Advanced gives you multiple layers working together so you are not left figuring it out after the damage is done:   

• Identity Monitoring alerts you if your personal info shows up where it should not, so you can act fast  
• Personal Data Cleanup helps remove your information from data broker sites, making you harder to target in the first place  
• Scam Detector flags suspicious texts, emails, links, and even deepfake videos before you engage  
• Safe Browsing helps block risky sites if you do click  
• Device Security helps detect malicious apps or downloads  
• Secure VPN keeps your data private, especially on public Wi-Fi    

McAfee Safety Tips This Week 

Our advice based on this week’s scams and schemes: 

• Treat social media ads like any other unknown source, not a trusted recommendation  
• Pause before clicking, especially when urgency is involved  
• Verify brands by going directly to their official website  
• Avoid sending money or personal information through social media  
• Use tools like Scam Detector to check suspicious links before engaging  

And we’ll be back next week with more scams making headlines.

The post Ad Impersonation Scams and Record-Breaking Social Media Fraud Losses: This Week in Scams appeared first on McAfee Blog.

A new scam making the rounds takes a familiar delivery trick and upgrades it with hyper‑realistic messaging and a QR code that looks safe to scan. 

But don’t be fooled. 

It’s the same delivery scam playbook scammers have relied on for years, just repackaged with better design and more convincing details. 

You get a message with a notice that looks something like this, a real message received by our team and tested against McAfee’s Scam Detector. 

 

That added layer of realism is what makes this version more dangerous. But it doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. McAfee’s Scam Detector flagged both the suspicious language and the QR code in this message before any interaction. 

If you receive something like this, pause. Do not scan the code. 

You can also protect yourself with McAfee’s Scam Detector, which flags suspicious links and messages, including delivery scams and QR‑based attacks, and explains why they may be risky. 

What is the USPS QR Code Scam and How Does it Work? 

The USPS QR code scam is a phishing attempt where scammers impersonate postal services and use QR codes instead of clickable links to direct victims to malicious websites. 

Once scanned, the QR code can lead to a fake USPS page that asks for payment, login credentials, or personal information. 

How the scam works 

Step	What happens	The red flags	What to do	How McAfee helps
1	You receive a text about a delivery issue or missed package	Urgency, you’re not tracking a package	Be skeptical of unsolicited delivery messages	Scam Detector flags suspicious messages
2	The message includes a QR code instead of a link	QR codes instead of official tracking links  is a red flag	Do not scan QR codes from unknown sources	QR scanning protection warns before opening risky destinations
3	You scan the code and land on a fake USPS page	Generic or slightly off branding on the webpage	Do not enter any information	Safe Browsing blocks known malicious sites
4	The page asks for payment or personal details	Requests for small “redelivery” or “processing” fees  are not normal	Exit immediately and do not submit anything	Scam Detector explains why the page is risky, and Identity Monitoring supports you when if your info gets out.

What To Do If You Get This Message 

• Do not scan the QR code  
• Go directly to the official USPS website to check tracking  
• Delete the message  
• Report it as spam  
• Monitor your accounts if you interacted with it  

And that, my friends, is scam number one in this week’s This Week in Scams. 

Let’s get into what else is on our radar. 

A Major Health Data Breach Exposes 500,000 Records 

A massive health data incident is raising new concerns about how sensitive information is handled and shared. 

According to reporting from the Associated Press, data tied to 500,000 participants in a major U.K. health research project was found listed for sale online. The dataset included biological and health-related information, though it did not contain direct identifiers like names or contact details. 

Access to the data had been granted to research institutions, but that access has since been revoked. Authorities say no purchases were made, and the listing has been removed. 

Still, the situation highlights a growing reality: once data is accessed or shared, control over it becomes harder to guarantee. 

What This Breach Says About Data Privacy 

Scams are no longer isolated events. They are layered. 

A data breach does not just stay a breach. It becomes fuel for future scams. Exposed information can be used to make phishing messages more convincing, personalize attacks, and build trust with targets. 

That is why detection alone is not enough anymore. Protection has to account for both incoming threats and what happens when data is already out there. 

How McAfee Protects You In A World of Scams and Data Breaches  

McAfee+ Advanced gives you multiple layers working together so you are not left figuring it out after the damage is done:  

• Identity Monitoring alerts you if your personal info shows up where it should not, so you can act fast 
• Personal Data Cleanup helps remove your information from data broker sites, making you harder to target in the first place 
• Scam Detector flags suspicious texts, emails, links, and even deepfake videos before you engage 
• Safe Browsing helps block risky sites if you do click 
• Device Security helps detect malicious apps or downloads 
• Secure VPN keeps your data private, especially on public Wi-Fi   

McAfee Safety Tips This Week  

As always, we have some best practices and safety tips for navigating life online:  

• Pause before clicking, especially when a message creates urgency   
• Go directly to websites or apps instead of using email links   
• Be skeptical of routine account alerts that push immediate action   
• Double-check sender addresses and URLs closely   
• Use tools like McAfee’s Scam Detector to flag suspicious links and messages before interacting   
• Turn on identity monitoring so you’re alerted if your data is exposed  

And we’ll be back next week with more scams making headlines.

The post Fake USPS QR Code Text Scams and a Major Health Data Breach: This Week in Scams appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Co-Authored by Luiz Parente 

Your data might be safe today. But that doesn’t mean it’s safe forever. 

A growing number of sophisticated actors are collecting encrypted data now, with the goal of decrypting it later, when more powerful technology becomes available. 

This strategy is known as Harvest Now, Decrypt Later (HNDL). And it’s not a future problem. It’s already happening, according to research from our McAfee VPN team. 

For everyday people, that means private messages, financial records, and sensitive documents could be exposed years from now if protections don’t evolve today. 

That’s why security teams, including McAfee’s VPN engineers, are already working on ways to strengthen encryption for both today and what comes next. 

What “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” Means 

At its core, HNDL is simple: Attackers collect encrypted data now, store it, and wait until they have the tools to unlock it later. 

Even though today’s encryption is incredibly strong, the strategy doesn’t rely on breaking it today. It relies on patience.  

A Simple Way to Think About It 

You put valuable belongings and documents in a safe at home that’s locked and secured. This works at preventing crimes of opportunity. But let’s say there’s a thief who steals the entire safe, knowing they have tools they can use later to access what’s inside. They wait, and once the tools are available, they break into your safe and access everything inside. 

That’s one way to think of HNDL. The safe is the encryption. The quantum computing is the tool they can use later.  

But in real life, you’d probably notice if your safe is gone. In the case of HNDL, if you’re not monitoring your data, you may not even notice encrypted information has been stolen to be decrypted.  

Key Terms Explained 

Term	What it means
Encryption	Scrambling data so others can’t read it
Quantum computing	A new type of computing that can break some encryption
HNDL	A strategy to collect encrypted data now and decrypt it later

Why This Matters Right Now 

This isn’t about whether your data is valuable today. It’s about whether it might be valuable later. 

Data with a long shelf life is especially at risk, including: 

• Financial records  
• Medical information  
• Private messages  
• Legal or identity documents  

Even something that feels low-stakes today could become sensitive in the future. 

And because the collection phase is already happening, the risk isn’t hypothetical. It’s already in motion. 

How This Affects VPNs (and what doesn’t change) 

VPNs remain one of the most effective ways to protect your data today. That hasn’t changed. 

But HNDL introduces a new layer of complexity. 

• What’s still strong: The encryption that protects your data in transit remains highly resilient.  
• Where the risk is: The “handshake” process (how a secure connection is established) is more vulnerable to future quantum attacks.  

In simple terms: Your data is well protected today, but parts of how that protection is set up may need to evolve for the future. 

What Quantum Computing Changes 

Traditional computers process information in a linear way. 

Quantum computers work differently. They can solve certain types of problems much faster, including the kinds of mathematical challenges that protect today’s encryption. 

That’s why attackers are willing to wait. 

Once quantum computing reaches a certain level, it could unlock data that was previously considered secure. 

What McAfee’s VPN Team is Working On 

McAfee’s VPN team is already preparing for this shift. 

• Evaluating quantum-safe encryption approaches  
• Exploring hybrid models that protect both now and long-term  
• Building toward a more resilient VPN experience  

This work builds on a broader privacy-by-design approach, where systems are designed to minimize risk from the start, not react after the fact. 

Because with HNDL, waiting isn’t an option. 

What You Can Do Now 

You don’t need to wait for quantum computing to take steps today. 

• Use a trusted VPN to encrypt your connection  
• Be mindful of long-term sensitive data you share online  
• Avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi when possible  
• Keep your apps and devices updated  

These steps help protect your data now while the industry builds toward future-ready security. 

How McAfee Helps Protect You 

McAfee+ Advanced gives you multiple layers working together so you are not left figuring it out after the damage is done:  

• Identity Monitoring alerts you if your personal info shows up where it should not, so you can act fast 
• Personal Data Cleanup helps remove your information from data broker sites, making you harder to target in the first place 
• Scam Detector flags suspicious texts, emails, links, and even deepfake videos before you engage 
• Safe Browsing helps block risky sites if you do click 
• Device Security helps detect malicious apps or downloads 
• Secure VPN keeps your data private, especially on public Wi-Fi   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

FAQ

Q: Is my data safe right now?   A: In most cases, yes—today’s encryption is extremely strong and is designed to protect your data from current threats. If you’re using trusted security tools like a VPN, safe browsing protections, and device security, your data is actively protected while it’s in transit and in use. However, no system is risk-free. Data exposed through phishing, weak passwords, breaches, or unsecured networks may still be vulnerable. And with “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later,” even properly encrypted data could be collected today and targeted for decryption in the future.

Q: What is quantum-safe encryption?  A: Quantum-safe (or post-quantum) encryption refers to new types of cryptography designed to remain secure even against future quantum computers. Today’s encryption relies on math problems that are extremely difficult for classical computers to solve, but quantum computers could eventually solve some of them much faster. Quantum-safe approaches use different mathematical foundations that are believed to resist those capabilities. In practice, many companies are moving toward hybrid encryption, combining today’s proven methods with newer quantum-resistant techniques to protect data both now and long-term.

Q: Should I still use a VPN?  A: Yes. A VPN remains one of the most effective ways to protect your data today, especially on public or unsecured networks. It encrypts your internet traffic and helps prevent interception by hackers, internet providers, or other third parties. While VPN protocols are evolving to address future quantum risks, they still provide strong, essential protection against today’s threats.

Q: When will this become a real threat?  A: The risk unfolds in two phases. The collection phase is already happening today, where sophisticated actors gather encrypted data and store it. The decryption phase depends on when quantum computing advances far enough to break certain types of encryption, which could take years but is actively progressing. This means data with a long lifespan, such as financial records, personal communications, and sensitive documents, is most at risk because it only needs to remain valuable until those capabilities exist.

The post Why Hackers Are Collecting Data They Can’t Read Yet. And How to Stay Safe appeared first on McAfee Blog.

You open your inbox and see it: Your cloud storage is full. 

There’s a warning about photos being deleted, your account being suspended, or a renewal failing. There’s a button to “fix it now.” Or a warning to “act today.” 

It looks routine. Maybe even urgent enough to click. 

That’s exactly the point. 

Cloud storage scams are making headlines again, building on patterns we flagged earlier this year in our State of the Scamiverse research.  

These emails have circulated steadily since 2025, often impersonating trusted brands like Apple, Microsoft, and Google. Many are timed to moments when people are already thinking about storage, backups, or subscriptions. 

The safest move is simple: pause and don’t click. If there’s a real issue, go directly to your account through the official app or website. 

You can also protect yourself with McAfee’s Scam Detector, which flags suspicious links and messages, including cloud storage scams, and explains why they may be risky. 

What Is A Cloud Storage Scam And How Does It Work? 

Cloud storage scams are phishing attacks designed to trick you into believing there’s an issue with your account so you’ll click a malicious link.

They often look like this, and include 3 key red flags:  

• Messages that create urgency like “act now or lose your data”  
• Generic greetings instead of your name  
• Links that don’t match the official domain  

How the scam works (step-by-step) 

Step	What happens	What to do	How McAfee helps
1. You receive a message	Email or text claims your storage is full or your account has an issue	Don’t click links directly from the message	Scam Detector flags suspicious messages before you interact
2. Urgency is introduced	Warning that files or photos will be deleted if you don’t act	Pause. Urgency is a red flag	Scam Detector identifies pressure-based scam patterns
3. You’re pushed to a link	Link mimics a real login or billing page	Go directly to the official website instead	Safe browsing tools help block malicious sites
4. You’re asked for info	Login credentials or payment details requested	Never enter info from a link you didn’t verify	Scam Detector explains why a page or link is risky
5. Data is captured	Scammers collect your data or payment	Monitor accounts and report suspicious activity	Identity monitoring alerts you if your data is exposed

 Why This Scam Works 

• Familiar brands: Messages often appear to come from trusted platforms like Apple iCloud or Google Drive  
• Emotional pressure: The threat of losing photos or files triggers quick decisions  
• Routine context: Storage alerts feel normal, so people don’t question them  

And that, my friends, is scam number one in this week’s This Week in Scams. 

Let’s get into what else is on our radar. 

FBI Report: Over $20 Billion Lost to Scams in 2025

New data from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (ICC) shows just how large the scam economy has become. 

In 2025 alone: 

• Americans reported over $20.8 billion in losses  
• More than 1 million complaints were filed  
• That’s roughly 3,000 complaints per day  

This is where layered protection matters. It’s not just about catching one bad link. It’s about recognizing patterns across messages, platforms, and moments when something feels slightly off. 

How McAfee Protects You From Scams and Cyber Threats 

McAfee+ Advanced gives you multiple layers working together so you are not left figuring it out after the damage is done:  

• Identity Monitoring alerts you if your personal info shows up where it should not, so you can act fast 
• Personal Data Cleanup helps remove your information from data broker sites, making you harder to target in the first place 
• Scam Detector flags suspicious texts, emails, links, and even deepfake videos before you engage 
• Safe Browsing helps block risky sites if you do click 
• Device Security helps detect malicious apps or downloads 
• Secure VPN keeps your data private, especially on public Wi-Fi   

McAfee Safety Tips This Week 

As always, we have some best practices and safety tips for navigating life online: 

• Pause before clicking, especially when a message creates urgency  
• Go directly to websites or apps instead of using email links  
• Be skeptical of routine account alerts that push immediate action  
• Double-check sender addresses and URLs closely  
• Use tools like McAfee’s Scam Detector to flag suspicious links and messages before interacting  
• Turn on identity monitoring so you’re alerted if your data is exposed 

And we’ll be back next week with more scams making headlines. 

The post Cloud Storage Scam Emails and Record-Breaking Fraud Losses: This Week in Scams  appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Emails claiming to be from Social Security are making the rounds right now. 

They look official. They sound official. And they’re designed to get you to click before you think twice. 

The Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General is warning about a spike in messages that claim your Social Security statement is ready to download. The goal is simple. Get you to click a link or open an attachment. 

From there, things can go sideways fast. 

Before interacting with anything like this, it’s worth pausing and running it through a tool like McAfee’s Scam Detector. This is exactly the kind of message it’s built to flag. Something that looks legitimate, but feels just slightly off. 

How The Scam Works 

The email mimics official government communication, using logos, formatting, and language that feels familiar. It might say your statement is ready, your account needs attention, or you need to review a document. 

Once you click: 

• You may be sent to a fake website designed to capture your personal information  
• You may download malware without realizing it  
• Or you may be prompted to enter sensitive financial details  
• Either way, the goal is the same: get access to your identity. 

The Red Flags In These Emails 

• Messages claiming your social security statement is ready to download  
• Links or attachments labeled as official documents  
• Urgency pushing you to act quickly  
• Sender addresses that do not end in “.Gov”  

The biggest tell: Social Security does not send emails like this asking you to download statements or provide sensitive information. 

What To Do If You Get One 

• Do not click links or download attachments  
• Delete the email immediately  
• Access your account by going directly to the official SSA website  
• Report the message to the SSA Office of Inspector General  

If you already clicked: 

• Stop communication immediately  
• Contact your financial institutions  
• Monitor your accounts closely  
• Report the incident to the FTC or the FBI’s IC3  

And that, my friends, is scam number one in this week’s This Week in Scams. 

Let’s get into what else is on our radar. 

A Healthcare Data Breach That Could Lead to Follow-Up Scams 

Healthcare data breaches don’t always make headlines the same way big tech breaches do, but they can be just as serious. 

According to reporting from Fox News, CareCloud, a company that supports electronic health records for tens of thousands of providers, recently confirmed a security incident involving unauthorized access to one of its systems.  

The access lasted several hours. And while it’s still unclear whether any data was taken, that uncertainty is exactly what makes situations like this risky. 

Because even if you’ve never heard of the company, your doctor might use it. 

Why This Matters 

Healthcare data is incredibly valuable. It can include: 

• Names and social security numbers  
• Insurance details  
• Medical history  
• Billing information  

Unlike a credit card, you can’t just cancel your medical history. 

And when that kind of data is exposed or even potentially exposed, scammers often follow up with messages that feel highly specific and personal. 

What To Watch For Next 

After incidents like this, scammers often move quickly: 

• Emails or texts pretending to be your provider  
• Messages about billing issues or medical records  
• Requests to “verify” your information  
• Links to log in or update your account  

These scams work because they’re timed perfectly and feel relevant. 

This is another moment where Scam Detector can help flag suspicious links or messages before you engage, even when they reference real healthcare providers. 

How To Protect Yourself 

• Review medical bills and insurance statements for unfamiliar activity  
• Enable two-factor authentication on patient portals  
• Use strong, unique passwords  
• Avoid clicking links in unexpected healthcare-related messages  
• Consider identity monitoring to catch misuse early  

Where McAfee Steps In (So You Don’t Have to Guess) 

Scams today are layered. 

A fake email leads to stolen credentials. A breach leads to targeted phishing. And those follow-ups are getting harder to spot. 

McAfee+ Advanced gives you multiple layers working together so you are not left figuring it out after the damage is done: 

• Identity Monitoring alerts you if your personal info shows up where it should not, so you can act fast
• Personal Data Cleanup helps remove your information from data broker sites, making you harder to target in the first place
• Scam Detector flags suspicious texts, emails, links, and even deepfake videos before you engage
• Safe Browsing helps block risky sites if you do click
• Device Security helps detect malicious apps or downloads
• Secure VPN keeps your data private, especially on public Wi-Fi  

Safety Tips To Carry Into Next Week 

• Be cautious of emails that look official but create urgency  
• Never trust unsolicited messages asking for personal or financial information  
• Go directly to official websites instead of clicking links  
• Stay alert after any breach or security incident makes headlines  
• Use tools like McAfee that help you verify what’s real before you act  

Because the reality is, scams are designed to look legitimate. You shouldn’t have to figure it out on your own. We’re safer together. 

We’ll be back next week with more scams making headlines. 

The post Social Security Scam Emails and a Healthcare Data Breach: This Week in Scams appeared first on McAfee Blog.

We’re excited to share that McAfee’s Scam Detector has been named a finalist in the 2026 Webby Awards. 

Recognized in the AI Experiences & Applications – Consumer Application category and named a Webby Honoree for Best Use of AI & Machine Learning, Scam Detector is being acknowledged for its effectiveness as an AI-driven consumer tool. 

This recognition of Scam Detector validates something key in research findings. According to McAfee’s 2026 State of the Scamiverse report, Americans now spend 114 hours a year trying to decide what’s real and what’s fake online. 

Scam Detector was built with this era of uncertainty in mind, designed to help people cut through confusion and identify scams as they appear. The Webby recognition reinforces to us that McAfee’s Scam Detector is doing exactly that. 

What Are the Webby Awards? 

The Webby Awards are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences and recognize excellence across the internet, including apps, software, AI, and digital experiences. 

Each year, thousands of entries are evaluated, with finalists representing the top work in their category globally. 

In addition to judged awards, the Webby Awards include a People’s Voice Award, which is decided by public vote. 

How McAfee’s Scam Detector Uses AI to Stop Scams 

Scam Detector is designed to help people identify scams where they’re most likely to happen, always ready to help you spot what’s real and what’s not when you least expect it. 

It uses AI to analyze and flag suspicious: 

• Text messages and emails  
• Links and websites  
• QR codes  
• Social media messages  
• AI-generated and deepfake content  

Beyond detection, Scam Detector explains why something was flagged as risky. That transparency helps show how decisions are made, so people can quickly understand the risk and feel more confident trusting what’s flagged.

As scams become more personalized and harder to detect, this combination of automatic detection and clear guidance is critical to preventing financial loss and identity theft. 

Vote for McAfee’s Scam Detector 

Scam Detector is eligible for the Webby People’s Voice Award, which is decided by public vote. 

If you would like to support McAfee’s Scam Detector, you can vote here: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2026/ai/ai-experiences-applications/consumer-application 

Voting is open through Thursday, April 16 at 11:59 pm PDT. 

Winners will be announced on April 21, 2026. 

And a big thank you to the McAfee teams who brought Scam Detector to life and who continuously improve how Scam Detector identifies new threats and adapts to the evolving world of AI-driven scams. 

The post McAfee’s Scam Detector Named Webby Awards Finalist for AI Innovation appeared first on McAfee Blog.

A tax system breach in Oklahoma is putting highly sensitive personal information at risk. And unfortunately, this is exactly the kind of situation scammers love to exploit. 

Hackers reportedly accessed W-2 and 1099 files through Oklahoma’s online tax portal, according to state officials, exposing the kind of information that can open the door to tax fraud, identity theft, and highly targeted phishing attempts. 

Before the follow-up scams start rolling in, this is the kind of moment where layered protection matters. McAfee+ Advanced includes identity monitoring and data cleansup that can help alert you if your personal information starts circulating where it shouldn’t, and Scam Detector can flag suspicious messages if scammers try to use this breach as a hook. 

What Happened in Oklahoma 

According to a statement by the Oklahoma Tax Commission and reported by KOCO News 5, a local ABC affiliate, suspicious activity inside the state’s Oklahoma Taxpayer Access Point system was identified in December 2025. The agency says impacted individuals have been notified directly by mail, and complimentary credit monitoring and fraud assistance are being offered. 

When W-2s, 1099s, Social Security numbers, and tax-related records are exposed, scammers can use that information to: 

• File fraudulent tax returns  
• Try to open new accounts  
• Build phishing emails or texts that feel unusually real  

Either way, the goal is the same: use real information to make the next scam more believable. 

Red Flags of a Scam After a Breach Like This 

The breach itself is real. But what often follows is a second wave of scams pretending to help. 

Watch For: 

• Emails or texts about your “tax account” that create urgency  
• Messages asking you to verify personal information  
• Fake alerts about refunds, filings, or suspicious activity  
• Links telling you to log in and “secure” your account  

That’s where people can get hit twice: once by the breach, and again by the scam that follows it. 

What To Do If You’re Impacted 

First, don’t panic. Then: 

• Take advantage of any free credit monitoring or fraud assistance being offered  
• Monitor your bank accounts, tax records, and credit reports closely  
• Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze if needed  
• Be extra careful with any message referencing taxes, refunds, or account access 
• Go directly to official sites instead of clicking links in emails or texts  

And that, my friends, is scam number one in this week’s This Week in Scams. 

Let’s get into what else is on our radar. 

The FBI Impersonation Scam Showing Up Across the U.S. 

Scammers pretending to be federal agents are making the rounds across the country, and this one is built to make people panic fast. 

Field offices, including Chicago and Houston, are warning the public about fraudsters posing as FBI agents in calls, texts, and emails. In some cases, the scammers claim you’re connected to an investigation. In others, they say you’re a victim of fraud and need to act immediately to protect yourself. 

Sometimes they do not stop there. They may also pretend to be bank employees working alongside the FBI, all to make the story feel more convincing and get access to your money or personal information. 

Why This Scam Works

This scam plays on the same pressure tactics we’ve seen over and over again: authority, urgency, and confusion. 

If someone claims to be a federal agent, many people freeze up and assume they need to cooperate immediately. That’s exactly what scammers are counting on. 

The FBI has been clear about this: federal law enforcement will not ask you for money or sensitive personal information over the phone, by text, or by email. 

The Red Flags in This Message

• Unsolicited outreach from someone claiming to be federal law enforcement  
• Pressure to act immediately  
• Requests for money, gift cards, prepaid cards, or personal information  
• Instructions to keep the conversation secret  
• Stories involving a bank “working with” the FBI  

If it feels dramatic, high-pressure, and just a little off, trust that instinct. 

What To Do if You Get One Of These Messages

• Do not respond  
• Do not send money or share personal information  
• Contact the agency directly using publicly listed contact information  
• Save the message for your records  
• Report it to the FBI: 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), or online at tips.fbi.gov.

This is also exactly the kind of message McAfee’s Scam Detector is built to flag before you get pulled in. 

How McAfee Helps You Stay Ahead of Scams and Breaches 

McAfee+ Advanced gives you multiple layers working together so you are not left figuring it out after the damage is done: 

• Identity Monitoring alerts you if your personal info shows up where it should not, so you can act fast
• Personal Data Cleanup helps remove your information from data broker sites, making you harder to target in the first place
• Scam Detector flags suspicious texts, emails, links, and even deepfake videos before you engage
• Safe Browsing helps block risky sites if you do click
• Device Security helps detect malicious apps or downloads
• Secure VPN keeps your data private, especially on public Wi-Fi  

This kind of layered protection is critical in cases like ghost student scams, where the first sign of fraud often comes after financial damage has already happened. 

Safety tips to carry into next week 

• Be extra cautious after any real breach makes headlines  
• Do not trust unsolicited messages just because they reference real institutions  
• Never send money to someone claiming to be law enforcement  
• Go directly to official websites instead of clicking links  
• Use tools that flag suspicious messages in real time so you do not have to guess 

The reality is, scams are getting better at looking official. 

You should not have to be an expert to spot them. That’s why McAfee is here to help. We’re Safer Together.

We’ll be back next week with more scams making headlines. 

The post Oklahoma Tax Breach and FBI Impersonation Scam: This Week in Scams appeared first on McAfee Blog.

We’re proud to share that McAfee’s “Keep It Real” campaign has been named a finalist in the 2026 Shorty Awards Social Good Campaign category. 

This category recognizes work that doesn’t just perform, it matters: campaigns that raise awareness, inspire action, and make a real-world impact. 

That’s exactly what “Keep It Real” set out to do. 

Because behind every scam statistic is a person who thought they were making the right call. And too often, what follows isn’t just financial loss. It’s embarrassment, silence, and stigma. 

We wanted to change that. 

The campaign launched alongside McAfee Scam Detector to address a growing reality: scams powered by AI are becoming harder to recognize and easier to fall for. 

“Keep It Real” paired real survivor stories with AI-driven protection to show how scams actually happen and how people can stop them in the moment. 

The goal was simple: 

• Normalize the experience  
• Remove shame around being scammed 
• Help more people recognize scams faster  

Because when people feel safe talking about scams, they’re more likely to spot them and stop them. 

What Are the Shorty Awards? 

The Shorty Awards honor the best work in social media, digital campaigns, and online storytelling across brands, creators, and organizations. 

Now in their 18th year, the awards recognize campaigns that combine creativity, impact, and real-world relevance. Finalists are selected alongside leading global brands and judged on both industry evaluation and public voting. 

How McAfee’s Scam Detector Fits In 

McAfee’s Scam Detector is designed to help people identify scams across everyday digital moments. 

It uses AI to fight AI by flagging suspicious: 

• Text messages and emails  
• QR codes and links  
• Social media messages  
• AI-generated and deepfake content  

By combining automatic detection with clear guidance, Scam Detector helps people better understand what they’re seeing and decide what to trust. 

Real Stories Behind the Campaign 

A core part of “Keep It Real” was giving space to people who experienced scams to share what happened, in their own words. 

These stories helped show that scams can happen to anyone and played a key role in breaking the stigma around being targeted. 

 

This recognition reflects the work across McAfee teams who built and brought this campaign to life, including product, engineering, research, creative, and communications. 

It also reflects the individuals who chose to share their real scam stories to help others recognize scams, stay safer, and end the shame and stigma around being scammed. 

Support the Campaign 

The Shorty Awards include a public voting component. 

If you’d like to support the campaign, you can vote here:
https://shortyawards.com/18th/keep-it-real-mcafees-ai-scam-media-relations-campaign 

Voting is open through April 8, and you can vote once per day. 

The post McAfee’s “Keep It Real” Campaign Named Shorty Awards Finalist appeared first on McAfee Blog.

McAfee’s mobile research team has uncovered a large-scale Android malware campaign we’re tracking as Operation NoVoice.

The campaign was distributed through more than 50 apps previously available on Google Play, disguised as everyday tools like cleaners, games, and photo utilities. Together, the apps were downloaded more than 2.3 million times, though it’s unclear how many devices may have been impacted.

If the attack succeeds, the malware can gain deep control of a device, allowing attackers to inject malicious code into apps as they are opened and access sensitive data.

However, the most serious impact depends on the device. 

On older or unpatched Android devices, the malware can install a highly persistent form of infection that may survive a standard factory reset. Newer Android devices with up-to-date security protections are not vulnerable to the root exploit observed in this campaign, though they may still be exposed to other types of malicious activity from these apps.

In other words, on vulnerable devices, the malware can behave like a kind of digital “zombie,” continuing to operate in the background even after a reset.

Want the full technical breakdown? Dive into the McAfee Labs research here. 

We break down what you need to know below: 

How “Operation NoVoice” Works 

Operation NoVoice is what security experts call a rootkit malware attack. 

A rootkit is a type of malware designed to gain deep, privileged control of a device while hiding its presence from the user and the operating system’s normal security tools. 

Breaking the term down: 

• “Root” refers to the highest level of access on a system (administrator-level control). 
• “Kit” refers to a collection of tools used by an attacker to maintain that control. 

Put simply, a rootkit allows attackers to operate underneath the normal apps and security protections on a phone, giving them powerful control while staying difficult to detect.

In the case of Operation NoVoice, the attack unfolds in several steps. 

1) A normal-looking app starts the attack

The campaign began with apps that appeared harmless on the Google Play Store. These apps advertised themselves as tools like phone cleaners, puzzle games, or gallery utilities. 

When a user downloaded and opened one of these apps, it appeared to work normally. There are no obvious signs to the user that anything is wrong. 

2) The malware quietly checks the device

Behind the scenes, the app contacts a remote server controlled by the attackers. 

The server collects information about the device, things like its hardware, operating system version, and security patch level. Based on that information, the attackers send back custom exploit code designed for that specific device.

3) The attack gains deep system access

If the exploit succeeds, the malware gains root-level access to the device.

At that point, the attackers can install additional malicious components and modify parts of the Android operating system itself. 

4) Every app on the phone can be affected

Once the rootkit is installed, it modifies a core Android system library that every app relies on. 

This allows attacker-controlled code to run inside any app the user opens. 

That means the attackers could potentially access data from messaging apps, financial apps, or social media apps without the user noticing. 

5) The malware can remain even after a reset

Operation NoVoice also includes persistence mechanisms designed to keep the malware active. 

In some cases, the infection could survive a standard factory reset, because the malicious components modify parts of the system software that resets typically do not replace.

Fully removing the infection may require reinstalling the device’s firmware, something most users cannot easily do themselves.

*To be clear, these apps have been removed from Google Play and are no longer available for download. 

Why The Name “Operation NoVoice” 

The name Operation NoVoice comes from a hidden component inside the malware itself. 

Researchers discovered a resource labeled “novioce” embedded in one of the attack’s later stages. The file contains a silent audio track that plays at zero volume. 

This may seem strange, but it serves a purpose. 

By continuously playing silent audio in the background, the malware can keep a foreground service running without drawing attention. This allows the malicious code to remain active while appearing harmless to the operating system. 

The researchers believe the name “novioce” is likely a misspelling of “no voice,” referring to the silent audio trick used to keep the malware running. 

How To Stay Safe from Malware Disguised as Apps 

Operation NoVoice highlights an important reality: even apps that appear legitimate can sometimes hide malicious behavior. 

Fortunately, there are several steps users can take to reduce their risk. 

Be cautious with unfamiliar apps 

Even if an app appears on the Google Play Store, it’s still important to review: 

• the developer’s name 
• the number of downloads 
• recent user reviews (check for negative reviews) 

Apps with very few reviews, vague descriptions, or suspicious developer accounts can sometimes be part of malware campaigns. And exercise even greater caution with apps promoted through advertisements or that create a a sense of urgency.  

Keep your phone updated 

Many attacks rely on exploiting known vulnerabilities in older versions of Android. 

Installing system updates and security patches helps reduce the chance that these exploits will work.

Remove apps you don’t recognize 

If you notice apps on your device that you don’t remember installing, review them carefully and remove anything suspicious. 

Keeping your phone’s app list clean reduces the potential attack surface. 

Use mobile security protection 

Mobile security software can help detect suspicious behavior and block known malware. 

For example, McAfee Mobile Security detects this threat as Android/NoVoice and can warn users if a malicious app is identified.  

McAfee offers more than traditional antivirus, combining multiple layers of digital protection in one app  

• Scam Detector to help flag suspicious messages and links  
• Safe Browsing tools to help block risky websites  
• VPN to keep your connection private on public Wi-Fi  
• Identity Monitoring and Alerts to notify you if your personal information appears where it shouldn’t  
• Personal Data Cleanup to help remove your information from high-risk data broker sites  
• Device and Account Security to help protect the things you use most 

What Operation NoVoice Tells Us About the Future of Mobile Threats 

Operation NoVoice highlights how mobile malware is evolving. Instead of obvious malicious apps, attackers are increasingly hiding their operations inside ordinary-looking tools distributed through legitimate app stores.

What makes this campaign particularly concerning isn’t just the number of downloads or the technical complexity. It’s the way the malware combines several advanced techniques, device-specific exploits, modular plugins, and deep system persistence, into a single attack chain.

That approach allows attackers to quietly turn an everyday app download into long-term control of a device.

That’s why keeping devices updated, reviewing apps carefully, and using mobile security protection are becoming increasingly important. As Operation NoVoice shows, today’s malware isn’t just trying to get onto devices; it’s trying to stay there. 

The post Operation NoVoice: Android Malware Found in 50+ Apps Can Hijack Devices appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Authored By: Ahmad Zubair Zahid 

McAfee’s mobile research team identified and investigated an Android rootkit campaign tracked as Operation Novoice. The malware described in this blog relies on vulnerabilities Android made patches available for in 2016 – 2021. All Android devices with a security patch level of 2021-05-01 or higher are not susceptible to the exploits that we were able to obtain from the command-and-control server. However patched devices that downloaded these apps could have been exposed to unknown potential payloads outside of what we discovered. The attack begins with apps that were previously available on Google Play that appear to be simple tools such as cleaners, games, or gallery utilities. When a user downloaded and opened one of these apps, it appeared to behave as advertised, giving no obvious signs of malicious activity.  

In the background, however, the app contacts a remote server, profiles the device, and downloads root exploits tailored to that device’s specific hardware and software. If the exploits succeed, the malware gains full control of the device. From that moment onward, every app that the user opens are injected with attacker‑controlled code.  

This allows the operators to access any app data and exfiltrate it to their servers. One of the targeted apps is WhatsApp. We recovered a payload designed to execute when WhatsApp launches, gather all necessary data to clone the session, and send it to the attacker’s infrastructure.   

On older, unsupported devices (Android 7 and lower) that no longer receive Android security updates as of September 2021, this rootkit is highly persistent; a standard factory reset will not remove it, and only reflashing the device with a clean firmware will fully restore the device.   

In total, we identified more than 50 of these malicious apps on Google Play, with at least 2.3 million downloads.  

McAfee identified the malicious apps, conducted the technical analysis, and reported its findings to Google through responsible disclosure channels. Following McAfee’s report, Google removed the identified apps from Google Play and banned the associated developer accounts. McAfee is a member of the App Defense Alliance, which supports collaboration across the mobile ecosystem to improve user protection. McAfee Mobile Security detects this malware as a High-Risk Threat. For more information, and to get fully protected, visit McAfee Mobile Security.  

Background And Key Findings

Android malware has been moving toward modular frameworks that update themselves remotely and adapt to each device. Campaigns like Triada and Keenadu have shown that replacing system libraries gives attackers persistence to survive factory resets. BADBOX has shown that backdoors pre-installed through the supply chain can reach millions of devices. Recent research has confirmed links between several of these families, suggesting shared tooling rather than isolated efforts. 

NoVoice fits both trends but does not rely on supply chain access. It reaches devices through Google Play and achieves the same level of persistence through exploitation. McAfee’s investigation revealed the following key findings: 

• All carrier apps were distributed through Google Play. No sideloading required, no user interaction beyond opening the app. 
• C2 infrastructure remains active at the time of publication. 
• The C2 server profiles each device and delivers root exploits matched to its hardware and software version. 
• The rootkit overwrites a core system library, causing every app on the device to run attacker code at launch. 
• The infection survives factory reset and can only be removed by reflashing the firmware. 
• The chain is fully plugin-based. Operators can push any payload to any app on the device at runtime. 
• The only task we recovered clones WhatsApp sessions, but the framework is designed to accept any objective.

Naming  

The name comes from R.raw.novioce, a silent audio resource embedded in one of the later-stage payloads. It plays at zero volume to keep a foreground service alive, abusing Android’s media playback exemption. We believe it is a deliberate misspelling of “no voice.” 

Distribution Method 

All carrier apps were distributed through Google Play and request no unusual permissions. Their manifests include the same SDKs any legitimate app would (Firebase, Google Analytics, Facebook SDK, AndroidX). The malicious components are registered under tampered com.facebook.utils, blending in with the real Facebook SDK classes the apps already include.  

The initial payload is embedded in the app’s asset directory as a polyglot image. This means the file displays and renders a normal image, but a deeper inspection reveals that the encrypted malicious payload is appended after the PNG IEND marker. Since that marker signals to image viewers that the image data ends there, the appended payload remains hidden during normal viewing.

Geographical Prevalence 

The geographical prevalence map shows the highest infection rates in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Algeria, India, and Kenya, regions where budget devices and older Android versions that no longer receive security updates are common. 

Malware Analysis

The following breakdown walks through each stage of the chain in order, from the moment a user opens the app to the moment stolen data leaves the device. No single file contains the full chain. Each stage decrypts and loads the next, most are delivered from the server at runtime. 

Stage 1: The Delivery

The moment the app opens, code injected into the legitimate Facebook SDK initialization path runs automatically. No user interaction is needed. It first checks whether the device has already been processed and, in most samples, whether it is running Android 12L or below. A subset of the carrier apps skips the version check entirely. If either check fails, it stops and logs a message disguised as a Facebook SDK error: “FacebookSdk: Failed in initStore.” 

If the device was already processed, the code cleans up files assumed to be left behind by previous runs, including paths that do not belong to any standard Android component. None of these are visible to the user. 

If the checks pass, the app reads a polyglot image from its own assets’ directory, extracts the encrypted payload (enc.apk) hidden after the image data, decrypts it to produce h.apk, and loads it into memory. It then deletes all intermediate files, temporary directories. 

Stage 2: The Gatekeeper 

The decrypted payload (h.apk) loads a native library (libkwc.so) that controls the rest of this stage. It first verifies it is running inside the intended carrier app by checking the package name and signing certificate against hardcoded values. It also checks whether the app is running in a debug environment. 

libkwc.so contains two encrypted embedded payloads. The first (sec.jar) is a gate designed to detect analysis environments. It runs 15 checks, including emulator detection, root indicators, debuggers, VPN and proxy connections, Xposed hooks, and GPS geofencing. If any check fails, the chain stops silently. The geofence compares the device’s location against bounding boxes for Beijing and Shenzhen hardcoded in the native library and excludes devices confirmed to be inside them. If the app does not have location permission, it cannot determine the device’s position and defaults to letting the chain continue. Two brands get special treatment: on Gionee devices, all checks except the geofence are skipped; on Meizu devices, the chain follows a separate code path entirely. Gionee devices have a documented history of shipping with pre-installed malware through supply chain compromise. 

Only if all checks in sec.jar pass does libkwc.so decrypt and load the second payload (hex.jar), which begins contacting the C2 server. If the gate fails, it deletes the working directory and stops. 

Stage 3: The Plugin 

Once the gate passes, hex.jar sets up a plugin framework built on an internal codebase the authors refer to as “kuwo” in their package names. It checks in with a C2 server every 60 seconds. Updates are delivered the same way as the initial payload: as image files with encrypted data hidden after the image content. The server returns download URLs in a response field named warningIcon, disguising plugin downloads as icon fetches. A log-deletion routine runs alongside the framework to remove forensic traces from the device. 

The first plugin delivered (rt) acts as an orchestrator. It manages sub-plugins and handles C2 communication. It checks in with the server, sending over 30 device identifiers including hardware model, kernel version, installed packages, and whether the device has already been rooted. The campaign’s name comes from this plugin: it embeds a silent audio resource named R.raw. novioce. 

The checkin tells the server two things: who this device is and whether it has already been rooted. If it has not, rt_plugin downloads security.jar, moving the chain into root exploitation. 

Stage 4: The Exploit 

security.jar first checks whether the device is already rooted. If it has been, it stops. For unrooted devices, it sends the device’s chipset, kernel version, security patch date, and other identifiers to the C2. The server responds with a list of exploit binaries matched to that specific device. 

Before running any exploit, the rootkit installer (CsKaitno.d) is decrypted from an embedded resource and written to disk. The rootkit is already in place before any exploit runs. 

The exploits are downloaded one at a time from the C2’s CDN, each encrypted and verified before execution. We recovered 22 exploits in total. Our deep analysis of one revealed a three-stage kernel attack: an IPv6 use-after-free for kernel read, a Mali GPU driver vulnerability for kernel read/write, and finally credential patching and SELinux disablement. 

The expected end result is the same across all exploits: a root shell with SELinux disabled. From that shell, the exploit loads CsKaitno.d. This is where exploitation ends and persistence begins. 

Stage 5: The Rootkit 

CsKaitno.d carries four encrypted payloads: library hooks for ARM32 and ARM64 (asbymol and bdlomsd), a bytecode patcher (jkpatch), and a persistence daemon (watch_dog). It first removes files associated with possible competing rootkits, then decrypts and writes its own payloads to disk. 

The installer backs up the original libandroid_runtime.so and replaces it with a hook binary matched to the device’s architecture. It also replaces libmedia_jni.so. The replacements are not copies of the original libraries. They are wrappers that intercept the system’s own functions. When any hooked function runs, it redirects to attacker code. 

After replacing the libraries, jkpatch modifies pre-compiled framework bytecode on disk. This is a second layer of persistence: even if someone restores the original library, the framework’s own compiled code still contains the injected redirections

Stage 6: The Watchdog 

To survive reboots, the installer replaces the system crash handler with a rootkit launcher, installs recovery scripts, and stores a fallback copy of the exploitation stage on the system partition. If any component is removed, the rootkit can reinstall itself. 

It then deploys a watchdog daemon (watch_dog) that checks the installation every 60 seconds. If anything is missing, it reinstalls it. If that fails repeatedly, it forces a reboot, bringing the device back up with the rootkit intact. 

After cleaning up all staging files, the installer marks the device as compromised. On the next boot, the system’s process launcher (zygote) loads the replaced library, and every app it starts inherits the attacker’s code. 

Stage 7: The Injection 

On the next boot, every app on the device loads the replaced system library. The injected code decides what to do based on which app it is running inside. Two payloads activate depending on the app. The malware authors named them BufferA and BufferB in their own code. Both are embedded as fragments inside the replaced libandroid_runtime.so from Stage 5, assembled in memory at runtime, and deleted from disk immediately after loading, leaving no files behind. BufferA runs inside the system’s package installer and can silently install or uninstall apps. BufferB runs inside any app with internet access. 

BufferB is the campaign’s primary post-exploitation tool. It operates two independent C2 channels with separate encryption keys and beacon intervals. Both channels send device fingerprints to the C2 and receive task instructions in return. 

If all primary domains fail and three or more days pass without contact, a fallback routine activates between 1 and 4 AM, reaching out to api[.]googlserves[.]com for a fresh domain list. Because BufferB runs inside any app with internet access, it can be active in dozens of apps simultaneously on a single device. 

Stage 8: The Theft 

The only task payload we recovered is PtfLibc, delivered to BufferB from Alibaba Cloud OSS. Its target is WhatsApp. 

PtfLibc copies WhatsApp’s encryption database, extracts the device’s Signal protocol identity keys and registration ID, and pulls the most recent signed prekey. It also reads 12 keys from WhatsApp’s local storage, including the phone number, push name, country code, and Google Drive backup account. For the client keypair, it tries multiple decryption methods depending on how the device stores the key. 

It sends the stolen data to api[.]googlserves[.]com through multiple layers of encryption and deletes the temporary database copy when done. 

With these keys and session data, an attacker can clone the victim’s WhatsApp session onto another device. 

Infrastructure 

The campaign spreads its C2 communication across multiple domains, each serving a different function. 

fcm[.]androidlogs[.]com handles initial device enrollment. Once the plugin framework activates, stat[.]upload-logs[.]com takes over as the primary C2 for plugin delivery, device checkin, exploit distribution, and result reporting. config[.]updatesdk[.]com serves as its fallback. Exploit binaries are hosted separately on download[.]androidlogs[.]com, with an S3-accelerated endpoint (logserves[.]s3-accelerate[.]amazonaws[.]com) as the primary CDN. This endpoint returned 403 errors during our analysis. 

Task payloads for BufferB are hosted on Alibaba Cloud OSS (prod-log-oss-01[.]oss-ap-southeast-1[.]aliyuncs[.]com). PtfLibc beacons to api[.]googlserves[.]com, a domain designed to look like Google service traffic at a glance. 

The domain separation is deliberate. Taking down one domain does not affect the others. The C2 can update BufferB’s domain lists at runtime, and a fallback routine fetches fresh domains from hardcoded backup endpoints if all configured domains go silent for three or more days. 

Recommendations 

Because the rootkit writes to the system partition, a factory reset does not remove it. A reset wipes user data but leaves system files intact. Compromised devices require a full firmware reflash to return to a clean state. Blocking the C2 domains and beacon patterns listed in this report at the network level can disrupt the chain at multiple stages. 

Attribution  

Several indicators link NoVoice to the Android.Triada family. The property (os.config.ppgl.status) NoVoice sets to mark a device as compromised is a known indicator of compromise for Android.Triada.231, a variant that uses the same property to track installation state. Both NoVoice and Triada.231 persist by replacing libandroid_runtime.so and hooking system functions so that every app runs attacker code at launch. Whether NoVoice is a direct evolution of Triada.231, a fork of its codebase, or a separate group reusing proven techniques, the shared approach suggests access to a common toolchain. 

Conclusion 

What makes NoVoice dangerous is not any single technique. It is the engineering effort behind the full chain: a self-healing pipeline that goes from a Play Store install to code execution inside every app on the device, survives factory reset, and monitors its own installation. The operators built a delivery system, an infrastructure. 

We recovered one task. The framework is designed to accept any number of them, for any app, at any time. The C2 infrastructure remains active. We do not know what other objectives have been deployed before, during, or after our analysis. The WhatsApp session theft we observed may be the least of it. 

The rootkit’s persistence model, overwriting a system library inherited by every process, patching pre-compiled framework bytecode, and monitoring its own installation with a watchdog, makes remediation difficult. 

This research underscores McAfee’s ongoing role in identifying advanced mobile threats and working with platform partners to protect users before large‑scale harm occurs. 

References 

https://www.kaspersky.com/blog/triada-trojan/11481/ 

https://www.kaspersky.com/about/press-releases/kaspersky-discovers-keenadu-a-multifaceted-android-malware-that-can-come-preinstalled-on-new-devices 

https://www.humansecurity.com/learn/blog/badbox-peachpit-and-the-fraudulent-device-in-your-delivery-box/ 

Indicators of Compromise 

Command and Control Servers 

api.googlserves[.]com 

api.uplogconfig[.]com 

avatar.ttaeae[.]com 

awslog.oss-accelerate.aliyuncs[.]com 

check.updateconfig[.]com 

config.googleslb[.]com 

config.updatesdk[.]com 

dnskn.googlesapi[.]com 

download.androidlogs[.]com 

fcm.androidlogs[.]com 

log.logupload[.]com 

logserves.s3-accelerate.amazonaws[.]com 

prod-log-oss-01.oss-ap-southeast-1.aliyuncs[.]com 

sao.ttbebe[.]com 

stat.upload-logs[.]com 

upload.crash-report[.]com 

nzxsxn.98kk89[.]com 

98kk89[.]com 

Carrier App Samples 

03e62ac5080496c67676c0ef5f0bc50fc42fc31cf953538eda7d6ec6951979d8,com.filnishww.fluttbuber.storagecleaner, 

066a096a3716e02a6a40f0d7e6c1063baecbebc9cbcc91e7f55b2f82c0dad413,com.wififinder.wificonnect, 

0751decd391fa76d02329b0726c308206e58fc867f50283aa688d9fe0c70e835,com.wuniversal.lassistant, 

07a9d41c1c775def78a017cf1f6e65266382e76de0f05400b3296e2230979664,com.dynamicpuzzle.cvbfhf, 

0f28c49b24070a36dec09dd9d4b768e1ef6583b4891eca2e935a304ce704fcce,com.wgoddessg.sgallery, 

106edd06b6961c3d38edfefd2869ee05285f11b68befe145b124794d0e79e766,com.crazycodes.blendphoto, 

183e9174e51786be77d1341bcf7f05514f581823532028119c5844a8a5111848,com.colorbrickelim.inationl, 

1e0376330ff9e97f798870da8433c81e39f3591c82497ca1f6b5f00878d0221a,com.crazycodes.photomotion, 

1e7fe0ae7546162f23ff4f6e570f51b38562bf4f0ffd9305533b43d19574be38,com.swiftc.tcleans, 

1e8b048c8d32662f340787893d9ca824b039c14fb91bcc16e185a8bb872e0b80,com.mybatice.googcomlayou.phonecleaner, 

224e2395d3df96cf19e0b7be9731452da5b568026d81bd0981e48893f6a66859,com.glamorousg.sgoddesslys, 

2c2c965f3d091693bc6906fc2ed8d03ffccb84e0665841f2d073c2f0a09261bc,com.myapps.gooble.mobile1.maxclean, 

30504104f232a990f8226ff746b1718aafb727ce111d5a538962cc5e06c4259a,com.mybatice.smartersleep.junkfiles, 

3937b0bec287662fd82fca4693c8b3619b8c61eca7fe6efa7540c1ae291f8759,com.crazycodes.beautycam, 

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The post Operation NoVoice: Rootkit Tells No Tales appeared first on McAfee Blog.

A text that looks like it came straight from a courthouse is making the rounds across the U.S. And yes, I got it too. 

First things first, that’s a scam. And to be clear: DON’T SCAN THAT QR CODE. 

It’s the same playbook as last year’s toll road scams, just dressed up with a little more authority and a lot more pressure. 

Before doing anything, our team ran it through McAfee’s Scam Detector. It immediately flagged the message as suspicious, and that’s exactly the kind of moment this tool is built for. When something feels just real enough to second guess, it gives you a clear signal before you click, scan, or spiral. 

How the scam works 

The text claims you’ve missed a payment, violated a law, or have some kind of outstanding “case.” It then pushes you to scan a QR code or click a link to resolve it quickly. 

From there, one of two things usually happens: 

1. You’re taken to a fake payment page designed to steal your money, or 
2. You’re prompted to download something that gives scammers access to your device or data  

Either way, the goal is the same: get you to act fast before you have time to question it. 

The red flags in this message 

• Urgent, threatening language about fines, penalties, or legal action  
• Vague accusations with no real details about what you supposedly did  
• Official-looking formatting like case numbers, clerk signatures, and judge names  
• Copy-paste consistency across states: McAfee employees in New York and California received nearly identical messages with the same names  

There are reports of this scam popping up nationwide, but the rule is simple: law enforcement does not text you to demand payment or resolve legal issues. 

What to do if you scanned the QR code 

First, don’t panic. Then: 

• Do not pay anything or enter personal information  
• Do not delete apps you were told to install (this can make it harder to detect what happened)  
• Run a device scan using a trusted security tool like McAfee’s free antivirus  
• Keep an eye on your financial accounts and logins for unusual activity  

And that, my friends, is scam number one in this week’s This Week in Scams (new format, we’re experimenting a little).  

Let’s get into what else is on our radar. 

What to Know About an Alleged Crunchyroll Breach 

Anime streaming platform Crunchyroll is investigating claims of a data breach involving customer support ticket data, potentially impacting millions of users. 

According to TechCrunch, access appears to involve a third-party vendor system, a reminder that even strong security setups still rely on people and partners, which can introduce risk in everyday moments. 

Even if you’ve never entered your credit card into a support form, these tickets can still include: 

• Email addresses  
• Usernames  
• Screenshots or account details  
• Conversations that reveal habits, subscriptions, or personal context  

That’s more than enough for scammers to build highly believable follow-ups. 

Why this matters right now 

When breaches like this surface, scammers don’t wait. They use the moment to send emails and messages that feel timely, relevant, and legitimate. 

For example, scammers might send messages pretending to be Crunchyroll and suggesting you “click this link to secure your account” after the breach. In reality, that “security check” exposes your information.

This is where tools like Scam Detector come back into play, flagging suspicious links and messages even when they reference real companies or real events. 

What to do if you have a Crunchyroll account 

• Change your password, especially if you’ve reused it elsewhere  
• Turn on two-factor authentication  
• Be cautious of emails referencing the breach or asking you to “secure your account”  
• Avoid clicking links and go directly to the official site instead  

How McAfee Helps You Stay Ahead of Scams and Breaches

McAfee+ Advanced gives you multiple layers working together so you’re not left figuring it out in the moment: 

• Scam Detector flags suspicious texts, emails, links, and even deepfake videos before you engage  
• Safe Browsing helps block risky sites if you do click or scan  
• Device Security helps detect and remove malicious apps or downloads  
• Identity Monitoring alerts you if your personal info shows up where it shouldn’t, so you can act fast  
• Personal Data Cleanup helps remove your information from data broker sites, making you a harder target in the first place  
• Secure VPN keeps your data private, especially on public Wi-Fi  

Plus our instant QR code scam checks will flag suspicious QR codes before you scan them.

Safety tips to carry into next week 

• Slow down when a message creates urgency. That’s the hook  
• Don’t scan QR codes or click links from unexpected texts  
• Go directly to official websites instead of using links sent to you  
• Use tools that flag scams in real time so you don’t have to guess  

The reality is, these scams are designed to look normal. You shouldn’t have to be an expert to spot them. That’s why McAfee’s here to help. 

We’ll be back next week with more scams making headlines. 

The post Got a “Court Notice” Text? Ignore It. Plus, the Crunchyroll Breach: This Week in Scams appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Today marks the start of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere, and with warmer weather setting in summer trips are vacation planning are starting to take shape.   

But before you respond to that message about your hotel booking or payment confirmation, it’s worth asking: is it actually legit? 

This week in scams, we’re breaking down a travel phishing scheme making the rounds through realistic booking messages, as well as new McAfee research on betting scams and AI-driven malware. 

We’ll walk through what happened, what to watch for, and how McAfee’s tools can help you stay safe. 

Scammers Who Know Your Exact Travel Reservation Details 

A new phishing campaign targeting travelers is exploiting hotel booking platforms like Booking.com, and it’s convincing enough to fool even cautious users. 

According to reporting from ITBrew and Cybernews, attackers are running a multi-stage scam: 

How The Booking Scam Works 

Scam Stage	How It Works	What You’ll Notice	How to Protect Yourself	Where McAfee Helps
Stage 1: Hotel account gets compromised	Attackers phish or hack hotel staff to access booking platforms and guest reservation data.	You won’t see this part — it happens behind the scenes.	Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication on your own accounts to reduce risk of similar breaches.	Identity Monitoring can alert you if your personal information appears in suspicious places or data leaks.
Stage 2: You receive a realistic message	Scammers use stolen booking data to send messages via WhatsApp, email, or even booking platforms.	The message includes your real name, hotel, and travel dates, making it feel legitimate.	Be cautious of unexpected outreach, even if the details are correct. Don’t assume accuracy means authenticity.	Scam detection tools can help flag suspicious messages and identify potential phishing attempts.
Stage 3: Urgency is introduced	The message claims there’s an issue with your reservation and pushes you to act quickly.	Phrases like “confirm within 12 hours” or “risk cancellation” create pressure.	Pause before acting. Legitimate companies rarely require urgent payment changes without prior notice.	Scam detection can help identify high-risk messages designed to pressure you into quick decisions.
Stage 4: You’re sent to a fake payment page	A link leads to a convincing lookalike site designed to steal your payment details.	The page looks real but may have subtle URL differences or unusual formatting.	Always navigate directly to the official website or app instead of clicking links in messages.	Safe Browsing tools can help block risky or known malicious websites before you enter sensitive information.

March Madness Brackets, Bets, and Bad Actors 

March Madness brings brackets, bets, and a flood of bad actors. 

New McAfee research found that 1 in 3 Americans (32%) say they’ve experienced a betting or gambling scam, and nearly a quarter (24%) say they’ve lost money to one. On average, victims reported losing $547. 

That’s not surprising when you look at the environment around the tournament. More than half of Americans are watching, more than half are participating in some form of betting, and 82% say they’ve seen betting promotions in the past year. 

Some of the most common setups this season include: 

• “Guaranteed win” or “can’t lose” betting tips that require payment upfront 
• Fake sportsbook promotions offering bonus bets or free credits 
• Messages claiming you have winnings, but need to pay a fee to unlock them 
• Impersonation scams posing as sportsbook support or betting platforms 
• Invitations to private “VIP betting groups” on WhatsApp or Telegram 

The takeaway:
If a betting offer promises guaranteed results, demands the use of bizarre apps and sites, asks for money upfront, or pushes you to act quickly, it’s not an edge. It’s a scam. 

“AI-Written” Malware Is Hiding in Everyday Downloads 

Not all scams start with a message. Some start with a search. 

McAfee Labs uncovered a large-scale malware campaign hiding inside hundreds of fake downloads, including game mods, AI tools, drivers, and trading utilities. 

In January alone, researchers identified: 

• 443 malicious ZIP files disguised as legitimate software 
• 1,700+ file names used to make those downloads look credible 
• 48 variants of a malicious DLL file used to infect devices 

These weren’t hosted on obscure corners of the internet either. The files were distributed through platforms people recognize, including Discord, SourceForge, and file-sharing sites. 

Here’s how the attack typically works: 

• You search for a tool. 
• You download what looks like the right file. 
• It opens normally at first. 

Then, behind the scenes, malware loads quietly and begins pulling in additional code. In some cases, victims are shown fake error messages while the real infection happens in the background. 

From there, attackers can: 

• Turn your device into a cryptocurrency mining machine 
• Install additional malware like infostealers or remote access tools 
• Slow down your system while running hidden processes 

What makes this campaign stand out is that some of the code appears to have been generated with help from AI tools. 

That doesn’t mean AI is running the attack on its own. But it does suggest attackers are using AI to: 

• Generate code faster 
• Create more variations of malware 
• Scale campaigns more efficiently 

In other words, the barrier to building malware is getting lower. 

The takeaway:
If a download is unofficial, hard to find, or feels like a shortcut, it’s worth slowing down. The file may look right, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. 

How McAfee+ Advanced Works in These Scam Moments 

Whether it’s a message about your booking, a betting offer that looks legitimate, or a download that appears to be exactly what you were searching for, these scams all rely on the same thing: they blend into everyday moments. 

That’s where having backup like McAfee+ Advanced comes in. It includes: 

• McAfee’s Scam Detector, which helps flag suspicious links in texts and messages like the ones used in these booking and betting scams, so you can spot something risky before you engage

• Web protection and real-time device security, helping protect against risky links, malicious sites, and evolving threats if you do click, including fake betting platforms or malware hidden in downloads

• Personal Data Cleanup, which helps remove your information from sites that sell it, making it harder for scammers to access the personal details that make messages and scams feel legitimate

• Secure VPN, which helps keep your personal info safe and private anywhere you use public Wi-Fi, like hotels, airports, and cafés while traveling

• Identity Monitoring and alerts, with 24/7 scans of the dark web to help ensure your personal and financial information isn’t being exposed or reused

• Credit and transaction monitoring, so you can get alerts about suspicious financial activity if your information is ever compromised 

• Identity restoration support and up to $2 million in identity theft coverage, giving you access to US-based experts and added peace of mind if something does go wrong 

Stay skeptical, verify before you click, and we’ll see you next week with more. 

The post This Week in Scams: Why That “Booking Confirmation” Message Might Be Fake appeared first on McAfee Blog.

McAfee Labs has uncovered a widespread malware campaign hiding inside fake downloads for things like game mods, AI tools, drivers, and trading utilities. 

In January 2026, researchers observed 443 malicious ZIP files impersonating software people might actively search for online. Across those files, McAfee identified 48 malicious WinUpdateHelper.dll variants used to infect devices. The campaign was spread through a mix of file-hosting and content delivery services, including Discord, SourceForge, FOSSHub, and mydofiles[.]com. 

What makes this campaign especially notable is that some parts of it appear to have been built with help from large language models (LLMs). McAfee researchers found signs that certain scripts likely used AI-generated code, which may have helped the attackers create and scale the campaign faster. 

That does not mean AI created the whole operation on its own. But it does suggest AI may be helping cybercriminals lower the effort needed to build malware and launch attacks. 

Want the full research? Dive in here. 

We break down the top takeaways below. 

What McAfee Found 

Finding	What it means
443 malicious ZIP files	Attackers created many different fake downloads to reach more victims
48 malicious DLL variants	The campaign used multiple versions of the malware, not just one file
1,700+ file names observed	The same threat was repackaged under many different names to look convincing
17 distinct kill chains	Researchers found multiple attack flows, but they followed a similar overall pattern
Hosted on familiar platforms	The malware was distributed through services users may recognize, including Discord and SourceForge
AI-assisted code suspected	Some scripts contained explanatory comments and patterns that strongly suggest LLM assistance
Cryptomining and additional malware observed	Infected devices could be used to mine cryptocurrency or receive more malicious payloads

What Is “AI-Written Malware”? 

In this case, “AI-written malware” does not mean an AI system independently invented and launched the attack. 

Instead, McAfee Labs found evidence that the attackers very likely used AI tools to help generate some of the code used in the campaign, especially in certain PowerShell scripts. 

Put simply: 

Term	Plain-English meaning
Large language model (LLM)	An AI system that can generate text and code based on prompts
AI-assisted malware	Malware where attackers appear to have used AI tools to help write or structure parts of the code
Vibe coding	A style of coding where someone describes what they want and an AI does much of the writing

This matters because it can make malware development faster, easier, and more scalable for attackers. 

 

How The Fake Download Attack Works 

The attack begins when someone searches for software online and downloads what looks like the tool they wanted. 

That tool might appear to be a game mod, AI voice changer, emulator, trading utility, VPN, or driver. But behind the scenes, the ZIP archive includes malicious components that start the infection. 

Step	What happens
1. A user downloads a fake file	The ZIP archive is disguised as something useful or desirable, such as a mod menu, AI tool, or driver
2. The file appears normal at first	In some cases, the package includes a legitimate executable so it feels more convincing
3. A malicious DLL is loaded	A hidden malicious file, often WinUpdateHelper.dll, starts the real attack
4. The user is distracted	The malware may display a fake “missing dependency” message and redirect the user to install unrelated software
5. A PowerShell script is pulled from a remote server	While the user is distracted, the malware contacts a command-and-control server and runs additional code
6. More malware is installed	Depending on the sample, the device may receive coin miners, infostealers, or remote access tools
7. The infected device is abused for profit	In many cases, attackers use the victim’s system resources to mine cryptocurrency in the background

What Kinds of Files Were Used as Bait 

McAfee found that the attackers cast a very wide net. The malicious ZIP files impersonated many types of software, including: 

Bait category	Examples
Gaming tools	game mods, cheats, executors, Roblox-related tools
AI-themed tools	AI image generators, AI voice changers, AI-branded downloads
System utilities	graphics drivers, USB drivers, emulators, VPNs
Trading or finance tools	stock-market utilities and related downloads
Fake security or malware tools	fake stealers, decryptors, and other risky-looking utilities

That broad range is part of what made the campaign effective. It was designed to catch people already looking for shortcuts, unofficial tools, or hard-to-find software. 

Why McAfee Researchers Believe AI Was Used 

One of the strongest clues came from the comments inside some of the attack scripts. 

McAfee researchers found explanatory comments that looked more like AI-generated instructions than the kind of shorthand attackers usually leave for themselves. In one example, a comment referred to downloading a file from “your GitHub URL,” which suggests the code may have come from a generated template and was not fully cleaned up before use. 

These details do not prove every part of the campaign was AI-made. But they do support McAfee’s assessment that certain components were likely generated with help from large language models. 

What Happens on an Infected Device 

In many cases, the malware was used to turn victims’ computers into quiet crypto-mining machines. 

McAfee observed mining activity involving several cryptocurrencies, including: 

• Ravencoin 
• Zephyr 
• Monero 
• Bitcoin Gold 
• Ergo 
• Clore 

Some samples also downloaded additional payloads such as SalatStealer or Mesh Agent. 

For victims, that can mean: 

Possible effect	What it may look like
Slower performance	apps lag, games stutter, system feels unusually sluggish
High CPU or GPU usage	fans run constantly, laptop gets hot, battery drains faster
Background malware activity	unknown processes, suspicious downloads, unexpected behavior
Potential data theft	if an infostealer or remote access tool is installed

McAfee was also able to trace several Bitcoin wallets tied to the campaign. At the time of the report, those wallets held about $4,536 in Bitcoin, while total funds received were approximately $11,497.70. Researchers note the real total could be higher because some of the currencies involved are harder to trace. 

Who Was Targeted Most 

This campaign was observed most heavily in: 

• United States 
• United Kingdom 
• India 
• Brazil 
• France 
• Canada 
• Australia 

That does not mean users elsewhere were unaffected. These were simply the countries where researchers saw the highest prevalence. 

The post New Research: Hackers Are Using AI-Written Code to Spread Malware appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Whether you’re a hardcore basketball fan or the office colleague who gets roped into filling out a bracket every year, March Madness is the season for brackets, office pools, and last-minute picks. 

More than half of Americans (57%) plan to watch the NCAA basketball tournament, and 55% say they participate in some kind of betting or bracket activity during March Madness, from office pools to licensed sportsbook wagers.  

But where there’s excitement and money, scammers aren’t far behind. 

New research from McAfee finds that 1 in 3 Americans (32%) say they’ve experienced a betting or gambling scam, and 24% say they’ve lost money to one, with victims losing an average of $547. 

Big events like March Madness create the perfect storm: massive attention, constant betting promotions, and fans searching online for predictions, tips, and an edge. 

Scammers know it, and they’re exploiting the moment. 

Why March Madness is Prime Time for Betting Scams 

Sports betting promotions are everywhere during major events like March Madness. 

According to McAfee research, 82% of Americans say they’ve seen sports betting promotions or offers in the past year, often on social media, streaming broadcasts, and sports websites. 

That flood of promotions makes it easier for scams to blend in with legitimate content. 

Many scams start the same way legitimate offers do, through messages, ads, or links promising bonuses or tips. But once someone clicks or responds, the situation can escalate quickly. 

For example: 

• 42% of Americans say they’ve been asked to click a link sent via email tied to a betting offer 
• Others report links sent through social media messages or text messages directing them to betting sites, apps, or private betting groups 

In many cases, victims are then asked to send money to unlock winnings, activate accounts, or access premium betting picks. 

The payout rarely exists. 

The Most Common Betting Scams Fans Encounter 

Betting scams come in several forms, but many follow familiar patterns. 

Here are some of the most common tactics reported in McAfee’s research: 

Scam Type	Definition	How It Works	Red Flags
Guaranteed Win Scam	A betting scam where someone promises a “guaranteed win,” “sure bet,” or “can’t lose” outcome in exchange for money, clicks, or sign-ups. According to McAfee Findings, about 1 in 6 Americans say they’ve received these kinds of messages, which are designed to lure fans looking for an edge.	Scammers send private messages, emails, or social posts claiming they have insider knowledge or a lock on a game. The goal is usually to get the victim to pay for picks, join a private group, or click a malicious link.	Claims that a bet is guaranteed, pressure to act fast, requests for payment to access picks, and promises that sound risk-free.
Fake Free Bet Promotion Scam	A scam that pretends to offer bonus bets, deposit matches, or free credits through a fake sportsbook promotion.	The victim sees what looks like a real sportsbook offer, often through social media, email, or text. Clicking may lead to a fake site that steals login details, payment information, or deposits.	Unfamiliar brand names, unofficial links, urgent sign-up language, and promotions that seem unusually generous.
Winnings Release Fee Scam	A scam where a victim is told they have winnings waiting, but must first pay a fee, deposit, or processing charge to collect them.	The scammer claims the user has won money, then invents a reason payment is required before the funds can be released. Once the fee is sent, the payout never arrives.	Requests to pay before receiving winnings, vague “processing” or “verification” fees, and pressure to send money immediately.
Fake Betting App or Website Scam	A scam involving a fraudulent app or website designed to look like a real sportsbook or betting platform.	Victims are directed to a fake platform where they may create an account, enter personal information, or deposit money. The site may appear legitimate, but withdrawals are blocked or impossible.	Slightly misspelled URLs, strange app download paths, poor website quality, and platforms that make deposits easy but withdrawals difficult.
Sportsbook Impersonation Scam	A scam in which someone pretends to represent a legitimate betting platform or sportsbook support team.	The scammer contacts the victim claiming there is an issue with an account, a bonus, or winnings. They then ask for login credentials, payment details, or personal information.	Requests for passwords, bank details, or identity information; unexpected outreach; and messages pushing you to resolve an “account issue” through a link.
Fake Insider Tip Scam	A scam that uses claims of insider information, fixed games, or special access to make a betting offer sound exclusive and trustworthy.	Scammers position themselves as experts, insiders, or connected sources who can help the victim beat the odds. The real goal is usually payment, account access, or enrollment in a scam betting channel.	Claims of fixed outcomes, “insider” knowledge, exclusive access, and offers that rely on secrecy or urgency.
Celebrity or Influencer Endorsement Scam	A betting scam that uses fake or misleading celebrity, athlete, or influencer endorsements to make an offer seem legitimate.	Scammers create ads, videos, or posts that appear to feature a public figure recommending a betting platform, app, or tip service. In some cases, AI-generated content makes these endorsements look more convincing.	Endorsements that seem off-brand, videos or graphics that look unnatural, unfamiliar accounts, and promotions tied to fake urgency or suspicious links.
Private Betting Group Scam	A scam that tries to move betting conversations into private channels like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal.	After initial contact on social media or another public platform, the scammer encourages the victim to join a private group for “exclusive picks,” “VIP bets,” or “premium insights.” These groups are often used to pressure victims into sending money or clicking malicious links.	Pressure to move off-platform quickly, promises of VIP access, requests for payment to join, and little proof that the group is legitimate.

AI Is Making Betting Scams Harder to Spot 

Artificial intelligence is beginning to change how scams look and sound. 

About 1 in 5 Americans say they’ve encountered betting scams that appeared more realistic because of AI, and 27% believe they’ve seen AI-generated betting content such as fake promotions, images, or videos.  

Among those who encountered AI-driven scams: 

• 58% reported AI-generated images or graphics in betting ads 
• 57% saw AI-written messages that sounded natural or personalized 
• 45% encountered fake celebrity or influencer endorsements 
• 36% interacted with chatbots posing as betting experts or support agents  

As these tools improve, scam messages are becoming smoother, more convincing, and harder to distinguish from legitimate promotions. 

Safety Check	What To Do
Be skeptical of “guaranteed wins”	No bet is risk-free. Ignore messages promising sure bets, insider picks, or guaranteed outcomes.
Use only licensed sportsbooks	Stick to official betting apps and well-known sportsbooks. Avoid unfamiliar websites or apps.
Don’t click betting links from unknown messages	If you receive a betting offer via email, text, or social media, go directly to the official site instead of clicking the link.
Never pay fees to unlock winnings	If someone says you must send money to claim winnings or activate a betting account, it’s almost certainly a scam.
Be cautious of private betting groups	Invitations to “VIP betting groups” on apps like Telegram or WhatsApp are often used to promote scam picks or collect payments.
Protect your accounts	Use strong passwords and turn on two-factor authentication wherever possible. Try our free strong password generator.
Use scam detection tools	Tools like McAfee’s Scam Detector can flag suspicious links, websites, and messages before you engage.

March Madness is meant to be fun, filling out brackets, debating picks with friends, and cheering for the next big upset. Betting can be part of that excitement, but it’s worth remembering that scammers are watching the tournament too. 

A simple rule of thumb can go a long way: if a betting offer promises guaranteed wins, asks for money upfront, or pushes you to act quickly, take a step back and verify it first.  

The safest plays are the ones where you slow down, stick to trusted platforms, and keep your personal information protected. 

If You or Someone You Know Needs Help 

Sports betting can be fun, but for some people it can become difficult to manage. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available through the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-MY-RESET), operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling. 

The post 1 in 3 Has Experienced a Betting Scam. What March Madness Fans Should Know appeared first on McAfee Blog.

This week in scams, the Pokémon Trainer pursuit to “catch ’em all” is being hijacked by criminals posting fake trading card listings online; duping buyers, including young collectors, out of hundreds of dollars. 

Meanwhile, threatening email extortion scams claiming your personal data has been stolen are flooding inboxes around the world. And a viral “wedding photo” of Tom Holland and Zendaya shows how AI-generated images can blur the line between real and fake online. 

Here’s what to know. 

Pokémon Card Scams Surge on Online Marketplaces 

The booming market for collectible Pokémon cards has become a new target for scammers. 

According to reporting from The Straits Times, Singapore police recently arrested a 25-year-old man suspected of running a series of e-commerce scams involving Pokémon trading cards. Victims reportedly lost more than $135,000 after paying for limited-edition cards that never arrived. 

Authorities say the suspect allegedly advertised pre-orders for rare cards on the online marketplace Carousell. After receiving payment through bank transfers or digital payment apps, the seller either became unreachable or claimed there were delivery problems. 

Police say at least 35 reports tied to the suspect have been filed since October 2025, and more broadly there have been over 600 reported Pokémon card e-commerce scams totaling more than $1.1 million in losses during that same period. 

Why this matters: 

Collectibles create the perfect storm for online scams. Limited releases, hype, and rising resale values make buyers feel pressure to act quickly before items “sell out.” Scammers take advantage of that urgency. 

How to Stay Safe When Buying Collectibles Online 

If you’re buying trading cards or other collectibles online: 

• Buy from authorized retailers or well-established marketplaces 
• Avoid sellers who require direct bank transfers or payment apps upfront 
• Use platforms with buyer protection or escrow payment systems 
• Be cautious of sellers who suddenly move the conversation to WhatsApp, Telegram, or other messaging apps 

When demand spikes for a product, whether it’s sneakers, concert tickets, or Pokémon cards, scams usually follow. 

The “Your Data Was Stolen” Email Extortion Scam 

Another scam spreading widely right now arrives in a much more intimidating format: a threatening email claiming hackers have stolen your personal data. 

According to reporting from Fox News, many people are receiving messages that claim the sender has access to their passwords, files, or financial information. The message then demands payment in Bitcoin to prevent the data from being sold on the dark web. 

At first glance, these emails can feel frightening. They often use dramatic language like: 

• “I have your complete personal information” 
• “Your files and devices are compromised” 
• “Pay within 48 hours or your data will be leaked” 

But in most cases, there’s one major problem with the claim. 

There’s no proof. 

Security experts note that these messages usually include no screenshots, no passwords, and no evidence of a real breach. Instead, scammers send the same message to thousands of email addresses at once, hoping a small percentage of recipients will panic and pay. 

Often, the scammers obtained your email address from old data breach lists circulating online, which makes the message feel more believable. 

What to Do If You Receive One of These Emails 

If you receive a threatening extortion email: 

• Do not reply
• Do not send money
• Mark the message as spam or phishing
• Delete it

Reporting the message helps email providers improve spam filters and prevent similar scams from reaching others. 

The biggest tactic here is fear. Once you slow down and evaluate the message, the scam usually falls apart. 

That Viral Tom Holland and Zendaya “Wedding Photo”? AI 

A viral image circulating on social media this week claimed to show Tom Holland and Zendaya’s wedding, sparking massive speculation online. 

But many viewers quickly suspected the image wasn’t real. 

According to reporting on Yahoo Entertainment, the photo appeared to originate from a fan account on X (formerly Twitter) that claimed the image had been “confirmed” by major outlets like Vogue and Cosmopolitan. However, no such confirmation existed, and soon the official label was added marking the content as AI-generated. 

Celebrity rumors already spread quickly online. Add generative AI to the mix, and fabricated images can travel even faster. 

While a fake celebrity wedding photo may seem harmless, the same technology can easily be used in more serious ways. 

AI-generated visuals are already being used to create: 

• Fake celebrity endorsements 
• Fabricated news events 
• Scam ads featuring public figures 
• Fraudulent investment promotions 

The line between real and synthetic content is getting harder to spot. 

How to Spot Potential AI Images 

If a viral image seems surprising or dramatic: 

• Check whether credible news outlets or verified accounts are reporting it 
• Look for visual inconsistencies in hands, text, or background details 
• Reverse image search the photo to see where it first appeared 
• Verify through official sources before sharing 

When something looks shocking online, that’s often exactly why it spreads. McAfee’s built-in Scam Detector can help you spot AI-generated audio and video. 

McAfee’s Safety Tips This Week 

A few simple habits can help reduce your risk across all three of these scenarios: 

• Be cautious when buying high-demand collectibles online 
• Never send money in response to threatening emails 
• Treat viral images and breaking celebrity news with healthy skepticism 
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication 
• Verify surprising claims through trusted sources before reacting 

Scams today don’t always look like scams. They often look like exciting deals, urgent warnings, or AI depictions of people you trust. 

The best defense is slowing down before clicking, paying, or sharing. 

We’ll Be Back Next Week 

From collectible card fraud to email extortion campaigns and AI-generated viral content, the tactics scammers use may change, but the strategy is the same: manipulate emotion and urgency. 

Stay skeptical, verify before you trust, and we’ll be back next week with another breakdown of the scams making headlines, and what they mean for your security. 

The post This Week in Scams: Pokémon Card Cons, Email Extortion, and a Viral AI Wedding Photo appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Tax season is a headache for many people, and when a shortcut promises to make filing easier, it’s hard to resist. This year, one of the newest trends is using AI chatbots like ChatGPT to help prepare tax returns.

According to new McAfee research, 30% of people say they plan to use an AI tool, such as ChatGPT, to help with their taxes, with younger adults leading the trend. 

At first glance, it makes sense. AI tools can explain confusing tax rules, summarize IRS forms, and answer questions instantly. 

But there’s an important line that should never be crossed: Do not enter your personal tax information into AI chatbots. 

That includes Social Security numbers, income records, home addresses, bank details, or anything else tied to your identity. 

Here’s why: 

Typing Your Tax Info Into a Chatbot Is Like Posting It Online 

Think about it this way: when you type something into an AI chatbot, you’re sending that information over the internet to a system that processes and stores data. 

In practical terms, entering sensitive information into an AI tool is similar to typing it directly into a search engine or submitting it to an online form. 

Once it leaves your device, you lose direct control over where it travels and how it may be stored. 

Even companies with strong security protections are transparent about this risk. 

OpenAI’s privacy documentation explains that they use encryption and strict access controls to protect user data. However, they also note that no internet transmission or digital storage system can be guaranteed completely secure. 

This is true across the internet, not just for AI tools.  

Even Secure Systems Can Experience Breaches 

Security incidents can happen anywhere online, including companies with robust security programs. 

For example, in late 2025, OpenAI disclosed a security incident involving a third-party analytics provider called Mixpanel. The breach occurred within the vendor’s systems, not OpenAI’s infrastructure, but some limited user profile data associated with the platform was exposed. 

According to OpenAI’s disclosure, the data involved information such as: 

• Names associated with accounts 
• Email addresses 
• Approximate location data 
• Browser and device information 

Importantly, chat content, passwords, payment information, and government IDs were not exposed in that incident. 

But the event highlights a broader cybersecurity reality: 

Even when a company takes strong security precautions, third-party services, vendors, and other parts of the digital ecosystem can still introduce risk. 

That’s why cybersecurity experts recommend limiting what personal information you share online whenever possible. 

Why Tax Data Is Especially Dangerous to Share 

Tax information is one of the most valuable targets for cybercriminals. 

If scammers obtain the details commonly found in tax filings, they may be able to: 

• Commit tax refund fraud 
• Open financial accounts in your name 
• Conduct identity theft 
• Launch highly personalized phishing attacks 

Tax returns typically include multiple pieces of highly sensitive data, including: 

• Social Security numbers 
• Home addresses 
• Employer and income information 
• Banking details for refunds 
• Family member information 
• Entering these details into any tool outside of a secure tax platform significantly increases risk. 

Safer Ways to File Your Taxes 

Instead of relying on AI chatbots for filing, stick with trusted tax preparation options designed to securely handle sensitive data: 

• Official tax software platforms 
• Licensed tax professionals 
• IRS-approved free filing services 

These systems are specifically built with compliance, encryption, and identity verification in mind. 

AI tools can be incredibly useful for learning and research. But they are not secure tax filing platforms. 

If you wouldn’t feel comfortable posting your Social Security number publicly online, you shouldn’t paste it into a chatbot either. When it comes to taxes, the safest rule is simple: Use AI for advice, not for your personal data. 

The post Using an AI like ChatGPT to File Your Taxes? Stop and Read This First appeared first on McAfee Blog.

We’re back with another roundup of must-know scams and cybersecurity news making headlines this week, including a scam that features the name of the Jim Carrey movie, The Truman Show.

Let’s break it down. 

Why Reports Call it the “Truman Show” Scam 

So, why the name of this scam?

In the 1998 film The Truman Show, the main character unknowingly lives inside a staged reality TV world where everything around him is carefully controlled. In the “Truman Show” scam, criminals try to place victims into a similarly staged investment environment, complete with fake group chats, fake investors, and fake profits designed to build trust. It doesn’t actually have anything to do with the movie.

What is the “Truman Show” Scam?

The “Truman Show” scam is an AI-powered investment scam where criminals create an entire fake online community to convince victims an investment opportunity is real. 

According to reports, scammers invite people into group chats on platforms like Telegram or WhatsApp that appear full of investors sharing tips and celebrating profits. In reality, many of the participants, moderators, and conversations may be run by AI bots designed to simulate a lively trading community. 

Security researchers say the moderator and the other “investors” in the group may actually be AI-driven bots, programmed to simulate real conversations and enthusiasm around the investment strategy. 

The scam often includes: 

• A group chat on Telegram or WhatsApp 
• A downloadable trading app or website 
• Screenshots showing fake profits 
• Encouragement from “other members” to invest more 

The app itself may appear legitimate. But in reality, it often redirects users to a malicious website where scammers collect personal and financial information. 

Once victims deposit money, the criminals can quickly drain accounts or block withdrawals. 

McAfee’s State of the Scamiverse research shows just how convincing scams have become. One in three Americans (33%) say they feel less confident spotting scams than they did a year ago, as criminals increasingly use polished branding, realistic conversations, and AI-generated content to make fraudulent opportunities look legitimate. 

Why this works: people naturally trust social proof. When it looks like dozens of other investors are making money, people lower their skepticism.  

Fake Government Letters Are Targeting Residents Across Towns 

Another scam to be aware of this week includes spoofed letters impersonating local government offices.

According to reporting from WGME in Maine, residents in multiple towns recently received official-looking notices requesting payment for supposed municipal fees tied to development applications. 

The letters appeared convincing. They used formal language, official seals, and department names. But there was a problem. 

One of the notices claimed it came from a “Board of Commissioners,” even though the town in question does not have one. 

Officials say the letters instructed recipients to send payments by wire transfer, a method legitimate government offices almost never use for these kinds of transactions. 

McAfee’s experts say these scams are effective because they rely on volume. Fraudsters send thousands of letters hoping a small percentage of recipients will respond before verifying the request. And remember, these types of scams occur all the time and across the globe. While today’s reports are in Maine, it’s important to be vigilant wherever you live. 

Red flags to watch for: 

• Requests for wire transfers, gift cards, or crypto payments 
• Pressure to pay quickly to avoid penalties 
• Official-looking letters with subtle inconsistencies 
• Contact information that doesn’t match the official government website 

The safest move is simple: verify the request independently. Contact the government office directly using phone numbers listed on its official website, not the ones in the letter. 

LexisNexis Confirms Data Breach After Hackers Leak Files 

Meanwhile, a well-known data analytics company is dealing with a breach after hackers published stolen files online. 

According to BleepingComputer, LexisNexis Legal & Professional confirmed that attackers accessed some of its servers and obtained limited customer and business information. The confirmation came after a hacking group leaked roughly 2GB of stolen data on underground forums. 

LexisNexis says the compromised systems contained mostly older or “legacy” data from before 2020, including: 

• Customer names 
• User IDs 
• Business contact information 
• Product usage details 
• Support tickets and survey responses 

The company says highly sensitive financial information, Social Security numbers, and active passwords were not part of the exposed data. 

However, attackers claim they accessed millions of database records and hundreds of thousands of cloud user profiles tied to the company’s systems. 

LexisNexis says it has contained the intrusion and is working with cybersecurity experts and law enforcement. 

Why breaches like this matter: even when the stolen data appears limited, it can still be used in targeted phishing attacks. 

For example, scammers might use real names, email addresses, or business roles to send convincing messages that appear legitimate. 

Breaches often trigger waves of follow-up scams weeks or months later. (We know we cover this one a lot, but it’s key to remember!) 

McAfee’s Safety Tips This Week 

A few simple habits can make these schemes much easier to spot. 

• Be skeptical of investment groups online. Real trading communities rarely pressure you to deposit money quickly or download unfamiliar apps. 
• Verify government payment requests independently. If you receive a letter demanding payment, contact the agency directly using information from its official website. 
• Treat breach-related messages cautiously. After a breach makes headlines, phishing emails often follow pretending to offer “account verification” or “security updates.” 
• Avoid clicking unfamiliar links in emails or texts. Tools like McAfee’s free WebAdvisor can help flag risky websites and block known malicious pages before they load. 
• Pause before sending money or personal information. Many scams rely on urgency. Slowing down gives you time to verify what’s real.

We’ll be back next week with another roundup of the scams and cybersecurity news making headlines and what they mean for your digital safety. 

The post This Week in Scams: The AI “Truman Show” Scam Draining Bank Accounts appeared first on McAfee Blog.