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

Filing your taxes may not feel risky. You download a W-2. Upload a PDF. Email a document. Move on. 

But tax season is one of the most active times of year for scammers, and the moment you start collecting and sharing tax documents is often when people are most exposed. 

W-2s, 1099s, prior-year returns, and identity documents contain nearly everything criminals need to commit tax fraud or identity theft. And increasingly, scammers don’t need to break into systems to get them. They rely on rushed filers, familiar workflows, and convincing messages that blend into tax season noise. 

The good news: securing your tax documents doesn’t require expensive tools or technical expertise. With a few deliberate steps, you can dramatically reduce your risk before anything leaves your device. 

Why Scammers Want Your Tax Documents

Tax documents are valuable because they’re complete.A single W-2 includes your full name, Social Security number, employer information, and income data. Combined with other files, like a prior return or ID scan, that’s enough to: 

• File a fraudulent tax return 
• Open new credit accounts 
• Access financial services 
• Sell your identity on criminal marketplaces 

That’s why tax-related phishing and document theft spike every filing season. Many scams don’t look like scams at all. They look like routine requests, delivery notices, or “quick questions” from someone you already trust. 

How to Safely Handle and Share Tax Documents 

Tax forms contain some of the most sensitive personal information you have. Taking a few precautions when storing and sharing them can reduce the risk of identity theft and tax fraud. 

Store Your Tax Documents Securely 

Before sending anything to an accountant or tax service, make sure your files are organized and stored safely. 

Use a single secure folder
Create one folder, on your device or in a trusted private cloud service account, specifically for tax documents. Avoid scattering files across downloads, email attachments, and screenshots. 

Rename files clearly
Use descriptive names such as “2025_W2_EmployerName.pdf” so you can easily identify documents without opening multiple files or re-downloading forms. 

Avoid public Wi-Fi
If you’re downloading tax documents, do it on a secure home network whenever possible. Public Wi-Fi can increase the risk of interception. If you must connect in public, using a trusted VPN adds another layer of protection. 

Watch for Tax-Season Phishing Scams 

Many tax scams don’t target software, they target people. 

Common examples include: 

• Emails pretending to be from the IRS asking you to “verify” information 
• Messages that appear to come from your employer requesting a copy of your  W2 
• Fake tax portals asking you to re-upload documents 
• Urgent messages claiming there is a problem with your return 

These scams often arrive when you’re already expecting tax-related communication, which makes them easier to trust. 

Important: The IRS does not initiate contact by email, text message, or social media to request personal or financial information. 

Use Secure Ways to Share Tax Documents 

Email attachments are convenient, but they can also expose sensitive information. 

Safer options include: 

• A secure client portal provided by your accountant or tax preparer 
• Encrypted file-sharing services 
• Password-protected documents sent through a secure channel 

If you must email a document, avoid sending the password in the same message. 

Verify Requests Before Sending Documents 

Even if a request looks legitimate, pause before sharing sensitive files. 

Ask yourself: 

• Did I expect this request? 
• Is the sender using their normal contact method? 
• Does the message create urgency or pressure? 

If something seems unusual, verify the request through a separate channel, such as calling the person directly or starting a new email thread. 

Secure the Devices You Use to File 

Protecting tax documents also means protecting the device where they’re stored. 

Before filing your taxes: 

• Install the latest software updates on your computer and phone 
• Enable automatic updates when possible 
• Use security tools that can flag malicious links, fake websites, and suspicious messages, like McAfee’s WebAdvisor (free download here)

Tax scams increasingly arrive through text messages and social media, not just email, so protection needs to cover the places scammers actually reach you. 

File Early and Watch for Warning Signs 

Filing early reduces the opportunity for scammers to file a fraudulent tax return in your name. 

After filing: 

• Watch for IRS notices you didn’t expect 
• Monitor financial accounts for unfamiliar activity 
• Be cautious of follow-up messages claiming problems with your return 

If something feels off, investigate before responding. 

Step-by-Step: How to Encrypt Tax Documents Before Sending Them 

What to Do If You Think Your Tax Information Was Exposed 

If you believe your tax documents were shared with the wrong party or compromised: 

1. Stop further communication immediately 
2. Contact your accountant or tax service 
3. Notify the IRS if sensitive information was exposed 
4. Monitor credit and financial accounts closely 
5. Run a security scan on your device, check out our free trial 

Acting quickly can limit damage and help prevent long-term fallout. 

Final Thoughts

Securing your tax documents doesn’t require perfection, just intention. 

By slowing down, using safer sharing methods, and staying alert to tax-season scams, you can protect yourself before problems start. In a season where everyone feels rushed, a few extra minutes can save months of cleanup later. 

McAfee helps protect your identity, devices, and personal information so tax season doesn’t become scam season. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

The post How to Secure Tax Documents Before Sending to Your Accountant 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 

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: 

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. 

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: 

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: 

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.

Authored by Aayush Tyagi  

Background 

The term ‘Vibe coding,’ first coined back in February of 2025 by OpenAI researchers, has exploded across digital platforms. With hundreds of articles and YouTube Videos discussing the dangers of Vibe coding and warning the internet about the rise of “Vibe Coders”, while others labelled it as the fundamental shift in software development and the future of coding.  

Vibe Coding is an approach where the AI does heavy lifting, rather than the user. Instead of manually writing code or implementing algorithms, users describe their intent through text-based prompt, and the LLMs respond with fully functional code and explanation. Unsurprisingly, the internet is now flooded with guides on the best LLMs and prompts to generate “perfect” code. 

Given the ease of generating fully functional code, McAfee Labs has also seen a rise in vibe-coded malware. In these campaigns, certain components of the kill chain contain AI-generated code, significantly reducing the effort and knowledge required to execute new malware campaigns. This shift not only makes malware campaigns more scalable but also lowers the barrier to entry for new malware authors. 

Executive summary 

In January 2026, McAfee Labs observed 443 malicious zip files impersonating a wide range of software, including AI image generators and voice-changing tools, stock-market trading utilities, game mods and modding tools, game hacks, graphics card and USB drivers, ransomware decryptors, VPNs, emulators, and even infostealer, cookie-stealer, and backdoor malware, to infect users.  

Across the 440+ zip files, we observed 48 unique malicious WinUpdateHelper.dll variants, responsible for the infections. McAfee has been detecting variants of this threat since December 2024, although the vibe coding observed in certain components appears to be a recent addition. These files are distributed through various legitimate content delivery network (CDN) services and file-hosting websites, such as Discord, SourceForge, FOSSHub, and MediaFire, to name a few. Another website that was actively delivering this malware was mydofiles[.]com. 

Here, the attackers implement volume-driven malware distribution techniques to infect as many users as possible.  

This attack begins when users surf the internet looking for tools and software that promise to simplify their tasks. Instead, they encounter trojanized zip files.  

We discovered over 100 URLs actively spreading this malware, of which approximately 61 were hosted on Discord, 17 on SourceForge, and 15 on mydofiles[.]com. 

On running the executable, it loads a malicious WinUpdateHelper.dll file, which redirects the user to file-hosting websites, under the disguise that they are missing crucial dependencies and tricks them into installing unrelated software, which is a distraction. Meanwhile, the DLL has already requested and executed a malicious PowerShell script from a command-and-control (C2) server.  

This script infects the user’s system and downloads additional mining software, and abuses the system’s resources, or it downloads additional payloads such as SalatStealer or Mesh Agent, depending on the WinUpdateHelper.dll sample which infected the user.  

In this PowerShell script, the presence of explanatory comments and structured sections strongly indicates the use of LLM models to generate this code. 

Read more about this in the Using AI to generate malware? section below.  

So far, we’ve observed the mining of Ravencoin, Zephyr, Monero, Bitcoin Gold, Ergo, and Clore cryptocurrencies.    

Due to the presence of hardcoded Bitcoin wallet credentials within these malware samples, we were able to trace on-chain transactions and identify wallets containing over $4,500 USD that are part of this campaign.  

Since most of the mining activity targets privacy-focused cryptocurrencies such as Zephyr, Ravencoin and Monero, the real financial impact is likely to be nearly double the amount identified through Bitcoin tracing alone.  

Geographical Prevalence 

This malware campaign has specifically targeted users in the following counties, ranked by prevalence: The United States of America, followed by United Kingdom, India, Brazil, France, Canada, Australia. 

Bottom Line

The availability of LLMs capable of generating code instantly, combined with the widespread accessibility of technical knowledge, has created a low-effort, high-reward environment, making malware deployment increasingly accessible. 

At McAfee Labs, we have been doing hard work so that you don’t need to worry. But it always helps to be informed and educated on the latest threat that steps into the threat landscape. 
We will continue monitoring these campaigns to ensure our customers remain informed and protected across platforms. 

Technical Analysis  

Impersonated Applications

Here we see malware distribution at a large scale and by analyzing the filenames of these ZIP archives, we can infer to the users that are being targeted. These are some of the names we’ve witnessed in the wild. 

The attackers are actively impersonating video game cheats and game mods for popular titles, and well-known script executors for Roblox, such as Delta Executor and Solara as seen above.  

Names such as Panther-Stealer and Zerotrace-Stealer indicate that even users looking for malware on the internet are not safe either, reinforcing the notion that there is truly no honor among thieves. 

The campaign also leverages drivers and AI-themed tools as part of its lure portfolio among other tools. Interestingly, we see the name ‘DeepSeek.zip’, where attackers are exploiting a prominent LLM model, DeepSeek. McAfee had encountered these types of attacks in early 2025 and covered them extensively.  

Read the previous blog here: Look Before You Leap: Imposter DeepSeek Software Seek Gullible Users  

Stage 1 Payload – Misleading Installation  

Once the user downloads the ZIP archive from Discord or any other website. They get the following set of files.

Here, the executable named ‘gta-5-online-mod-menu.exe’ (Highlighted in Blue) is a legitimate and clean file. Whereas the file named ‘WinUpdateHelper.dll’ (Highlighted in Red) is malicious.  

On executing ‘gta-5-online-mod-menu.exe’, the malicious DLL is loaded. The user is informed that they are missing dependencies, and they’re redirected to the following URL via default browser.  

hxxps://igk[.]filexspace.com/getfile/XKQLPSK?title=DependencyCore&tracker=gta-5-online-mod-menu 

Here, within the URL, a tracker variable is used to identify which malware has infected the user. In this instance, it was ‘gta-5-online-mod-menu’.  

Dependecycore.zip is a setup file. On execution, it installs unrelated 3rd party software on the victim’s system. 

In this instance, iTop Easy Desktop was installed. 

This unwanted installation is meant to subvert users’ attention. As, the WinUpdateHelper.dll has already connected to the C2 server and infected the system.   

Stage 1 Payload – Malicious Functionality  

Once the redirection code is executed, the malware executes the malicious code.  

In the above code snippet, which is present in the WinUpdateHelper.dll, we can see that a new service has been created under the name “Microsoft Console Host” to make it appear to be benign (Highlighted in Red). The parameters passed to this service ensure that it executes at system boot. This is done to maintain persistence in the system.

The service executes a PowerShell command that dynamically generates the C2 domain using the UNIX time stamp.  

Using the following code, 
$([Math]::Floor([DateTimeOffset]::UtcNow.ToUnixTimeSeconds() / 5000000) * 5000000).xyz 

It generates a domain name that changes once every 5,000,000 seconds or 58 days. 

The latest C2 domain we’ve discovered that is up and running is 
1770000000[.]xyz/script?id=fA9zQk2L0M&tag=WinUpdateHelper

During our analysis we observed the following domain 
1765000000[.]xyz/script?id=fA9zQk2L0M&tag=WinUpdateHelper, which is present in the following images.  

Here the id=fA9zQk2L0M is randomly generated, to uniquely identify the user and tag=WinUpdateHelper is used to identify the malware campaign.  

The malware connects to the above-mentioned C2 server to download a PowerShell script and execute it in memory. This fileless execution ensures improved evasion against signature-based detections. 

Stage 2 Payload – PowerShell Script  

It is funny to note here, that the first comment of this script says “# I am forever sorry” which indicates that the attacks do carry some guilt regarding their actions, but not enough to stop the campaign. We found similar comments, such as “# sorry lol”, across multiple PowerShell scripts we discovered.  

The first set of commands (Highlighted in Green) are used to delete windows services and scheduled tasks. This is done to remove older or conflicting persistence mechanisms and to avoid duplicate miners from running on the same system. 

The second set of commands (Highlighted in Red) are registry modifications, that adds “C:\ProgramData” to Windows Defender exclusion paths. That is, ProgramData Folder won’t be scanned by Windows Defender anymore. This exclusion allows malware to drop additional payloads to disk, without the risk of them being detected and removed.  

The third set of commands (Highlighted in Blue) does exactly that. It downloads the next level payload from the URL “hxxps://1765000000[.]xyz/download/xbhgjahddaa” and stored it at this path “C:\ProgramData\fontdrvhost.exe”.

Again the name ‘fontdrvhost.exe’ imitates a legitimate Windows binary, to masquerade its true intent. After the download, the file is decoded using a simple arithmetic decryption routine. This provides protection against static signature detection and network detection. 

The payload is an XMRIG miner sample. In the next command, the miner is initialized and executed. Here, we see the miner connecting to “solo-zeph.2miners.com:4444” and start CPU based Zephyr coin mining using the following wallet address: ‘ZEPHsCY4zbcHGgz2U8PvkEjkWjopuPurPNv8nnSFnM5MN8hBas8kBN4hoNKmc7uMRfUQh4Fc9AHyGxL6NFARnc217m2vYgbKxf’. 

In the second half of the script, we see another miner being set up and executed using the same technique (Highlighted in Red). This time the file is stored as “RuntimeBroker.exe” in the ProgramData folder. The miner is connecting to “solo-rvn.2miners.com:7070” to mine Ravencoin and it is using the system’s GPU instead of the CPU for mining (Highlighted in Blue).  

This is the wallet address used for mining in this instance ‘bc1q9a59scnfwkdlm6wlcu5w76zm2uesjrqdy4fr8r’.  

Hence, we see a dual coin-mining deployment infrastructure utilizing both CPU and GPU resources to optimize mining efficiency. 

Bitcoin? Interesting…  

What is interesting here is that attackers have used a bitcoin wallet address for mining Ravencoin, which indicates they are using multi-coin pools for mining. The attackers are using the victims’ machine to mine Ravencoin and automatically convert the mining rewards to Bitcoin before the payout.  

This is done for a variety of reasons, such as, bitcoin offers higher liquidity and has broader acceptance, but most importantly, Ravencoin is computationally easier and economically viable to mine on victim’s system. Bitcoin requires specialized ASIC hardware for profitable mining and attempting to mine Bitcoin directly on infected systems would generate negligible returns. We’ve seen the same behaviour in multiple samples. 

This is a smoking gun. Unlike Zephyr coin or Monero, Bitcoin’s blockchain is fully traceable. Every Satoshi, the smallest unit of Bitcoin, can be traced across the blockchain from the moment it was mined to its current holder. From there, it becomes easy to determine how much cryptocurrency the threat actor is receiving. More on this later.  

Anti-Analysis Techniques 

The attackers have meticulously designed the campaign and have implemented various anti-analysis techniques to thwart researchers.  

The PowerShell script we’ve seen above is responsible for downloading and initializing the coin miner samples. It is only accessible via PowerShell. If we try to access the server via Curl, we get the following response.  

 This indicates that the server is actively monitoring the User-Agent of incoming requests and deploys the payload only when the request originates from PowerShell. 

 Similarly, the URLs embedded within the PowerShell script that download the next payload are unique to each victim and remain active for 60 seconds. After that, they return a 404 Not Found error.  

These techniques are meant to confuse and disorient researchers, making the analysis difficult.  

Using AI to generate malware?  

While working on this malware campaign, we came across over 440 unique zip files. These same zip files were distributed with over 1700 different names, targeting various software. 

Across these 440 zip files, we noticed 48 unique variants of WinUpdateHelper.dll. These 48 files can be clustered together into 17 distinct kill chains, each featuring their own C2 infrastructure, misleading installation setups, second-stage PowerShell scripts and final payloads, yet the cryptocurrency wallet credentials remain similar. 

In the above technical analysis, we’ve only covered 1 kill chain. Yet, across these 17 kill chains, we’ve noticed the flow remain the same.  

Across multiple second stage payloads, we encounter multiple comments such as the following, embedded within the code:

# === Create and execute run.bat in C:\ProgramData ===

:: This batch file:

:: – Creates the hidden folder C:\ProgramData\cvtres if it doesn”t exist (using CMD attrib for hidden + system)

:: – Downloads cvtres.exe from your GitHub URL

:: – Saves it to C:\ProgramData\cvtres\cvtres.exe

:: – Executes it immediately

:: – Runs completely hidden/minimized (no window visible)

The presence of such explanatory-style comments indicates that large language models were likely used during the development of these scripts. Especially, the comment “Downloads cvtres.exe from your GitHub URL”, where ‘Your GitHub URL’ refers to the threat actor’s GitHub repository that is hosting the malware, which indicates potential vibe coding.  

Tracking Bitcoin Across the Blockchain 

During analysis of this malware campaign, we came across few instances where the final payload was Infostealer malware. In most cases it was coin miner samples. 
In these cases, we encountered wallet credentials and mining pool URLs for several alternative cryptocurrencies such as Ravencoin, Zephyr, Monero, which aren’t traceable.  

Fortunately, we came across 7 bitcoin wallets that are part of this malware campaign and are actively receiving mined cryptocurrency. 

bc1q9a59scnfwkdlm6wlcu5w76zm2uesjrqdy4fr8r     bc1q7cpwxjatrtpa29u85tayvggs67f6fxwyggm8kd 

bc1qyy0cv8snz7zqummg0yucdfzpxv2a5syu7xzsdq    bc1qxhp6mn0h7k9r89w8amalqjn38t4j5yaa7t89rp 

bc1qxnkkpnuhydckmpx8fmkp73e38dfed93uhfh68l    bc1qrtztxnqnjk9q4d5hupnla245c7620ncj3tzp7h 

bc1q97yd574m9znar99fa0u799rvm55tnjzkw9l33w 

As of writing this blog, these wallets contain Bitcoin valued at approximately $4,536.20 USD. 

These wallets have seen regular withdrawals, with total funds received amounting to approximately $11,497.7 USD. 

McAfee Coverage 

McAfee has extensive coverage for this Coinminer Malware Campaign. We’re proactively covering new samples observed in the wild. 

Trojan:Win/Phishing.AP 

Trojan:Script/Coinminer.AT 

Trojan:Win/Dropper.AT 

Indicator of Compromise(s)

The post AI Wrote This Malware: Dissecting the Insides of a Vibe-Coded Malware Campaign 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.

John C. isn’t the person you picture getting scammed. 

He’s 36. He’s tech-savvy. He’s a mechanical engineer leading a team at a national energy lab in Denver. And he told us his story for one reason: “Scammers will target anyone.” 

It began with a phone call from someone claiming to be the IRS. They said John had underpaid his taxes and needed to resolve it quickly. The caller sounded polished and convincing, so convincing that John didn’t stop to question it. 

“I thought maybe they sent back too much money [in my refund], and they needed it back,” he said. “I was just so busy and overwhelmed that I never really stopped to think about the situation.” 

A follow-up email arrived with IRS logos, clean formatting, and a big payment button. John was trying to move fast between classes as he finished up his PhD, and he wanted to correct the situation as quickly as possible. 

“I was like, let me just hurry up and do this, get it over with.” 

He clicked. He paid. But later, when he checked his statement, he saw the charge didn’t look like an IRS payment at all. In fact, it was an international charge. The whole thing was a scam. 

John said the scammer on the phone had appealed to his emotions and been incredibly convincing.  

“It was absolutely masterful,” John said. “I would give him an Oscar for it. 

And new McAfee research shows John isn’t alone, with nearly 1 in 4 (23%) US adults surveyed revealing they’ve lost money to a tax scam.  

Key findings from McAfee’s 2026 Tax Season Survey 

Here’s what our January 2026 survey of 3,008 U.S. adults found: 

The big picture: lots of worry, not enough confidence 

• 82% of Americans say they’re concerned about tax fraud this season. 
• 67% say they’re seeing the same or more tax scam messages than last year. 
• 40% say tax scam messages are more sophisticated than last year. 
• 84% are concerned about AI making tax scams more realistic. 
• Only 29% say they’re very confident they could spot a deepfake tax scam. 

How often scams are reaching people 

• 34% say they’ve been contacted by someone claiming to be the IRS or another tax authority (phone, text, or email). 
• 38% say they’ve been asked to click a link or send payment related to a “tax issue.” 
• Common asks include SSNs (15%), birth dates (11%), addresses (10%), “you owe back taxes” pressure (9%), and banking details (8%). 

Who is getting hit hardest 

• Nearly 1 in 4 Americans (23%) say they’ve fallen for a tax scam. 
• Young adults report the highest exposure: 42% of 18–24-year-olds say they’ve fallen for at least one tax scam. 
• 11% of Americans report tax-related identity theft, rising to 17% among ages 25–34. 

The money is real 

• Among people who say they’ve fallen for a tax scam, the average loss is $1,020. 
• Separately, nearly 1 in 5 Americans say they’ve lost money to a tax scam. 

Tax filing is increasingly digital (and that changes the risk) 

• 55% say they file taxes online (software or IRS Free File). 
• 75% say they receive refunds or pay taxes electronically (direct deposit, cards, apps, EFTPS, etc.). 
• 30% say they plan to use an AI tool (like ChatGPT) to help prepare taxes, especially younger adults. This is highly dangerous, even with platform security protections. For example, if an AI tool were compromised in a data breach, user messages with personal tax information (like social security numbers, home address, and more) could be made public.  

Tax Scams Now Hit Year-Round, McAfee Labs Finds 

In addition to our consumer survey findings, McAfee Labs analyzed malicious URLs, apps, texts, and emails in the months leading up to filing season. 

The major takeaway: tax scams don’t wait for April. 

Scam activity began climbing as early as November and has again continued building steadily into 2026. 

Between September 1, 2025, and February 19, 2026, McAfee Labs identified 1,468 malicious or suspicious tax-themed unique domains, an average of 43 new fake tax websites every day. 

In early November 2025 alone, the average number of new tax-themed malicious domains nearly doubled in just over a week. After a brief dip in late December, activity resumed climbing into February, a pattern we expect to intensify as the April filing deadline approaches. 

Fake IRS Websites Are A Major Threat 

Scammers are rapidly creating lookalike IRS domains that mimic official government URLs.  

They use small changes, extra letters, added words, subtle misspellings, to trick taxpayers into believing they’re on a legitimate IRS site. 

Examples include domains that insert additional text around “irs.gov” or add misleading subdomains designed to pass a quick glance. 

These fake portals are used to: 

• Steal login credentials 
• Harvest Social Security numbers and tax IDs 
• Capture payment details 
• Charge bogus “processing fees” 

In some cases, these sites don’t just steal, they overcharge. 

McAfee Labs observed scam services offering to file for an EIN (Employer Identification Number), something the IRS provides for free, and charging as much as $319 for it. 

Example of a scam website we found charging for an EIN. 

The official IRS website explicitly warns: you never have to pay a fee to obtain an EIN. 

Other scam sites misuse legitimate policy terms, like the “Fresh Start Initiative,” to harvest personal data and enroll victims in aggressive robocall and marketing campaigns. 

Tax scams don’t always steal outright. Sometimes they monetize confusion. 

How a Typical Tax Scam Unfolds 

Most tax scams aren’t one single message. They’re a sequence, designed to make you panic, click, and comply. 

Below is the common playbook, plus the red flags that show up repeatedly. 

*Note: Scammers may swap the details like AI voice, fake IRS videos, cloned websites, or impersonating tax software, but the pattern stays familiar. 

Key point: A message can look “official” and still be fake. AI is making scam language smoother and scams more believable. The safest habit is simple: slow down, and verify using official sources you navigate to yourself. 

What to do if you’ve been involved in a tax scam 

First: take a breath. Scams are designed to trick you, especially when you’re overwhelmed, rushed, or just trying to fix a problem quickly. 

John said it plainly: “Don’t be embarrassed. It does happen. It’s common… they will target anyone.” 

And he’s right. The most important thing is what you do next. 

1) Stop the bleeding: cut off contact 

• Stop replying 
• Don’t click anything else 
• Don’t send more information or money 

2) Capture proof (before it disappears) 

Take screenshots and save: 

• Phone numbers, email addresses, usernames 
• The message content 
• Links (don’t click them, just copy) 
• Payment receipts and transaction IDs 

3) Lock down your accounts (especially email) 

If a scammer gets into your email, they can reset passwords for everything else. 

Do this today: 

• Change your email password first, then banking/tax accounts 
• Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) 
• If you reused passwords anywhere, change those too 

Important: If you clicked a suspicious link, downloaded a file, or gave someone remote access to your computer, make sure you use a different, trusted device (like your phone or another computer) to change passwords. Why? If a scammer installed malware or has access to your computer, they may be able to see all of your brand-new passwords as you’re making them. 

Tip: A password manager like McAfee’s can help you create strong, unique passwords quickly, without having to memorize them all. 

4) Check for identity theft signals 

Tax scams often turn into identity theft. Watch for: 

• IRS notices about a return you didn’t file 
• Trouble e-filing because a return was already submitted 
• Alerts about a new IRS online account you didn’t create 

If you suspect tax-related identity theft: 

• Consider filing an IRS identity theft report (commonly done with IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit). 
• Create or log into your IRS account periodically to review account activity (John now does this every few months). 

McAfee’s Identity Monitoring can help restore your sense of security and privacy online.  

5) Report it (even if you feel weird about it) 

Reporting helps you and helps stop the next person from getting hit. 

Common reporting options include: 

• FTC report: Report scams and identity theft at the FTC’s reporting site. 
• IRS phishing email: If you received a scam email posing as the IRS, you can forward it to phishing@irs.gov. 
• Your bank or card provider: If you paid, contact them immediately. Even if recovery isn’t guaranteed, speed matters. 

6) Clean up your digital footprint 

Scammers don’t just use what you give them. They also use what they can look up. 

Removing your personal details from risky data broker sites can reduce how easily scammers can target you again. Tools like Personal Data Cleanup can help you identify where your information is exposed and guide removal. 

7) Add protection for the next attempt 

Tax season scams often come in waves, especially if scammers think your info is “good.” 

Helpful layers include: 

• Web protection to warn you about risky links and lookalike sites before you enter info – get our free WebAdvisor download here 
• Scam detection that can flag suspicious messages 
• Identity monitoring to alert you if key personal info shows up in risky places 
• Run a free antivirus scan to check your device for malware or unwanted programs (especially if you clicked a link or downloaded anything) 

The key takeaway 

Tax season creates the perfect storm: time pressure, sensitive data, and a lot of official-looking communication. 

Our research shows most people are worried, and for good reason. Scammers are getting more convincing, and AI is raising the bar on what “real” looks and sounds like. 

“Tell your friends, tell your family,” John said. “Everyone I know at some point has heard this story, and it might just prevent someone from losing… thousands of dollars.” 

If you remember just three things this season, make them these: 

1. Pause before you click. 
2. Verify through official channels you navigate to yourself. 
3. If something happens, act quickly, and don’t blame yourself. 

The post Tax Scams Hit Nearly 1 in 4 Adults. Spot the Red Flags appeared first on McAfee Blog.

X (formerly Twitter) hacks tend to hit fast. 

One minute you’re scrolling like normal. The next, your account is posting crypto promotions, sending spam DMs, or following hundreds of random accounts you’ve never heard of. Sometimes you don’t even notice until a friend asks why you’re suddenly “giving away” gift cards. 

If you use X for work, your personal brand, or your business, a takeover can do real damage quickly. And in many cases, the hacker isn’t just trying to cause chaos, they’re trying to use your account to scam your followers while you still look trustworthy. 

This guide walks you through exactly what to do if your X account has been hacked: how to spot the warning signs, how to regain access, and what to change immediately so it doesn’t happen again. 

If you’re still locked out after trying these steps, X also offers an official support form for hacked or compromised accounts. 

Signs Your X Account May Be Compromised 

X account takeovers don’t always start with a full lockout. Often, the first signs are strange activity you didn’t authorize. 

Watch for these red flags: 

Unexpected posts: Tweets you didn’t write, especially spam, crypto links, or promotions. 

Unusual DMs: Messages sent from your account that you don’t remember sending. 

Account behavior changes: Random follows, unfollows, blocks, or profile changes you didn’t approve. 

Security notifications: Alerts from X that your account may be compromised. 

Account info changed: Notifications that your email, phone number, or password was updated without your permission. 

Password suddenly stops working: You’re prompted to reset your password even though you didn’t request it. 

If any of these are happening, assume your account is compromised and start recovery steps immediately. 

What to Change Immediately If Your X Account Was Hacked 

If your X account was hacked, assume your login details may have been stolen. 

That means simply getting back into your account isn’t enough, you also need to update the passwords and settings attackers could still use. 

Here’s what to change right away: 

• Change your X password 
• Change the password for the email account connected to X 
• Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) 
• Confirm your email address and phone number are correct 
• Revoke access for any suspicious third-party apps 
• Review X Pro / Teams access (if you use it) and remove unfamiliar users 
• Update any other accounts that share the same password 
• Delete unauthorized posts and DMs (once you regain control) 

If you suspect the hack started through malware or phishing, it’s also smart to update passwords for other sensitive accounts tied to your identity, like banking apps, payment apps, or your Apple/Google account. 

Using a password manager like McAfee’s can help you create strong, unique passwords for every account, and store them securely in one place. 

Step-by-Step: How to Recover a Hacked X Account 

X offers different recovery options depending on whether you can still log in. 

If you’re still unable to log in after attempting recovery, visit X’s official hacked account support form for next steps. 

Watch for Phishing “X Support” Scams 

One of the most common ways X accounts get hacked is through phishing. 

Scammers impersonate: 

• X support 
• “verified account” teams 
• copyright warnings 
• fake sponsorship offers 
• fake security alerts claiming your account will be suspended 

They try to pressure you into clicking a link and logging in on a fake page designed to steal your password. 

If you receive a suspicious email or DM, don’t click. 

Instead, open X directly in the app or browser and check your account settings from there. 

Final Tips: Recovering From an X Hack 

A hacked X account can spread scams quickly, especially if the attacker uses your account to message followers directly. 

The most important steps are: 

• Act quickly 
• Change your password immediately 
• Secure the email account connected to X 
• Revoke suspicious third-party app access 
• Review X Pro / Teams access if applicable 
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) 
• Delete unauthorized posts once you regain control 
• Scan your device for malware 

McAfee offers a free antivirus scan that can help you detect malware or suspicious programs that may have compromised your account in the first place. 

And if you’re still locked out or something doesn’t look right, use X’s official support request form to report the account as hacked or compromised. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

The post X (Twitter) Account Hacked: What to Do Right Now appeared first on McAfee Blog.

You don’t always realize your YouTube channel has been hacked right away. 

Sometimes it’s a sudden spike in notifications. Sometimes it’s a flood of confused comments. And sometimes it’s the worst-case scenario: you wake up to find your channel renamed, your videos hidden, and a scam livestream running under your brand. 

This is one of the most common forms of creator-targeted account takeover today. Attackers hijack real channels because they already have an audience, and then use that trust to promote fake crypto giveaways, “investment” livestreams, or malicious links in video descriptions. 

A YouTube channel hack can also put your account at risk of Community Guidelines strikes or monetization penalties, even if you didn’t upload the content yourself. 

This guide walks you through exactly what to do if your YouTube channel has been compromised: how to regain owner access, stop scam live streams fast, and secure your Google Account so it doesn’t happen again. 

Signs Your YouTube Channel May Be Compromised 

A hacked YouTube channel usually means your Google Account has also been compromised, since every YouTube channel is tied to at least one Google Account. 

Watch for these red flags: 

Changes you didn’t make: Your channel name, profile photo, handle, description, or external links were updated. 

Videos or live streams you didn’t create: You may see uploads you don’t recognize, scam live streams, or replays that weren’t posted by you. 

You receive warnings or strikes: YouTube may send emails about Community Guidelines violations, copyright claims, or suspicious activity tied to content you didn’t publish. 

You can’t log in or your password stops working: A sudden login failure may mean your password was changed or your account access was locked. 

Monetization or AdSense settings changed: Attackers may try to redirect revenue or alter payment associations. 

If any of these are happening, assume your channel is compromised and start recovery steps immediately. 

What to Change Immediately If Your YouTube Channel Was Hacked 

If your YouTube channel was hacked, assume your Google login details may have been stolen. 

That means simply getting back into your channel isn’t enough; you also need to update the passwords and settings attackers could still use. 

Here’s what to change right away: 

• Change your Google Account password 
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) 
• Remove unknown devices and active sessions 
• Check and update your recovery email and recovery phone number 
• Remove any unfamiliar channel owners/managers/editors 
• Remove suspicious connected apps or third-party access 
• Review your AdSense/monetization settings for changes 
• Update any other accounts that share the same password 

If you suspect the takeover started through malware or phishing, it’s also smart to update passwords for other sensitive accounts tied to your Google identity, like Gmail, Google Drive, banking accounts, or payment apps. 

Using a password manager like McAfee’s can help you create strong, unique passwords for every account, and store them securely in one place.  

Step-by-Step: How to Recover a Hacked YouTube Channel 

If you’re still having issues after completing these steps, be sure to visit YouTube and Google’s official support resources for hacked accounts. 

And, if you’re an eligible creator, you can also contact YouTube’s Creator Support Team. 

Watch for Phishing “YouTube Support” Scams 

One of the most common ways YouTube channels get hacked is through phishing. 

Scammers impersonate: 

• YouTube support 
• YouTube Partner Program emails 
• Copyright violation notices 
• Brand sponsorship offers 
• Verification or monetization warnings 

They try to pressure you into clicking a link, downloading a file, or logging in through a fake Google sign-in page. 

If you receive a suspicious email or message, don’t click. 

Instead, open YouTube Studio directly and check your account status from inside the platform. 

Final Tips: Recovering From a YouTube Channel Hack 

A hacked YouTube channel is stressful for a reason: it doesn’t just affect your account. It affects your audience, your reputation, and your income, especially if monetization is involved. 

The most important steps are: 

• Act quickly 
• Recover your Google Account first 
• Change your password and enable 2FA 
• Remove unknown channel managers and owners 
• End scam live streams immediately 
• Remove suspicious uploads and links 
• Review YouTube Studio for strikes or violations 
• Scan your device for malware 

And if you’re still locked out or something doesn’t look right, follow YouTube’s official recovery guidance and contact Google/YouTube support directly. 

YouTube may be able to help restore access, reverse changes, or provide instructions for appealing a termination if your channel was taken down during the hack. 

McAfee also offers a free antivirus scan that can help you detect malware or suspicious programs that may have compromised your account in the first place. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

The post YouTube Channel Hacked? Restore Owner Access and Stop Live-Stream Scams appeared first on McAfee Blog.

It usually starts with a small, uneasy moment. 

A password reset email you don’t remember requesting. A login alert that doesn’t make sense. Strange comments showing up under your username that you swear you didn’t write. 

Sometimes you don’t notice at all…until someone messages you asking why you’re suddenly promoting crypto giveaways, posting spam links, or commenting across random subreddits. 

A hacked Reddit account isn’t just embarrassing. It can be a real security risk. Attackers often use compromised accounts to spread scams, steal personal information, or take advantage of your reputation in online communities. 

This guide walks you through exactly what to do if your Reddit account has been compromised: how to spot the warning signs, how to regain control, and what security steps to take so it doesn’t happen again. 

Signs Your Reddit Account May Be Compromised 

Reddit account takeovers don’t always look dramatic at first. The earliest warning signs often feel subtle. 

Watch for these red flags: 

Password or email changes you didn’t make: You may receive an email from Reddit saying your password or email address was updated. 

Posts, comments, votes, or chat messages you don’t recognize: Hackers often use your account to upvote scam content or spam communities. 

Authorized apps you don’t remember approving: Some attackers compromise accounts through unsafe third-party apps or browser extensions. 

Unusual login activity or unfamiliar IP history: Reddit allows you to review recent account activity, which may show logins from locations you’ve never visited. 

Sudden account lock or forced reset notice: In some cases, Reddit may lock your account or prompt a password reset as a security precaution. 

If any of these are happening, assume your Reddit account is compromised and start recovery steps immediately. 

What to Change Immediately If Your Reddit Account Was Hacked 

If your Reddit account was hacked, assume your login details may have been stolen. 

That means simply getting back into your account isn’t enough, you also need to update the passwords and settings attackers could still use. 

Here’s what to change right away: 

• Change your Reddit password 
• Change the password for the email account connected to Reddit 
• Update any other accounts that share the same password 
• Remove suspicious authorized apps 
• Log out of all active sessions/devices 
• Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) 
• Update your recovery options (email, phone, backup codes) 

If you think the hack started from malware or a phishing link, it’s also smart to update passwords for other sensitive accounts, like banking, payment apps, or your Apple/Google account. Using a password manager like McAfee’s can help you create strong, unique passwords for every account, and store them securely in one place. 

Step-by-Step: How to Recover a Hacked Reddit Account 

Watch for Phishing “Reddit Support” Scams 

One of the most common ways accounts get compromised is through phishing. 

Scammers impersonate: 

• Reddit moderators 
• Reddit admin messages 
• Security alerts 
• Fake “copyright violation” notices 

They try to trick you into clicking a link and logging in on a fake site. 

If you receive a suspicious message, don’t click. 

Instead, open Reddit directly in your browser or app and check your account settings from there. 

Final Tips: Recovering From a Reddit Hack 

A hacked Reddit account can feel strangely personal, because your profile reflects your interests, communities, and identity online. 

The most important steps are: 

• Act quickly 
• Secure your email account first 
• Reset your password and log out of all sessions 
• Remove suspicious authorized apps 
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) 
• Scan your device for malware 

And if you’re still locked out or something doesn’t look right, follow Reddit’s official recovery guidance and contact Reddit support directly. 

Reddit may be able to confirm suspicious activity, restore access, or help reverse account changes. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

The post Reddit Hacked? How to Regain Access and What to Change Immediately appeared first on McAfee Blog.

It’s Friday the 13th, but you have nothing to fear online if you’re scam-savvy and well protected.

Every week, we round up the biggest scam and cybersecurity stories of the moment so you can recognize red flags, protect your accounts, and avoid the most common traps scammers are using. 

This week in scams, we’re talking Valentine’s Day, deepfake deception, and online privacy.

Let’s jump in:

New McAfee Research Shows Romance Scams Spiking 

Valentine’s Day is supposed to be peak season for connection. But for scammers, it’s peak season for something else: emotional leverage. 

New McAfee research shows romance scams are not rare edge cases, they’re becoming a common part of the online dating experience. In fact, 1 in 7 American adults (15%) say they’ve lost money to an online dating or romance scam. Even more alarming: of the people who lost money, only 1 in 4 (24%) were able to recover all of it. 

And many scams start exactly the way real relationships do. 

One McAfee interviewee, Jules, a healthcare professional in her 40s, joined a dating app hoping to meet someone as a busy working single mom. She met “Andy,” who seemed local, charming, and emotionally invested. He didn’t rush into money. He built trust. He mirrored her life. He made her feel safe. 

Then he introduced a “crypto opportunity” that looked legitimate. The app showed gains. She even withdrew small amounts at first. But weeks later, her account froze, and she was told she needed to pay a $25,000 “tax payment” to unlock it. 

She paid. Then the account froze again. 

By the time Jules realized the truth, she had lost more than $80,000, including $25,000 borrowed from her elderly mother. 

This is the new shape of romance scams: slow, believable, and psychologically engineered. McAfee Labs also reports that romance-related scam activity spikes during peak dating season, including fake profiles, cloned apps, and AI-driven spam behavior. 

Key red flags to watch for 

• They move fast emotionally (“I’ve never felt this way before”) 
• They push you off-platform quickly (WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal) 
• Their story sounds polished but hard to verify (military, oil rig, entrepreneur) 
• They introduce “investment advice” or crypto opportunities 
• They ask for payment apps, gift cards, wire transfers, QR payments, or “fees” 
• They claim your money is “frozen” unless you pay one more time 

How romance scams typically unfold 

While scams can take many forms, most follow a familiar pattern. Understanding the progression can help people recognize risk earlier. 

Key point: the scariest scams may never send you a sketchy link. They may only send convincing words, and the pressure to act. 

Deepfake Fraud Is Going “Industrial” 

Deepfake scams used to sound like something only elite hackers could pull off. Not anymore. 

Reporting from The Guardian highlights a new analysis from AI experts suggesting deepfake fraud has gone “industrial,” meaning it’s now cheap, scalable, and increasingly accessible to non-experts. Researchers tied to the AI Incident Database described a landscape where impersonation scams are becoming one of the most common types of AI-driven incidents reported month after month. 

Instead of crude phishing emails, scammers can now use AI tools to generate: 

• Realistic fake videos of public figures 
• Fake doctors promoting products 
• Fake journalists endorsing scams 
• Realistic job applicants and “candidates” who aren’t real people at all 

One example described in the reporting involved an AI security CEO who posted a job listing and quickly received a referral for a candidate who looked perfect on paper. The resume was strong. The emails were polished. The interview was scheduled. 

But when the video call began, the candidate’s image loaded slowly, and the background looked artificial. The face was blurred around the edges. The person glitched slightly as they spoke. A deepfake detection firm later confirmed: the interviewee was AI-generated. 

The most unsettling part? Even the target didn’t know what the scammer was after…. a salary? access to internal systems? company secrets? 

This is what makes deepfake scams uniquely dangerous: they’re not always about stealing money immediately. They’re often about getting trust, access, and leverage first. 

Key red flags of deepfake impersonation scams 

• Video or audio glitches (especially around facial edges) 
• Backgrounds that look “too smooth” or artificial 
• Delays before video loads or odd syncing between voice and mouth movement 
• Overly polished speech with little natural hesitation 
• Pressure to move fast, hire fast, or approve payments quickly 

This is also why deepfake fraud is so effective: it exploits the assumption that “seeing is believing.” In 2026, that assumption is no longer safe. 

This is also backed up by McAfee’s previous research. In 2025, McAfee Labs conducted a study of 17 different deepfake-creation tools and found that for just $5 and with just 10 minutes of setup time, scammers can create powerful, realistic-looking deepfake video and audio scams.

Google “Results About You” Update Shows How Personal Data Fuels Scams 

Not every scam story this week is about criminals. This update is about fighting scammers, as shared by Google. 

Google announced this week that it has expanded its “Results about you” tool, which helps people monitor and remove sensitive personal information from Search results. Previously, the tool focused on personal contact details like phone numbers, email addresses, and home addresses. 

Now, users can also request the removal of Search results that include highly sensitive information like: 

• Passport numbers 
• Driver’s license numbers 
• Social security numbers 

Google is also making it easier to request removal of non-consensual explicit images, allowing users to submit multiple images at once rather than reporting them individually. 

This matters because personal data is often the fuel behind the scams we’ve been tracking all year, including romance scams. 

Removing sensitive data from search results doesn’t erase it from the internet completely but it can reduce how easily scammers can weaponize it. To take your online privacy to the next level, consider McAfee’s Personal Data Cleanup, which will help remove your personal information across the web.  

What this tool helps protect against 

• Identity theft attempts 
• Impersonation scams 
• Doxxing threats 
• Fake “verification” schemes 
• Social engineering and targeted romance scams 

The scam lesson here is simple: the less information scammers can find, the harder it is for them to tailor the con. 

McAfee’s Safety Tips for This Week 

This week’s scam pattern is all about emotional manipulation + AI credibility + personal data exposure. The best defense is slowing down and verifying before you trust. 

Here are the smartest moves to make right now: 

• Don’t confuse emotional intensity with authenticity. Love bombing is a tactic, not a love language. 
• Never send money to someone you haven’t met in real life, no matter how convincing their story is. 
• Treat “crypto investing tips” from strangers as an immediate red flag. 
• Don’t move off-platform quickly. If someone insists on WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal early on, assume they’re trying to isolate you. 
• Never share verification codes or screenshots of financial apps, even if they claim it’s “just for confirmation.” 
• Reverse image search profile photos and look for inconsistencies in background details, timelines, or personal stories. 
• If a video call feels off, trust your instincts. Deepfakes often look almost real, but “almost” is the danger zone. 
• Reduce your digital footprint. The more personal info available online, the easier it is for scammers to tailor believable impersonations. 
• Use tools like McAfee Scam Detector to help flag risky messages across text, email, and social platforms. 
• If you suspect a romance scam, stop engaging immediately, document everything, and report it. The sooner you act, the more damage you can prevent. 

We’ll be back next week with another roundup of the scams making headlines, and what you can do to stay ahead of them. 

The post This Week in Scams: How Jules Lost $80K in a Romance Scam appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Tax season creates a rare and dangerous overlap: Americans are sharing their most sensitive personal information at the exact moment scammers are most alert. 

W-2s arrive. Payroll portals light up. Refund notifications start circulating. Messages from employers, tax services, and government agencies suddenly feel routine… expected, even. 

That’s the opening scammers wait for. 

According to McAfee’s 2025 tax season research, nearly half (48%) of Americans say they or someone they know has received a message falsely claiming to be from the IRS or a state tax authority. Those messages arrive via email, text, phone calls, social media, and increasingly through channels that don’t look suspicious at all. 

And when they work, the consequences can be severe. 

This tax season, the biggest risk isn’t just clicking the wrong link. It’s how easily personal information can be weaponized once it’s exposed, and how quickly identity theft and credit damage can follow.  

How tax-related identity theft happens 

Rather than a single “step-by-step” scam, tax fraud usually unfolds as a chain reaction once personal information is exposed. 

Here’s how the risk typically escalates: 

1) Information enters circulation 

W-2s, tax forms, and payroll data are shared across email, HR portals, cloud storage, and tax software accounts. Even legitimate workflows expand the attack surface. 

2) Scammers impersonate trusted entities 

Using stolen or scraped data, criminals pose as: 

• The IRS or state tax agencies 
• Payroll departments 
• Tax preparation services like TurboTax or H&R Block 

In McAfee’s research: 

• 48% encountered fake IRS messages
• 33% saw impersonation of tax preparation services
• 35% were baited with fake refund messages containing malicious prompts

3) Victims are pressured to “fix” a problem 

Messages claim a refund was rejected, taxes are overdue, or identity verification is required. The urgency is the point. 

4) Personal or financial data is harvested 

Once victims respond, scammers collect SSNs, bank details, credit card numbers, or authentication codes, often without ever sending a malicious link. 

5) Identity theft follows 

Refund fraud, unauthorized credit applications, and account takeovers often happen weeks or months later, when victims least expect it. 

This is why tax scams are so damaging: the real fallout often shows up long after filing season ends. 

How to protect yourself before you file 

Tax season rewards preparation. These steps help reduce risk before problems start. 

1. File early if possible: Filing sooner reduces the window scammers have to submit fraudulent returns in your name. 
2. Treat tax-related messages with skepticism: Unexpected messages asking for documents, payment, or verification should be independently confirmed through official channels. 
3. Monitor your credit and identity: Identity theft often surfaces as unauthorized accounts or sudden credit changes. Regular monitoring helps catch issues early. 
4. Reduce your online data footprint: Scammers often source contact details and background information from data broker sites. Limiting what’s publicly available reduces targeting. 
5. Avoid clicking on tax-related links: Type official URLs directly into your browser instead of clicking links in messages or ads. 

Why McAfee+ Advanced is built for tax-season identity risk 

Tax scams expose a broader truth: protecting yourself today means limiting both exposure and impact. 

That’s why McAfee+ Advanced now includes expanded identity and financial protection officially rolling out to users today, designed for high-risk moments like tax season. 

Automatic personal info removal 

McAfee+ Advanced helps automatically locate and remove your personal information from high-risk data broker sites that publish phone numbers, addresses, and emails scammers rely on. 

Reducing this exposure makes it harder for criminals to impersonate you or target you during tax season. 

Credit monitoring with one-click credit lock 

If personal information is compromised, speed matters. 

McAfee+ Advanced includes credit monitoring and a one-click credit lock experience, making it easier to prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name, a common escalation after tax-related identity theft. 

Scam Detector, included across all McAfee+ core plans 

In addition to identity and credit protections, all McAfee+ plans include Scam Detector, which helps flag suspicious texts, emails, links, and websites. That includes tax-related scam attempts that surface during filing season. 

Protection that lasts beyond tax season 

Tax scams may peak during filing season, but identity risk doesn’t follow a calendar. The same tools that help protect your W-2 and tax information also help reduce exposure to data breaches, account takeovers, and everyday fraud throughout the year. 

McAfee+ Advanced is designed for that reality; protecting your personal information, finances, and digital life not just during tax season, but year-round. 

The post Filing Taxes? Why Identity Protection Matters More Than Ever This Season appeared first on McAfee Blog.

This week in scams, three headlines tell the same story: attackers are getting better at manipulating people, not just breaking into systems. We’re seeing a wave of intrusions tied to social engineering, a major delivery platform confirming a breach amid extortion claims, and a big tech headline that has a lot of people rethinking how apps handle their data. 

Every week, this roundup breaks down the scam and cybersecurity stories making news and explains how they actually work, so you can spot risk earlier and avoid getting pulled into someone else’s playbook. 

Let’s get into it. 

A Wave of Cyberattacks Hits Bumble, Match, Panera, and CrunchBase 

The big picture: Several major brands were hit by cybersecurity incidents tied to social engineering tactics like phishing and vishing. 

What happened: Bloomberg reported that Bumble, Match Group, Panera Bread, and CrunchBase each confirmed incidents.  

Bumble said a contractor account was compromised in a phishing incident, which led to brief unauthorized access to a small portion of its network, and said its member database, accounts, messages, and profiles were not accessed.  

Panera said an attacker accessed a software application it used to store data, and said the data involved was contact information.  

Match said the incident affected a limited amount of user data, and said it saw no indication that user logins, financial information, or private communications were accessed.  

CrunchBase said documents on its corporate network were impacted, and said it contained the incident. 

According to Bloomberg, cybersecurity firm Mandiant has also warned about a hacking campaign linked to a group that calls itself ShinyHunters. The group is using vishing, which means scam phone calls, to trick people into giving up their login information. Once attackers get those logins, they can access cloud tools and online work systems that companies use every day. The group has said they are behind some of these recent attacks, but that has not been independently confirmed. 

Red flags to watch for: 

Calls that pressure you to approve a login, reset credentials, or share a one-time code 

Messages posing as IT support, a vendor, or “security” that try to rush you 

MFA prompts you did not initiate 

“Quick verification” requests that bypass normal internal processes 

How this works: Social engineering works because it blends into normal life. A convincing message or call gets someone to do one small “reasonable” thing. Approve a prompt. Read a code. Reset access. That is often all an attacker needs to get inside with legitimate credentials, then pivot into the tools where valuable data lives. 

TikTok’s Privacy Policy Update Sparks Backlash 

Ok, we know this is called “This Week in Scams” but this is also a cybersecurity newsletter. So when the biggest tech and privacy headline of the week is TikTok updating its privacy policy, we have to talk about it. 

The big picture: TikTok’s updated terms and privacy policy are raising fresh questions about what data is collected, especially around location. 

What happened: TikTok confirmed last week that a new U.S.-based entity is in control of the app after splitting from ByteDance earlier this year. That same day, CBS reported TikTok published updated terms and a new privacy policy, which prompted backlash on social media. 

CBS reported that one major point of concern is language stating TikTok may collect precise location information if users enable location services in device settings. This is reportedly a shift from previous policy language, and TikTok said it plans to give U.S. users a prompt to opt in or opt out when precise location features roll out. 

According to CBS, some users are also concerned the new privacy policy would allow the TikTok to more easily share their private data with the federal and local government. 

That fear is based on a change in policy language stating that TikTok “processes such sensitive personal information in accordance with applicable law.” 

A quick, practical takeaway: This is a good reminder that “privacy policy drama” usually comes down to one thing you can actually control: your app permissions. 

What to do (general privacy steps): 

Check your phone settings for TikTok and confirm whether location access is Off, While Using, or Always. 

If your device supports it, consider turning off precise location for apps that do not truly need it. 

Do a quick permission sweep across social apps: location, contacts, photos, microphone, camera, and Bluetooth. 

Make sure your account is protected with a strong, unique password and two-factor authentication. 

Note: This is not a recommendation about whether to keep or remove any specific app. It’s a reminder that your device settings matter and they are worth revisiting. 

Grubhub Confirms a Data Breach Amid Reports of Extortion 

The big picture: Even when a company says payment details were not affected, a breach can still create risk because stolen data often gets reused for phishing. 

What happened: According to BleepingComputer, Grubhub confirmed unauthorized individuals downloaded data from certain systems and that it investigated, stopped the activity, and is taking steps to strengthen security. Sources told BleepingComputer the company is facing extortion demands tied to stolen data. Grubhub said sensitive information like financial details and order history was not affected, and did not provide more detail on timing or scope. 

Red flags to watch for next: Breach headlines are often followed by scam waves. Be on alert for: 

“Refund” or “order problem” emails you did not request 

Fake customer support messages asking you to verify account details 

Password reset prompts you did not initiate 

Links to “resolve your account” that don’t come from a known, official domain 

How this works: Customer support systems can contain personal details that make scams feel real. Names, emails, and account notes are often enough for attackers to craft messages that sound like legitimate help, especially when the brand is already in the news. 

Fake Chrome Extensions Are Quietly Taking Over Accounts 

The big picture: Some browser extensions that look like normal workplace tools are actually designed to hijack accounts and lock users out of their own security controls. 

What happened: Security researchers told Fox News that they uncovered a campaign involving malicious Google Chrome extensions that impersonate well-known business and human resources platforms, including tools commonly used for payroll, benefits, and workplace access. 

Researchers identified several fake extensions that were marketed as productivity or security tools. Once installed, they quietly ran in the background without obvious warning signs. According to Fox News, Google said the extensions have been removed from the Chrome Web Store, but some are still circulating on third-party download sites. 

How the scam actually works: Instead of stealing passwords directly, the extensions captured active login sessions. When you sign into a website, your browser stores small files that keep you logged in. If attackers get access to those files, they can enter an account without ever knowing the password. 

Some extensions went a step further by interfering with security settings. Victims were unable to change passwords, review login history, or reach account controls. That made it harder to detect the intrusion and even harder to recover access once something felt off. 

Why this matters: This kind of attack removes the safety net people rely on when accounts are compromised. Password resets and two-factor authentication only help if you can reach them. By cutting off access to those tools, attackers can maintain control longer and move through connected systems with less resistance. 

What to watch for: 

Browser extensions you don’t remember installing 

Add-ons claiming to manage HR, payroll, or internal business access 

Missing or inaccessible security settings on accounts 

Being logged into accounts you did not recently open 

A quick safety check: Take a few minutes to review your browser extensions. Remove anything unfamiliar or unnecessary, especially tools tied to work platforms. Extensions have deep access to your browser, which means they deserve the same scrutiny as any other software you install. 

McAfee’s Safety Tips for This Week 

Be skeptical of “helpful” tools. Browser extensions, workplace add-ons, and productivity tools can have deep access to your accounts. Only install what you truly need and remove anything unfamiliar. 

Treat calls and prompts with caution. Unexpected login requests, MFA approvals, or “IT support” outreach are common entry points for social engineering. If you didn’t initiate it, pause and verify. 

Review app and browser permissions. Take a few minutes to check what apps and extensions can access your location, accounts, and data. Small changes here can significantly reduce risk. 

Protect your logins first. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication on email and work-related accounts. If attackers get your email, they can reset almost everything else. McAfee’s Password Manager can help you create and store unique passwords for all of your accounts.  

Expect follow-up scams after headlines. When breaches or policy changes make the news, scammers often follow with phishing messages that reference them. Extra skepticism in the days and weeks after a story breaks can prevent bigger problems later. 

The post This Week in Scams: Dating App Breaches, TikTok Data, Grubhub Extortion appeared first on McAfee Blog.

As Harry Styles concert tickets go on sale for his first tour in years, cybersecurity experts warn that the same excitement driving ticket registrations and social chatter will also drive a spike in ticket scams across social media, email, and text messages. 

“When demand spikes around a major tour, ticket scams spike too,” said Abhishek Karnik, Head of Threat Research at McAfee. “We saw this during recent major ticket releases, including the Oasis reunion, when McAfee Labs identified more than 2,000 suspicious ticket listings online.” 

“Scammers take advantage of the urgency fans already feel, and the fear of missing out, inserting themselves into social posts, DMs, and text threads with offers that sound normal and believable,” Karnik added.

“Avoid interacting with unknown sellers, especially when offers are made over social media,” Karnik said. “Payments made via wire transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or peer-to-peer platforms like Venmo or Zelle are often not recoverable, which is why it’s safer to buy directly from official ticketing sites or well known resale platforms.”

Where, When, and How to Get Harry Styles Tickets 

Styles announced Together, Together on January 22, marking his first tour since 2023. 

The residency-style run spans seven cities worldwide: Amsterdam, London, São Paulo, Mexico City, New York, Melbourne, and Sydney. Shows begin in May and continue through December. 

New York City is the only North American stop, making competition for tickets especially intense for U.S. fans. In fact, a record-breaking 11.5 million people have already registered for ticket information to attend the Madison Square Garden stop alone. For context, the capacity for that venue is just 19,500 people.  

According to The Hollywood Reporter, that means just 5% of people who signed up for U.S. tickets will be able to buy them when they go on sale this week.  

American Express access presale ticket sales are already live, and Ticketmaster is the primary platform handling official sales.  

The rest of the Together, Together tour tickets will be released in two stages:  

1. General on sale for NYC dates August 26 – October 9 begins on Friday, January 30.  
2. General on sale for October 10 – 31 begins Wednesday, February 4. 

That staggered release schedule matters. Multiple on-sale moments mean repeated waves of urgency, which scammers often mirror with fake “last chance” messages, counterfeit presale links, or impersonations of ticketing platforms and customer support. 

What do Harry Styles tickets cost right now 

Ticket prices range widely by seat location and package, with outlets reporting lower prices starting in the $100 range. However, premium seats climb past $1,000. According to Forbes, the average ticket price of his 2022 tour was $113. 

That context matters, because it helps fans recognize the biggest red flag in ticket fraud: a too-good-to-be-true price.  

If you are seeing “floor seats for $50” while reputable platforms are showing far higher prices for comparable sections, that is not a deal. It is a hook for a scammer. 

How ticket scams work 

Ticket scams rarely start with “Buy my fake ticket.” They start with the conditions that make people easy to rush: too much noise, too many messages, and too little time to verify what’s real. 

McAfee’s State of the Scamiverse survey of 7,500 consumers found people now receive 14 scam messages per day on average, and spend a “time tax” of 114 hours a year sorting real from fake. In that environment, criminals don’t need you to be careless. They just need you to be busy. And major ticket drops create the perfect opening: high demand, fast-moving queues, and price shock that makes a “good deal” feel like something you have to grab immediately. 

What’s changed is that scams don’t even need a link anymore. The report found more than 1 in 4 people (26%) say suspicious social messages now arrive without a URL, and 44% admit they reply to those linkless DMs anyway, often triggering the next step of the scam. That’s the blueprint behind many ticket scams today: a believable message, a quick pivot to payment, and pressure to move fast before you can verify. 

Below are among the most common ticket-scam patterns to watch for, and exactly how they play out. 

Ticket fraud 

Ticket fraud is when someone advertises tickets, takes payment, and delivers nothing, or delivers tickets that do not work at the door. This includes fake screenshots, fake confirmation emails, and counterfeit QR codes. 

How it plays out: 

• A seller claims they “cannot make the show.” 
• They ask you to pay quickly to “hold” the tickets. 
• They send a screenshot of a ticket or order email. 
• The tickets never arrive, or the QR code fails when scanned. 

Resale duplication scams 

A resale duplication scam happens when the scammer sells the same ticket to multiple buyers. Sometimes the scammer has one legitimate ticket and sells it repeatedly. Sometimes they have none and simply reuse the same screenshot. 

How it plays out: 

• You receive something that looks real. 
• Multiple people show up with the same ticket. 
• Only the first scan gets in. 

Phishing scams 

A phishing scam is a message designed to trick you into clicking a link or sharing personal information. Ticket phishing often pretends to be from Ticketmaster, a venue, a presale program, or customer support. 

How it plays out: 

• “Your tickets are on hold, confirm within 10 minutes.” 
• “Unusual activity detected. Verify your account.” 
• “Your payment failed. Update billing.” 

Modern phishing messages can look polished and grammatically clean, which is why relying on spelling errors is no longer a reliable defense. 

Cloned ticket websites 

A cloned ticket website is a fake site made to look like a legitimate seller. These sites are built to capture your payment info, personal data, or both. 

How it plays out: 

• You click an ad or link from social media. 
• The site looks legitimate, but the URL is slightly off. 
• You “buy” tickets and either receive nothing or later see fraud on your card. 

Ticket transfer and account takeover scams 

A ticket transfer scam exploits the fact that many tickets are digital and transferable. A related risk is account takeover, where scammers steal your ticketing login and transfer tickets out of your account. 

How it plays out: 

• You get a message claiming your account needs verification. 
• You enter credentials on a fake page. 
• The attacker logs in and transfers tickets away. 

Fake customer support scams 

A fake customer support scam is when scammers pose as a company’s help desk, often after you post publicly that you need help. 

How it plays out: 

• You tweet, post, or comment about ticket issues. 
• An “agent” messages you first. 
• They ask for login details, a code, or payment to “unlock” tickets. 

A true scam story: Henry’s last-minute ticket scam 

Henry A. had been trying for weeks to score a ticket to see Tyler, the Creator in Dallas. Even without a confirmed seat, he headed to the venue hoping for a miracle. And that’s when the message came in, someone nearby claimed to have extra tickets.  

The seller said he was just outside too. The price? Reasonable enough. The tone? Casual and confident. All Henry had to do was send half the money to hold the tickets.  

Minutes later, he sent the full $280.  

“I was already in line—excited, hopeful, and just trying to get in. That made me an easy target.”  

The seller began stalling. Then came a screenshot—another buyer offering a higher price. He pressured Henry to pay more. When Henry refused, the seller blocked him. 

Just like that, the tickets were gone. So was the money. And Henry and his friend never made it into the show.  

“I sent $280 and got blocked. We never made it inside.”  

What makes Henry’s experience so common is not the platform. It is the pattern: 

• A believable story 
• A “reasonable” price 
• A fast-moving negotiation 
• A sudden change in terms 
• Pressure, then disappearance 

How to spot a ticket scam fast 

Use these red flags as a reality filter: 

Safer ways to buy tickets 

If you want the simplest rule: buy through official ticketing and verified resale platforms that offer buyer protection. Scammers can create fake accounts anywhere, but they cannot easily bypass legitimate purchase protections. 

Practical steps: 

1. Go direct: Type the official ticketing URL into your browser, do not follow random links. 
2. Use protected payment: Credit cards generally offer stronger dispute options than unprotected transfers. 
3. Avoid risky payment demands: Crypto, gift cards, and wires are common in fraud because they are hard to reverse. 
4. Secure your accounts: Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication where available. 
5. Pause before paying: Scammers depend on emotional momentum. 

How Scam Detector can help 

Tools like McAfee’s Scam Detector can act as a second set of eyes when messages or links are designed to rush you.  

Scam detection can help flag suspicious language patterns, risky links, and social engineering tactics before money leaves your account. 

The post Buying Harry Styles Tickets? Avoid These Common Ticket Scams appeared first on McAfee Blog.

You block a caller, feel a moment of relief, and then the phone rings again. If you’re wondering why you still get spam calls even after blocking numbers, you’re not alone.  

Spammers evolve quickly. They rotate phone numbers, spoof caller IDs, and use automated dialers to bypass basic defences, which is why many people see blocked calls still coming through and ask, can blocked numbers call you?

In this guide, we’ll explain what’s happening behind the scenes, share proven steps for how to stop getting spam calls, and help you protect your privacy and finances with confidence. 

What Counts as a Spam Call? 

Spam calls are unsolicited calls that aim to sell, deceive, or defraud. They include aggressive sales pitches, fake giveaways, tech support scams, and impersonations of banks or government agencies. Some are placed by people, while many are robocalls that play prerecorded messages at scale. Legality often hinges on consent and compliance with regulations, but harmful calls tend to ignore the rules. 

The typical scam call red flags: 1) Urgent or threatening language. 2) Pressure to pay right now. 3) Requests for sensitive details like Social Security numbers, bank information, or one-time passcodes.

Robocalls drive much of the volume today. They’re inexpensive, fast, and highly automated. While appointment reminders or pharmacy updates can be helpful and legitimate, scam robocalls promote fake debt collection, prize schemes, or malicious tech support. Their scale is precisely why blocked calls still coming through remains a persistent frustration. 

Inbox of spam calls feel familiar?

Why Blocking Numbers Doesn’t Stop Spam 

Blocking prevents repeat calls from the same caller ID. Spammers know this and adapt. They rotate through vast pools of numbers, so each attempt looks new. You block one, and the next call arrives from a different number. It’s a cat-and-mouse game that leads many to ask, can blocked numbers call you or why is a blocked number still calling? 

Caller ID spoofing amplifies the problem. Spoofing lets scammers display any number they want, including matching your area code or appearing as a trusted organisation. This undermines caller ID and weakens number-based blocking. Some spoofed calls even show familiar names, increasing the chance you’ll answer. 

Behind the scenes, spam operations acquire and discard numbers rapidly through VoIP services and disposable lines. Large campaigns can cycle through thousands of numbers daily, which makes manual blocking a limited defense. That’s why you still get spam calls even after blocking numbers and why many people wonder how to stop getting spam calls for good. 

Layered Measures to Reduce Spam Calls 

A stronger strategy combines smarter tools with practical policies that work together. Here’s how we approach it: 

Use call-protection apps: Choose reputable apps that leverage threat intelligence, crowdsourced reports, and machine learning. These tools detect patterns, silence high-risk calls, and warn you before you answer. Many provide enhanced caller ID and category-based filtering to cut down the noise. 

Register with the National Do Not Call Registry: Add your number at donotcall.gov to reduce lawful telemarketing. It won’t stop illegal spam calls, but it trims legitimate sales outreach and supports enforcement when violators call. 

Use your mobile carrier’s protections: Most phone carriers offer built-in features that help identify and block spam calls, often at no extra cost. When these tools are turned on, your phone may label suspicious calls as “Scam Likely,” warn you before you answer, or automatically block known spam numbers. Some carriers can also verify when a call is coming from a real business, which makes it harder for scammers to fake caller IDs and pretend to be someone they’re not. 

Used together, these layers reduce the chance that a blocked number still calling will get through and provide practical answers for how to stop getting spam calls without missing important calls. 

Best Practices for Handling Incoming Calls 

Build habits that make suspicious calls easier to spot and manage: 

Spot potential spam: Be cautious with unknown numbers, urgent demands, and offers that sound too good to be true. Don’t share personal information, one-time passcodes, or payment details. If someone claims to be from your bank, healthcare provider, or a government agency, hang up and call back using a verified number from their official website. 

Report spam quickly: File complaints with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov. Include caller ID, time, message content, and any request for data or payment. Many call-protection apps and carriers support in-app reporting, which improves filters for everyone. 

Use call screening: Turn on features like Silence Unknown Callers on iOS or Filter Spam Calls on Android. Enable voicemail transcription and consider Do Not Disturb with exceptions for contacts and verified callers. Use screening assistants where available to prompt unknown callers to state their purpose. This reduces interruptions and blocks automated spam. 

Stay Safe from Social Engineering 

Phone scams often rely on social engineering. Recognising common tactics helps you pause and protect yourself. 

Spot voice phishing: Be wary of claims that your account is locked, a payment is overdue, or an immediate verification code is needed. Legitimate organisations do not ask for full Social Security numbers, passwords, or 2FA codes over the phone. If you’re concerned, contact the company through a trusted channel. 

Protect personal information: Keep sensitive data private. Don’t share account numbers, PINs, passwords, or security codes in response to an incoming call. Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication. If you receive a verification code you didn’t request, secure your account right away. 

If you responded to a spam call: If you disclosed financial details or made a payment, contact your bank or card issuer immediately. Change passwords, enable account alerts, and review recent activity. Report the incident to the FTC and local law enforcement if needed. Consider a credit freeze with the major credit bureaus. If a device may be compromised, run a trusted security app to scan and remove suspicious software. 

Quick Comparison of Anti-Spam Call Options 

If you’re asking why you still get spam calls even after blocking numbers or seeing a blocked number still calling, this table shows how layered options work together to reduce risks. 

Go Beyond Blocking: Remove Your Number From the Dark Web and Data Broker Lists 

Blocking spam callers treats the symptom, not the source. One reason spam keeps coming is that your phone number may already be circulating in data broker databases or dark web marketplaces after a breach, app signup, or form fill. Once your number is out there, it gets resold, bundled, and targeted repeatedly. 

McAfee Data Cleanup tackles that upstream problem. It helps find where your personal data, including your phone number, appears online and works to remove it from risky sources. Fewer listings mean fewer lists for spammers to buy and fewer campaigns aimed at your number. 

How your number ends up being targeted 

Data brokers: Many sites legally collect and resell contact details. Spammers buy access and blast calls at scale. 

Breaches and leaks: Stolen databases often end up on underground forums, where numbers are traded and reused. 

Public profiles and apps: Old accounts, giveaways, and permissions can expose your number without you realising. 

What Data Cleanup adds to your defense 

Finds exposures: Scans for your number across broker sites and known risk areas. 

Removes listings: Submits opt-out and removal requests on your behalf, reducing where your data lives online. 

Keeps watch: Monitors for reappearance so your number doesn’t quietly get relisted later. 

Think of this as turning down the tap, not just mopping the floor. When fewer databases have your number, spam operations have fewer ways to reach you. 

If you’re serious about how to stop getting spam calls, add data cleanup to your toolkit. Reducing your digital footprint won’t eliminate every bad call overnight, but over time, it lowers exposure, cuts repeat targeting, and helps reclaim your phone from constant interruptions. 

Blocking Isn’t Protection. Layering Is. 

If spam calls feel endless, it’s because blocking numbers was never designed to stop modern scam operations. Today’s callers rotate numbers, spoof trusted IDs, and pull your phone number from massive data ecosystems that don’t disappear when you tap “Block.” 

The real fix is layered protection. Call filtering and carrier tools help stop suspicious calls at the door. Screening features reduce interruptions. And addressing the source, by limiting where your number exists online, cuts down the number of campaigns that ever reach you in the first place. 

No single tool will end spam calls overnight. But when you combine smart call protections, cautious habits, and proactive data cleanup, the volume drops, the risks shrink, and your phone becomes a lot quieter. 

If you’ve been asking why you still get spam calls even after blocking numbers, this is the answer. Blocking is reactive. Protection works best when it’s proactive. 

FAQs 

The post Why You Still Get Spam Calls Even After Blocking Numbers appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Merriam-Webster’s word of 2025 was “slop.” Specifically, AI slop. 

Low-effort, AI-generated content now fills social feeds, inboxes, and message threads. Much of it is harmless. Some of it is entertaining. But its growing presence is changing what people expect to see online.

McAfee’s 2026 State of the Scamiverse report shows that scammers are increasingly using the same AI tools and techniques to make fraud feel familiar and convincing. Phishing sites look more legitimate. Messages sound more natural. Conversations unfold in ways that feel routine instead of suspicious.

According to McAfee’s consumer survey, Americans now spend an average of 114 hours a year trying to determine whether the messages they receive are real or scams. That’s nearly three full workweeks lost not to fraud itself, but to hesitation and doubt.

As AI-generated content becomes more common, the traditional signals people relied on to spot scams, such as strange links and awkward grammar, are fading. That shift does not mean everything online is dangerous. It means it takes more effort to tell what is real from what is malicious.

The result is growing uncertainty. And a rising cost in time, attention, and confidence.

The average American receives 14 scam messages a day 

Scams are no longer occasional interruptions. They are a constant background noise. 

According to the report, Americans receive an average of 14 scam messages per day across text, email, and social media.  

Many of these messages do not look suspicious at first glance. They resemble routine interactions people are conditioned to respond to. 

• Delivery notices 
• Account verification requests 
• Subscription renewals  
• Job outreach 
• Bank alerts 
• Charity appeals 

And with the use of AI tools, scammers are churning out these scam messages and making them look extremely realistic.

That strategy is working. One in three Americans says they feel less confident spotting scams than they did a year ago.  

Figure 1. Types of scams reported in our consumer survey. 

Most scams move fast, and many are over in minutes 

The popular image of scams often involves long email threads or elaborate schemes. In reality, many modern scams unfold quickly. 

Among Americans who were harmed by a scam, the typical scam played out in about 38 minutes.  

That speed matters. It leaves little time for reflection, verification, or second opinions. Once a person engages, scammers often escalate immediately. 

Still, some scammers play the long game with realistic romance or friendship scams that turn into crypto pitches or urgent requests for financial support. Often these scams start with no link at all, but just a familiar DM.

In fact, the report found that more than one in four suspicious social messages contain no link at all, removing one of the most familiar warning signs of a scam.  And 44% of people say they have replied to a suspicious direct message without a link.  

The cost is not just money. It is time and attention. 

Financial losses from scams remain significant. One in three Americans report losing money to a scam. Among those who lost money, the average loss was $1,160.  

But the report argues that focusing only on dollar amounts understates the broader impact: scams also cost time, attention, and emotional energy. 

People are forced to second-guess everyday digital interactions. Opening a message. Answering a call. Scanning a QR code. Responding to a notification. That time adds up. 

And who doesn’t know that sinking feeling when you realize a message you opened or a link you clicked wasn’t legitimate?

Figure 3. World Map of Average Scam Losses. 

Why AI slop makes scams harder to spot 

The rise of AI-generated content has changed the baseline of what people expect online. It’s now an everyday part of life.

According to the report, Americans say they see an average of three deepfakes per day.  

Most are not scams. But that familiarity has consequences. 

When AI-generated content becomes normal, it becomes harder to recognize when the same tools are being used maliciously. The report found that more than one in three Americans do not feel confident identifying deepfake scams, and one in ten say they have already experienced a voice-clone scam. Voice clone scams often feature AI deepfake audio of public figures, or even people you know, requesting urgent financial support and compromising information.

These AI-generated scams also come in the form of phony customer support outreach, fake job opportunities and interviews, and illegitimate investment pitches.

Account takeovers are becoming routine 

Scams do not always end with an immediate financial loss. Many are designed to gain long-term access to accounts. 

The report found that 55% of Americans say a social media account was compromised in the past year.  

Once an account is taken over, scammers can impersonate trusted contacts, spread malicious links, or harvest additional personal information. The damage often extends well beyond the original interaction. 

Scams are blending into everyday digital life 

What stands out most in the 2026 report is how thoroughly scams have blended into normal online routines. 

Scammers are embedding fraud into the same systems people rely on to work, communicate, and manage their lives. 

• Cloud storage alerts (such as Google Drive or iCloud notices) warning that storage is full or access will be restricted unless action is taken, pushing users toward fake login pages.
• Shared document notifications that appear to come from coworkers or collaborators, prompting recipients to open files or sign in to view a document that does not exist.
• Payment confirmations that claim a charge has gone through, pressuring people to click or reply quickly to dispute a transaction they do not recognize.
• Verification codes sent unexpectedly, often as part of account takeover attempts designed to trick people into sharing one-time passwords.
• Customer support messages that impersonate trusted brands, offering help with an issue the recipient never reported.

Figure 4: Example of a cloud scam message. 

The Key Takeaway

Not all AI-generated content is a scam. Much of what people encounter online every day is harmless, forgettable, or even entertaining. But the rapid growth of AI slop is creating a different kind of risk.

Learn more and read the full report here.

FAQ: Understanding the AI Slop Era and Modern Scams 

The post McAfee Report: In the AI Slop Era, Americans Spend Weeks Each Year Questioning What’s Real appeared first on McAfee Blog.