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

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

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

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

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

Want the full research? Dive in here. 

We break down the top takeaways below. 

What McAfee Found 

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why March Madness is Prime Time for Betting Scams 

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

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

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

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

For example: 

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

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

The payout rarely exists. 

The Most Common Betting Scams Fans Encounter 

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

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

AI Is Making Betting Scams Harder to Spot 

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

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

Among those who encountered AI-driven scams: 

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

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

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

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

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

If You or Someone You Know Needs Help 

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

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

McAfee Total Protection has been recognized with three major honors in the AV-TEST Best Awards 2025, receiving awards for Best Performance, Best Advanced Protection, and Best Usability. 

Among consumer security products, McAfee was the only solution to receive both the Best Performance and Best Advanced Protection awards, highlighting its ability to deliver strong security while keeping everyday devices running smoothly. 

The awards are issued by AV-TEST, an independent cybersecurity research institute that evaluates security products through thousands of lab tests each year. 

Together, these recognitions reinforce what matters most for people using security software every day: protection that works quietly in the background without slowing down your system or interrupting your workflow. 

How Big is an AV-TEST Award? 

Pretty big! The AV-TEST Awards recognize security products that deliver consistently strong results across independent testing throughout the year. 

To qualify, products must demonstrate exceptional performance across multiple categories, including protection against modern threats, system performance impact, and usability. 

In the 2025 test cycle, McAfee Total Protection earned recognition in three key areas. 

Best Performance Award 

Security software needs to protect your system without slowing it down. 

In AV-TEST’s Windows performance testing, researchers measure how much a security solution impacts system resources during everyday tasks such as launching applications, installing programs, browsing the web, and copying files. 

McAfee Total Protection earned the Best Performance Award for maintaining strong protection while keeping system impact minimal. 

For users, that means protection that runs efficiently in the background so your PC stays responsive while you work, stream, or game. 

Best Advanced Protection Award 

Modern cyberattacks rarely rely on a single tactic. Today’s threats often combine multiple techniques, including ransomware, infostealers, and other advanced attack methods. 

To evaluate how well security products handle these complex threats, AV-TEST runs Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) tests, which simulate real-world attacks using the latest techniques. 

In the 2025 testing cycle, McAfee Total Protection delivered consistently strong results across these real-world attack scenarios, earning the Best Advanced Protection Award for consumer users. 

These results demonstrate how multiple protection layers inside the product work together to detect and stop threats, even if an attack attempts to bypass initial defenses. 

Best Usability Award 

Strong security should also be easy to live with. 

In AV-TEST’s usability tests, researchers evaluate how accurately a product distinguishes between legitimate files and malicious ones, while monitoring for false alarms. 

McAfee Total Protection earned the Best Usability Award for its accurate threat detection and low rate of false positives. 

That means fewer unnecessary alerts and interruptions, while still maintaining strong protection against real threats. 

Recognition from AV-TEST 

According to AV-TEST’s testing team, McAfee stood out across multiple categories in the 2025 evaluation. 

“The team of the AV-TEST Institute is delighted to present McAfee with three of the highly coveted trophies. The manufacturer received recognition for its consistently efficient use of system resources, clear distinction between benign and malicious files, and strong results in Advanced Threat Protection testing.”
— Marcel Wabersky, Lead Mobile & Network Testing, AV-TEST 

What is the AV-TEST Institute 

Independent testing plays an important role in helping consumers evaluate cybersecurity tools. 

The AV-TEST Institute is an independent IT security research organization based in Germany and operating for more than 20 years. The institute runs one of the world’s largest testing laboratories dedicated to cybersecurity products. 

From its headquarters in Magdeburg, Germany, AV-TEST researchers analyze new malware, study emerging attack techniques, and conduct large-scale comparative testing of security software used by both consumers and businesses. 

These tests are designed to be standardized, transparent, and repeatable, allowing security products to be evaluated under the same conditions across multiple vendors. 

The AV-TEST Best Awards recognize products that deliver consistently strong results across a full year of testing. Because the awards are based on sustained performance rather than a single test cycle, they are widely used as an indicator of long-term security reliability. 

For McAfee users, these awards reinforce the goal behind McAfee Total Protection: delivering powerful protection that stays fast, accurate, and easy to use. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

The post McAfee Wins 3 Major AV-TEST Awards for 2025 Security Performance 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.

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

Let’s break it down. 

Why Reports Call it the “Truman Show” Scam 

So, why the name of this scam?

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

What is the “Truman Show” Scam?

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

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

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

The scam often includes: 

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

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

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

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

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

Fake Government Letters Are Targeting Residents Across Towns 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Red flags to watch for: 

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

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

LexisNexis Confirms Data Breach After Hackers Leak Files 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

McAfee’s Safety Tips This Week 

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

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

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

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

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.

This week in scams, we’re looking at three very different stories with the same underlying theme: trust is being exploited at scale. 

A massive government contractor data breach has quietly grown to affect more than 25 million people. Meanwhile, a viral AI-generated image of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen posing in a fake luxury campaign is spreading across social media, fooling some users and alarming others. 

And in a new threat report, OpenAI detailed how its own tools are being misused for dating scams, impersonation, and influence operations. 

Let’s break it down. 

The Conduent Data Breach Now Impacts 25+ Million People 

The fallout from a ransomware attack on Conduent, one of the largest government contractors in the U.S., continues to expand. 

According to reporting from TechCrunch, updated state-level breach notifications now indicate that more than 25 million people across the U.S. have had personal data exposed. 

Conduent provides services tied to state benefit programs, including food assistance, unemployment systems, and other government payment processing operations. The company has said its services reach over 100 million people. 

Data reportedly exposed in the breach includes: 

• Names 
• Dates of birth 
• Addresses 
• Social Security numbers 
• Health insurance and medical information 

TechCrunch noted that the majority of affected individuals appear to be in Oregon and Texas, based on state breach disclosures. Other states have also reported an impact. 

The attack has been described as one of the largest government-contractor-related data breaches in recent memory. 

Why this matters: When companies that process government benefits are hit, the exposed data often includes highly sensitive identity information. Social Security numbers combined with medical or insurance details can significantly increase the risk of identity theft and fraud. 

How to Protect Yourself After a Major Data Breach 

If you believe your data may have been exposed: 

• Monitor your credit reports for unfamiliar activity 
• Consider placing a free credit freeze 
• Be wary of phishing emails or texts referencing benefits or account verification 
• Never share personal information in response to unexpected outreach 

Breaches like this often lead to secondary scams months later. The breach itself is only phase one. Phishing campaigns usually follow. 

That Viral Olsen Twins “Louis Vuitton” Image? It’s AI. 

A supposed luxury campaign featuring Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen began circulating widely on X and Facebook this week, racking up millions of views. 

The images show the twins styled in what appears to be a high-end fashion shoot, drawing numerous comments over their styling. But social media users quickly pointed out visual irregularities and inconsistencies commonly associated with AI-generated imagery. 

A screenshot of one of the AI images making thr rounds across social media.

While this doesn’t fall into our typical “scam” roundup, the normalization of AI-generated visuals that look close enough to real to confuse people are a growing issue that can lead to real confusion and distrust. 

We have entered a phase where: 

• Fake ads look legitimate 
• Public figures appear in campaigns they never participated in 
• Synthetic images spread faster than corrections 

Today it’s a fashion ad. Tomorrow it could be a fake political endorsement, financial announcement, or emergency alert. 

The takeaway: If you see a surprising campaign or announcement, verify it through official brand websites or verified accounts before assuming it’s real. 

OpenAI Details How ChatGPT Is Being Misused

In a newly released threat report, OpenAI outlined several ways its tools have been abused by bad actors. 

According to Reuters’ reporting: 

A cluster of accounts used ChatGPT to run a dating scam targeting Indonesian men, allegedly defrauding hundreds of victims per month. 

Some accounts used the tool to generate promotional copy and ads for a fake dating platform that pressured users into completing costly “tasks.”

Other accounts posed as law firms, impersonating real attorneys and U.S. law enforcement to target fraud victims.

OpenAI also banned accounts linked to activity believed to be part of influence operations, including efforts targeting Japanese political figures. 

OpenAI stated that the activity was detected and accounts were removed. 

Why this matters: AI tools themselves are not inherently scams. But they dramatically lower the cost and increase the scale of fraud operations. Writing persuasive emails, generating fake legal letters, building scam ads… these now require fewer technical skills than ever before. 

The technology doesn’t create the criminal intent. It just accelerates it. 

McAfee’s Safety Tips This Week 

1. Assume viral images could be AI-generated until verified 
2. Verify unexpected announcements through official websites 
3. Treat post-breach emails as suspicious by default 
4. Be skeptical of online “consultation” invites that promise payment 
5. Never send money to someone you’ve only met online 

We’ll Be Back Next Week 

From ransomware breaches to AI-generated impersonations, the pattern is clear: scammers are scaling trust manipulation with technology. 

Stay skeptical. Verify before you click. And we’ll be back next week with another breakdown of what’s making headlines, and what it actually means for your security. 

For more reading on AI deepfakes and breaches: 

Taylor Swift Tops List of Most Deepfaked Celebs

What to Do If You’re Caught Up in a Data Breach

Everything You Need to Know to Keep Your Passwords Secure

The post This Week in Scams: Conduent Data Breach and AI Olsen Twins 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.

Instagram hacks don’t always start with a dramatic “you’ve been locked out” moment. 

More often, it starts with something small: your followers asking why you just sent them a weird link. Your account suddenly following hundreds of random profiles. A post you didn’t write showing up in your feed. Or an email from Instagram saying your login details were changed. 

By the time you realize what’s happening, scammers may already be using your account to impersonate you, message your followers, or promote fake giveaways and crypto scams through your profile. 

This guide walks you through exactly what to do if your Instagram 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. 

And if you’re still having trouble at any stage, be sure to visit Instagram’s official recovery tools for additional support. 

Signs Your Instagram Account May Be Compromised 

Instagram account takeovers don’t always look obvious at first. In many cases, the first signs are subtle changes you didn’t make. 

Watch for these red flags: 

Password or email changes you didn’t request: You may receive an email saying your account information was updated. 

Suspicious login alerts: Notifications about a login attempt, new device, or verification code you didn’t request. 

Posts, Stories, or Reels you didn’t publish: Scammers often post crypto promotions, fake giveaways, or sketchy links. 

DMs you didn’t send: A common tactic is using your account to message your followers with phishing links. 

Your account starts following random accounts: Hackers may use compromised accounts to inflate scam pages or bot networks. 

Your profile info has been edited: Name, bio, profile photo, or website links changed without your permission. 

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

What to Change Immediately If Your Instagram Account Was Hacked 

If your Instagram 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 Instagram password 
• Change the password for the email account connected to Instagram 
• Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) 
• Log out of all active sessions/devices 
• Remove suspicious third-party apps connected to your account 
• Confirm your phone number and email address are correct 
• Check Accounts Center and remove linked accounts you don’t recognize 
• Update any other accounts that share the same password 

If you suspect the hack started through malware or a phishing link, 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 Instagram Account 

Instagram provides several recovery options depending on what information you still have access to (email, phone number, username, or trusted device). 

If you’re still unable to recover your account, visit Instagram’s official support and recovery tools for additional help. 

Watch for Phishing “Instagram Support” Scams 

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

Scammers impersonate: 

• Instagram support 
• verification teams 
• copyright violation notices 
• “your account will be deleted” warnings 
• fake giveaway collaborations 

Their goal is to pressure you into clicking a link and entering your password on a fake login page. 

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

Instead, open Instagram directly in the app and check your security settings from there. 

If you think you entered your login info into a suspicious link, change your password immediately and secure your account right away. 

Final Tips: Recovering From an Instagram Hack 

A hacked Instagram account is stressful for a reason: it doesn’t just affect your profile. It affects your followers, your reputation, and your private messages. 

The most important steps are: 

• Act quickly 
• Check your email for Instagram security alerts 
• Use Instagram’s official hacked account recovery tools 
• Change your password immediately 
• Log out of all active sessions 
• Remove suspicious apps and linked accounts 
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) 
• 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, follow Instagram’s official recovery guidance and contact Instagram support directly. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

The post My Instagram Has Been Hacked – What Do I Do Now? 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.

It usually starts with a small, uneasy moment. 

A login alert you don’t remember triggering. A password that suddenly doesn’t work. A friend asking why you just posted something… bizarre. 

Sometimes it’s even worse: you open your Facebook Page and realize you’re no longer an admin. 

Facebook account takeovers often don’t look dramatic at first. They start quietly: a new device login, a recovery email you didn’t add, or a Page role you never approved. But once someone has access, they can lock you out fast, post scams to your followers, and even run unauthorized ads. 

This guide walks you through exactly what to do if your Facebook account or Page has been compromised: how to spot the warning signs, how to recover access if you’re locked out, how to remove rogue admins, and how to lock down your account so it doesn’t happen again. 

Signs Your Facebook Account May Be Compromised 

Facebook hacks often start quietly. The first signs usually look like small changes you don’t remember making. 

Watch for these red flags: 

• Login alerts you didn’t trigger: Notifications about new devices, unfamiliar locations, or verification codes you didn’t request. 
• Posts or messages you didn’t send: Spam posts, strange DMs, or comments that don’t sound like you. 
• Account details changed: Your password, email address, phone number, or two-factor authentication settings were updated without you. 
• Page or Business access changes: New admins added, your role downgraded, unknown partners connected, or ad accounts you don’t recognize. 
• Unexpected ad spend or billing activity: Ads running that you didn’t create, new payment methods, or charges you can’t explain. 

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

Step-by-Step: How to Regain Control of a Hacked Facebook Page 

What to Do After You Regain Control of Your Page 

Once you’re back in, don’t stop there. 

Attackers often return if they still have access through third-party permissions or compromised admin accounts. 

Immediately: 

• Remove rogue admins 
• Remove unknown partners 
• Reset Page access roles 
• Review ad accounts and billing 
• Turn on 2FA for everyone with Page access 
• Reduce admin permissions wherever possible 

A good rule: most people don’t need Admin access. 

Use Editor, Advertiser, or Moderator roles unless someone truly needs full control. 

Lock Down Facebook Security So It Doesn’t Happen Again 

Getting back into your account is only half the job. The real goal is making sure the hacker can’t come back. 

Turn on login alerts 

Facebook can notify you every time a new device logs in. 

Go to: Settings → Password and security → Alerts about unrecognized logins 

Turn them on for email and notifications. 

Use stronger passwords everywhere 

Hackers often gain access through reused passwords from older data breaches. 

If you’ve used the same password across platforms, change it immediately. 

A reputable password manager like McAfee’s can help generate and store secure passwords so you don’t have to rely on memory. 

Revoke third-party app access 

Even if you removed suspicious apps earlier, do a full audit again after recovery. 

Go to: Settings → Apps and websites 

Remove anything you don’t actively use. 

Keep your phone and Facebook app updated 

Security updates matter. 

Running outdated apps makes it easier for attackers to exploit known vulnerabilities. 

Watch out for phishing “Meta Support” scams 

Many Facebook hacks don’t happen through technical hacking, they happen through social engineering. 

Common scams include: 

• Fake copyright violation notices 
• Fake Meta verification warnings 
• Messages claiming your Page will be deleted 
• “Support” DMs asking you to click a link and confirm login 

If you ever get one of these messages, don’t click. 

Open Facebook directly, go to Settings, and check your account status from inside the platform. 

Quick Recovery Table: What to Do If Your Facebook Account or Page Is Hacked 

Final Tips: Recovering From a Facebook Hack 

A Facebook hack is stressful for a reason: it doesn’t just affect your account. It can affect your reputation, your Page, your followers, and even your finances if ads are involved. 

The most important steps are: 

• Act quickly 
• Secure your email before finishing recovery 
• Log out all sessions and reset your password 
• Remove rogue admins and unknown partners 
• Lock down Business Manager permissions 
• Enable 2FA for every admin who touches your Page 

Once you take control back, reduce access to only the people who truly need it, and keep a close eye on logins and billing activity. 

With the right steps, you can recover a hacked Facebook account, remove unauthorized admins, and rebuild trust with your audience. 

And most importantly: you can make sure it doesn’t happen again. 

Finally, you can always reach out directly and seek support via Facebook’s help center and official contact channels if you still need help. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

The post Facebook Hacked? How to Recover Your Account and Remove Rogue Page Admins  appeared first on McAfee Blog.

It usually starts with a small, uneasy moment. A notification you don’t recognize. A login code you didn’t request. A friend texting to ask why you just posted something… weird. 

If you’re staring at your phone wondering whether your TikTok account was hacked, you’re not alone, and you’re not being paranoid.  

Account takeovers often don’t look dramatic at first. They show up as subtle changes: a password that suddenly doesn’t work, a new device logged in overnight, or settings you swear you never touched. 

This guide walks you through exactly what to do if your TikTok account has been compromised: how to spot the warning signs, how to recover access if you’re locked out, and how to lock down active sessions so it doesn’t happen again.  

Signs Your TikTok Account May Be Compromised 

When someone else gets into your account, things usually start behaving in ways that don’t feel like you. Pay attention to changes like these: 

Profile or settings changes you didn’t make
Your display name, bio, password, linked email, phone number, or privacy settings look different, even though you never touched them. 

Content or activity you don’t recognize
Videos you didn’t post. Comments or DMs you didn’t send. New follows or likes that don’t match how you use the app. 

Login alerts that come out of nowhere
Notifications about a new device, verification codes you didn’t request, or emails confirming changes you didn’t initiate. 

Other warning signs include being locked out of your usual login method, missing recovery options, or friends telling you your account is sending strange messages. 

How to Regain Access to Your TikTok Account 

Speed matters here. The longer someone has access, the more they can change, or use your account to scam others. 

If you can still log in 

Secure the account immediately. 

1. Change your password: Use the “Forgot password?” option if needed and choose a strong, unique password you haven’t used anywhere else. 
2. Check your account details: Confirm the email address and phone number are yours. Remove anything you don’t recognize. 
3. Look for unfamiliar devices or sessions: You’ll deal with this more thoroughly below, but flag anything that looks off. 

If you’re locked out 

Start TikTok’s recovery process right away. 

1. On the login screen, tap “Report a problem” or visit the Help Center. 
2. Be ready to prove ownership. That usually includes: 
3. Your username 
4. A previous email or phone number linked to the account 
5. Devices you’ve used to log in before 
6. Screenshots of changes, if you have them 

TikTok uses this information to verify that the account is yours and roll back unauthorized changes. 

Secure your email and phone, too 

This step is critical and often overlooked. 

• Change the password on the email account linked to TikTok.  If someone controls your email, they can keep resetting your social accounts. 
• Confirm your phone number is correct and remove any unfamiliar contact info. 

Once you regain access, clean up anything the attacker touched, delete suspicious posts, undo profile changes, and revoke access for any apps you don’t recognize. 

Figure 1: How to remove TikTok logins from other devices. 

Lock Down Sessions and Strengthen Your TikTok Security 

Getting back in is only half the job. The next step is making sure whoever got in can’t come back. 

Turn on two-step verification 

In Settings & Privacy, enable two-factor verification (2FA) and choose your preferred method. An authenticator app offers the strongest protection, but SMS or email is still far better than nothing. 

Review active sessions and devices 

Head to Security and look for Manage devices or Active sessions. 

• Remove any devices you don’t recognize. 
• If available, use “Log out of all devices” to force everyone, including an attacker, out at once. 

Revoke third-party app access 

Check which apps or tools are connected to your TikTok account and remove anything you don’t use or trust. 

Use a strong, unique password 

• Aim for 12+ characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. 
• Never reuse passwords from other sites. 
• A reputable password manager like McAfee’s can help generate and store secure passwords. 

Keep your app and phone updated 

Updates often include security fixes. Running outdated software makes it easier for attackers to exploit known issues. 

Be cautious with links and messages 

Unexpected DMs, “copyright warnings,” fake verification notices, or links asking you to log in again are common hacker tactics. When in doubt, don’t click, open the app directly instead. 

Figure 2: Where in “Security & permissions” to find security updates and 2FA. 

How to Report an Impersonation Account on TikTok 

Discovering a fake account that’s using your name, photos, or videos can feel like a second violation on top of having your account hacked.  

Luckily, TikTok has a way to flag these imposters, both from inside the app and, in some regions, through an official web form. 

1. Open the impostor’s profile: Head to the account that’s pretending to be you. 
2. Tap the share icon: On mobile, this is usually the arrow at  the top of the profile. 
3. Select “Report”: Choose the option to report the account. 
4. Choose “Report account” → “Pretending to Be Someone”: That’s TikTok’s way of flagging impersonation specifically. 
5. Indicate who is being impersonated: Select Me if it’s your identity, or Celebrity/Another person if it’s someone else. Then submit.  

Figure 3: A screenshot showing where in TikTok you report fake profiles. 

If you’re in the U.S. and the fake profile is doing real damage, for example, scamming your followers or using official business assets, TikTok also offers a dedicated impersonation report form online: 

• Choose whether you’re reporting or appealing an impersonation. 
• Enter your email and country. 
• Upload valid ID or other proof that you’re who you say you are. 
• Confirm the statements and submit the form.  

For accounts outside the U.S., the public Help Center form lets you select Report a potential violation → Account violation → Impersonation and walk through similar steps.

Frequently Asked Questions 

The post Was My TikTok Hacked? How to Get Back Into Your Account and Lock Down Sessions 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.