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1 in 7 Lose Money to Romance Scams. Spot the Red Flags:

“I signed up for an app because it felt like the only realistic way to meet people as a working single mom.” 

Jules, a healthcare professional in her 40s, turned to online dating while balancing work, school, and raising her child after the pandemic. Then she met “Andy.” 

He seemed like a great guy. He knew her area and even shared pictures of himself at restaurants, wineries, and neighborhood spots Jules recognized. Their early conversations felt ordinary and he seemed invested in her life and well-being. 

“He didn’t ask for money right away; he built trust first,” she said. “So when the investment came up, it didn’t feel risky. It felt like help.” 

Andy claimed he was successful in cryptocurrency and said he could show her how to pay down debt, get ahead financially, and finally have some breathing room. Jules decided, cautiously, to try it. And because the accounts appeared to show gains, and she was even able to withdraw small amounts of money, Jules believed the opportunity was real. 

But the crypto app wasn’t real. And neither was Andy. 

One day, weeks later, the account was suddenly frozen. A message popped up saying the only way to access her funds would be through a $25,000 “tax payment”. She paid the “tax,” worried about losing her investments. But the account immediately froze again, this time facing the claim of money laundering. 

That’s when she realized something wasn’t right. And Andy suddenly disappeared. 

By the time Jules realized it was a scam, she had lost more than $80,000. Jules said $25,000 of that was borrowed from her elderly mother.  

“The financial loss was devastating, but the emotional toll was worse. I felt ashamed and completely alone.”  

New research: Romance scams climb ahead of Valentine’s Day 

Jules isn’t alone. Unfortunately, this type of long-con romance scam is increasingly common. And AI-powered tools are only helping scammers increase their attack volume. 

According to McAfee’s 2026 Valentine’s Day research, 1 in 7 American adults (15%) say they have lost money to an online dating or romance scam.  

The cost of losses varied widely between age groups. American adults between ages 35 to 44 were among the most likely to report higher losses, over $5,000, while younger Gen Z victims reported smaller losses under $500.  

Of the people who’ve lost money to an online dating scam, just 1 in 4 (24%) were able to recover all their money. 

Exposure is widespread even when money is not lost. More than half of Americans say they have been asked to send money or share financial information by a potential romantic partner, often through payment apps, wire transfers, gift cards, QR codes, or cryptocurrency. 

McAfee Labs data reinforces what consumers are experiencing. During the peak dating season leading into Valentine’s Day, Labs blocked hundreds of thousands of romance-related malicious URLs and observed surging activity tied to fake profiles, cloned dating apps, and AI-driven chat behavior. In fact, Labs reported significant AI chat bot spam, with some users receiving more than 60 messages in 12 hours, even without a profile photo. 

At the same time, fewer scams relied on obvious malicious links, suggesting scammers are shifting toward persuasion and relationship-building instead. 

The research at a glance: Fast facts 

  • 47% of American adults have used an online platform to meet a romantic partner 
  • 35% have encountered fake profiles or AI-generated images while dating online 
  • 1 in 4 say they discovered they were interacting with a fake profile or AI bot 
  • 22% say they have been a victim of catfishing 
  • 53% have been asked to send money or financial info by a romantic interest
  • Payment apps are the most common path for money requests, especially among adults under 35 
  • 32% believe it is possible to develop romantic feelings toward an AI bot 
  • 9% say they have personally experienced romantic feelings for an AI chatbot 
  • Men are significantly more likely than women to encounter romance scams weekly 
  • Nearly everyone who experienced a romance scam says it had a lasting emotional impact 

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. 

Stage  The Red Flags / How it Unfolds What the scammer wants  What to do instead 
1) The hook   A friendly DM, a “wrong number” text, a dating match, a comment reply, a follow request  A response. Any response.  Don’t move fast. Keep the convo on-platform. Don’t give out your number. 
2) Love bombing  Daily messages, fast intimacy, mirroring your interests, “I’ve never felt this way”  Trust and routine  Slow it down. Ask for a real-time video call and a specific, verifiable detail. 
3) Private channels  “Let’s talk on WhatsApp/Telegram/Signal.” “Don’t tell anyone yet.”  Control and privacy  If someone pushes you off-platform quickly, treat it as a red flag. 
4) Building credibility  A “job” story (military, oil rig, entrepreneur), polished photos, voice notes, even AI-assisted video  Believability  Verify independently. Reverse image search photos. Watch for inconsistencies. 
5) A financial request  A “small” emergency, a plane ticket, a crypto opportunity, “help me unlock my account,” gift cards, payment app request  Money or financial access  Never send money to someone you haven’t met. Never share financial info or account details. 
6) Escalation  “I need a verification code.” “Can you receive money for me?” “Open an account.” “Co-sign.”  Identity theft, account takeover, new credit  Never share MFA codes. Don’t open accounts for anyone. Lock credit if you’ve shared info. 
7) Ghosting  Ghosting, deleted accounts, new persona, rinse-and-repeat  Exit before consequences hit them  Preserve evidence, report, and secure your accounts immediately. 

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

Watch out for AI. 

AI reduces the “tells” that used to give scammers away. Deepfake audio and video can make someone appear real-time credible. Bot-driven chat can sound polished, attentive, and emotionally responsive. 

People who discovered they were dealing with a bot or fake profile said the biggest clues were: 

  • Responses felt scripted or repetitive (52%) 
  • They replied instantly and flawlessly (41%) 
  • Photos looked unnatural or AI-generated (38%) 
  • They avoided voice/video calls (32%) 
  • They made unusual requests early (26%) 

The important point is: a smooth conversation is not proof of authenticity. It may be proof of automation. 

What to do if you think you’re involved in a romance scam 

If you’re reading this and feeling that slow stomach-drop of recognition, the priority is to protect yourself before the situation escalates. 

1) Stop sending money and stop sharing information 

No more payments. No more screenshots. No more “verification” codes. No more personal details. 

If you’ve already shared sensitive info, don’t panic, but act quickly. 

2) Document everything 

Take screenshots. Save usernames, phone numbers, email addresses, payment handles, transaction confirmations, and any images they sent. If the account disappears, this may be all you have. 

3) Lock down your accounts 

  • Change passwords for email, banking, and the platform where you met them 
  • Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) everywhere 
  • If you reused passwords anywhere, change those too 

4) Check your financial exposure 

Romance scams often lead to identity misuse: new accounts, fraudulent applications, or attempts to access your credit. 

If you’ve shared identifying details (full name, address, DOB, SSN, photos of documents), consider a protective step that blocks new credit from being opened in your name. McAfee’s Credit Monitoring and Identity Monitoring can help regain security. 

5) Reduce your public data footprint 

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

Your phone number, address, relatives, old accounts, and leaked details can be stitched together to make impersonation easier and manipulation more convincing. 

Unfriend the scammer on social platforms and tighten your account privacy. Consider options like McAfee’s Personal Data Cleanup  

6) Report it 

Report the account on the platform or app where you met. In the U.S., you can also report romance scams to the FTC. 

If you sent money, notify your bank/payment provider immediately. 

The takeaway:  

Romance scams work because they feel real. They exploit trust, vulnerability, and the very human desire for connection, especially in digital spaces where so much of our social and romantic lives now take place.

If you recognize pieces of your own experience in Jules’s story or the research here, you are not alone, and you have nothing to be ashamed of. These scams are designed to be convincing, and anyone can be targeted. 

Protections like McAfee’s Scam Detector are built to catch risky messages across text, email, and social channels, adding an extra layer of defense while you focus on building genuine connections. 

Awareness, support, and protection go a long way, and help is available when you need it. 

The post 1 in 7 Lose Money to Romance Scams. Spot the Red Flags: appeared first on McAfee Blog.

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Filing Taxes? Why Identity Protection Matters More Than Ever This Season

Couple looking at computers

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

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

That’s the opening scammers wait for. 

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

And when they work, the consequences can be severe. 

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

How tax-related identity theft happens 

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

Here’s how the risk typically escalates: 

1) Information enters circulation 

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

2) Scammers impersonate trusted entities 

Using stolen or scraped data, criminals pose as: 

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

In McAfee’s research: 

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

3) Victims are pressured to “fix” a problem 

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

4) Personal or financial data is harvested 

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

5) Identity theft follows 

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

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

How to protect yourself before you file 

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

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

credit lock and online account cleanup

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

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

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

Automatic personal info removal 

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

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

Credit monitoring with one-click credit lock 

If personal information is compromised, speed matters. 

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

Scam Detector, included across all McAfee+ core plans 

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

Protection that lasts beyond tax season 

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

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

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

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How McAfee’s Scam Detector Checks QR Codes and Social Messages

QR Scan Example

Scams don’t always arrive with obvious warning signs. 

They show up as QR codes on parking meters. As casual DMs that start with “Hey.” As social messages that feel routine enough to respond to without thinking twice. 

That shift has created a new burden for consumers. According to McAfee’s 2026 State of the Scamiverse reportAmericans now spend 114 hours a year trying to figure out what’s real and what’s fake online. That is nearly three full workweeks lost to second-guessing messages, alerts, links, and notifications. 

McAfee’s upgraded Scam Detector is designed to meet people in those exact moments, with enhancements rolling out across core McAfee plans beginning in February. 

The latest improvements add instant QR code scam checks and smarter social messaging protection, making it easier to spot scams before they escalate. 

Figure 1: An example of a suspicious text being flagged by McAfee’s Scam Detector 

Figure 1: An example of a suspicious text being flagged by McAfee’s Scam Detector 

What’s new in McAfee’s Scam Detector 

Scams now move quickly across platforms and formats, often escalating in minutes once someone engages. Among people who were harmed by a scam, the typical scam unfolded in about 38 minutes. 

That speed leaves little room for hesitation. Scam protection has to work in real time, not after the damage is done. 

McAfee’s latest Scam Detector upgrades are designed around that reality, adding: 

  • Instant QR code safety checks, so users can assess risk before tapping 
  • Smarter social messaging protection, with clearer warnings for suspicious texts, emails, and DMs, even when no link is present 

These Scam Detector upgrades will begin rolling out in February across all core McAfee plans, bringing real-time protection to the moments where scams escalate fastest. 

QR codes, quishing, and why instant scans are needed 

QR codes were designed for convenience. That is exactly why scammers use them. 

Cybercriminals increasingly hide malicious links behind QR codes placed on menus, parking meters, packages, posters, and public signage. People scan quickly, often without stopping to evaluate where the code leads. 

McAfee research shows how common this risk has become: 

  • 68% of people scanned a QR code in the past three months 
  • 18% landed on a suspicious or unsafe page after scanning 
  • Among those who did, more than half took risky actions such as entering personal information, installing an app, or connecting a digital wallet 

QR Scan Example

Figure 2. A still from a demo video, showing a risky QR code being blocked by McAfee’s Scam Detector 

Social media scams and the rise of linkless messages 

Phishing is no longer confined to emails with obvious red flags. 

Scams now arrive through WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, Telegram, and other social platforms, often starting as vague or friendly messages designed to lower suspicion rather than trigger alarm. 

McAfee’s research highlights a key shift: more than one in four suspicious social messages contain no link at all, and 44% of Americans say they have replied to a suspicious DM with no link. 

These messages rely on familiarity and momentum. A short greeting. A warning about an account issue. A promise of easy money. By the time a request or link appears, the conversation already feels normal. 

And the economic impact of these scams is significant. According to the FTC, social media scams drove $1.9 billion in reported losses in 2024, making social platforms one of the top channels for fraud and identity theft. 

That’s why McAfee’s Scam Detector includes smarter social messaging protection, delivering clearer warnings for suspicious texts, emails, and DMs, even those without risky links, across popular platforms. The focus is on identifying suspicious patterns and behavior, not just URLs. 

Users can take a quick screenshot of their social media content on social media, and McAfee’s Scam Detector will analyze the message for suspicious activity. 

Get protection that works before scams escalate 

The stakes are high: 

  • One in three Americans has lost money to a scam 
  • Among those who lost money, the average loss was $1,160 
  • 15% of scam victims fall for another scam within a year 

Scams are not just increasing in volume. They are becoming more personal, more believable, and easier to scale using AI. 

McAfee’s upgraded Scam Detector is designed to stay ahead of those shifts, offering real-time guidance when it matters most, whether that’s a suspicious QR code, a vague DM, or a message that feels just normal enough to trust. 

The enhanced Scam Detector, including instant QR code checks and smarter social messaging protection, will begin rolling out in February across all core McAfee plans. 

The post How McAfee’s Scam Detector Checks QR Codes and Social Messages appeared first on McAfee Blog.

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McAfee Report: In the AI Slop Era, Americans Spend Weeks Each Year Questioning What’s Real

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

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

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

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

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

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

The average American receives 14 scam messages a day 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

scam statsFigure 1. Types of scams reported in our consumer survey. 

Most scams move fast, and many are over in minutes 

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

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

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

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

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

Linkless DM scams seek to build trust before asking victims for money.

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

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

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

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

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

map of annual scam losses globally 2025

Figure 3. World Map of Average Scam Losses. 

Why AI slop makes scams harder to spot 

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

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

Most are not scams. But that familiarity has consequences. 

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

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

Account takeovers are becoming routine 

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

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

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

What not to do in 2026Scams are blending into everyday digital life 

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

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

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

Cloud scam Example

Figure 4: Example of a cloud scam message. 

The Key Takeaway

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

Constant exposure to synthetic images, videos, and messages is wearing down people’s ability to tell what is real and what is manipulated. The State of the Scamiverse report shows that consumers are already struggling with that distinction, and the data suggests the consequences are compounding. As digital noise increases, so does fatigue. And fatigue is exactly what scammers exploit.

FTC data shows losses from scams continuing to climb, and McAfee Labs is tracking a rise in fraud that blends seamlessly into everyday digital routines. Cloud storage warnings, shared document notifications, payment confirmations, verification codes, and customer support messages are increasingly being mimicked or abused by scammers because they look normal and demand quick action.

The danger of the AI slop era is not that everything online is fake. The danger is that people are being forced to question everything. That constant doubt slows judgment, erodes confidence, and creates openings for fraud to scale.

In 2026, the cost of scams is no longer measured only in dollars lost. It is measured in time, attention, and trust, and those losses are still growing.

Learn more and read the full report here.

FAQ: Understanding the AI Slop Era and Modern Scams 

Q: What is AI slop?  

A: The term refers to the flood of low-quality, AI-generated content now common online. While much of it is harmless, constant exposure can make it harder to identify when similar technology is used for scams.   

Q: How much time do Americans lose to scams?  

A: Americans spend 114 hours a year determining whether digital messages and alerts are real or fraudulent. That is nearly three workweeks.   

Q: How fast do scams happen today?  

A: Among people harmed by scams, the typical scam unfolds in about 38 minutes from first interaction to harm.   

Q: How common are deepfake scams?  

A: Americans report seeing three deepfakes per day on average, and one in ten say they have experienced a voice-clone scam.   

 

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

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McAfee and Pat McAfee Turn a Name Mix-Up Into a Push for Online Safety

Pat McAfee

If a message popped up in your feed tomorrow promising a cash refund, a surprise giveaway, or a limited-time crypto opportunity, would you pause long enough to question it? 

That split second matters more than ever.

Most modern scams don’t rely on panic or obvious red flags. They rely on familiarity. On things that feel normal. On moments that seem too small to question. 

And those moments are exactly what scammers exploit. 

Why Today’s Scams Are So Easy to Fall For 

There was a time when spotting a scam was relatively straightforward. The emails were badly written. The websites looked rushed. The warnings were obvious. 

Scammers don’t just rely on obvious spam or panic-driven messages. Instead, many now use: 

  • Friendly, natural language 
  • Faces of celebrities and figures you trust 
  • Messages that arrive through trusted apps 
  • Conversations that unfold gradually 
  • Requests that feel routine instead of suspicious 

McAfee’s Celebrity Deepfake Deception research shows how common and convincing these scams have become: 72% of Americans say they’ve seen a fake or AI-generated celebrity endorsement, and 39% say they’ve clicked on one that turned out to be fraudulent. When scam content shows up in the same feeds, apps, and formats people use every day, it feels normal. 

That’s the danger zone. It’s also why McAfee chose to use a familiar, culturally recognizable moment to talk about a much bigger issue.

Why McAfee Partnered with Pat McAfee 

Whether you’ve been saying mack-uh-fee or mick-affy, the long-running name mix-up is harmless in everyday conversation. 

Online, though, small moments of confusion can have outsized consequences. 

Scammers rely on quick assumptions: that a familiar name means legitimacy, that a recognizable face means trust, that a message arriving in the right place must be real. They move fast, hoping people act before stopping to verify 

Pat McAfee knows firsthand how scammers exploit familiarity and trust. 

In recent months, fake social media giveaways promising cash and prizes have circulated using Pat’s likeness, and even a fraudulent “American Heart Association fundraiser” made the rounds, falsely claiming he was collecting donations. 

Pat wants his fans to know: if you ever see a giveaway, fundraiser, or message claiming to be from him, double-check it on his official channels first. If it feels off, it probably is. 

Unfortunately, these scams work because people trust Pat. Scammers exploit that trust to lower people’s guard and make fraudulent requests feel legitimate. 

It’s the same tactic used across countless impersonation scams today: borrow the authority of a familiar face, add a sense of urgency, and move fast before anyone stops to verify, “is this legit?” We’ve seen it happen with Taylor Swift, Tom Hanks, Al Roker, Brad Pitt, and numerous others. 

Remember, no legitimate giveaway will ask for payment, banking details, login credentials, or account access. And no nonprofit fundraiser tied to a celebrity should ever come from a personal message or unfamiliar social account. 

Watch: Pat McAfee Explains How McAfee Is More Than an Antivirus 

In the video below, Pat McAfee playfully demonstrates how easily familiar moments online can turn into risk, and why digital safety today can’t rely on perfect judgment alone. 

 

How to Protect Yourself Right Now 

You don’t have to stop using your favorite platforms. But you do have to change how you verify online threats. 

Before You Trust Any Urgent Message or Offer: 

  • Be skeptical of sudden financial opportunities 
  • Assume giveaways that require payment or credentials are scams 
  • Never connect accounts, wallets, or payment methods from social links 
  • Verify claims on official websites, not just inside apps 
  • Be cautious of messages that replace clear context with urgency 

If a video or message feels real but the request feels extreme, that’s a red flag. 

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

Final Takeaway 

If a scam looks obvious, most people won’t fall for it. 

But modern scams don’t look obvious. They look familiar. They use your favorite faces. They look normal. They look safe. And that’s where people get hurt. 

Staying safe now means slowing down, verifying independently, and having protection work quietly in the background while you stay focused on what you actually came online to do. 

McAfee’s built-in Scam Detector, included in all core plans, automatically detects scams across text, email, and video, blocks dangerous sites, and identifies deepfakes, stopping harm before it happens. 

And because today’s risks aren’t just about what you click, a VPN and Personal Data Cleanup add additional layers of defense by helping protect your connection and limit how much personal information is available to be exploited in the first place. 

Ready to get Pat’s Picks? Learn more here. 

FAQs 

For clarity, and because these questions come up often, here’s the straightforward explanation: 

Q: Is Pat McAfee the founder of McAfee antivirus?
A: No. Pat McAfee is not associated with the founding or leadership of McAfee. McAfee was founded by John McAfee and operates independently. 
Q: Are Pat McAfee and McAfee the same company?
A: No. Pat McAfee is a sports media personality. McAfee is a cybersecurity company. They are separate entities. 
Q: Why does McAfee work with Pat McAfee?
A: McAfee partnered with Pat McAfee to raise awareness about online scams, impersonation fraud, and digital safety using culturally relevant examples. 

 

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McAfee’s Scam Detector Earns Third Major Award Within Months of Launch

McAfee Scam Detector

McAfee’s Scam Detector has been named a Winner of the 2026 BIG Innovation Awards, presented by the Business Intelligence Group, marking the third major industry award the product has earned since launching just months ago. 

The recognition underscores a growing consensus across independent judges: as scams become more sophisticated and AI-driven, consumers need protection that works automatically, explains risks clearly, and helps stop harm before it happens. 

Big Innovation Award 2026

What Is the BIG Innovation Award? 

The BIG Innovation Awards recognize products and organizations that deliver measurable innovation with real-world impact. The program focuses not only on technical advancement, but on how solutions improve everyday life for individuals and households. 

For consumer cybersecurity products like Scam Detector, that means being evaluated on: 

  • Real-world relevance 
  • Ease of use for non-experts 
  • Societal impact 
  • Demonstrated adoption and need 

The award highlights Scam Detector’s role in helping people stay safer online as scams grow more sophisticated, more personal, and increasingly powered by AI.  

Why Scam Detector Stands Out 

According to feedback from the BIG Innovation Awards judging panel, Scam Detector was recognized for: 

Strong real-world relevance: Scams are now an everyday risk, not a niche technical issue 

Clear consumer value: Protection that runs automatically in the background without requiring expert knowledge

AI used responsibly: Applying advanced models to reduce harm, not increase it

Early impact: Rapid adoption, with more than one million users in its first months 

Judges also noted the importance of Scam Detector’s educational alerts, which don’t just block threats, but explain why something is risky, helping people build confidence over time. 

Using AI to Fight AI-Driven Scams 

Scam Detector is McAfee’s AI-powered protection designed to detect scams across text, email, and video, block dangerous links, and identify deepfakes, before harm occurs. 

As scammers increasingly use generative AI to impersonate people, brands, and institutions, protection needs to operate at the same speed and scale. Scam Detector is built to do exactly that, quietly working in the background while users go about their day. 

Scam Detector is included with all core McAfee plans and is available across mobile, PC, and web. 

In Good Company: Consumer Innovation Across Industries 

McAfee was recognized alongside other consumer-facing innovators whose products directly serve individuals and households. Fellow 2026 BIG Innovation Award winners include: 

Capital One Auto – Chat Concierge: A consumer-facing service designed to help car buyers and owners navigate financing and ownership decisions. 

Starkey – Omega AI Hearing Aid: A wearable hearing aid that integrates AI assistance, health monitoring, and real-time translation. 

Phonak – Virto R Infinio: Custom-fit hearing aids designed to deliver personalized hearing solutions for individual users. 

EZVIZ – 9c Dual 4G Series Camera: A smart home security camera built for personal and household use. 

Sinomax USA: Consumer mattresses and comfort products focused on everyday home use. 

beyoutica 1905: A wellness product designed for health- and lifestyle-focused consumers. 

Wheels – Pool CheckOut: A consumer-oriented solution designed to simplify vehicle service and checkout experiences. 

Together, these winners reflect how innovation increasingly shows up in tools people rely on at home, in their cars, and on their phones. 

Scam Detector Awards and Industry Recognition 

Since launch, McAfee’s Scam Detector has earned recognition across multiple independent award programs, each highlighting a different dimension of its impact: 

2026 BIG Innovation Awards

Winner and Top 10 Innovator – Large Business, recognizing real-world consumer impact and responsible AI use. 

2026 Big Innovation Award

2025 A.I. Awards

Winner, Best Use of AI in Cybersecurityhonoring Scam Detector’s automated scam detection and deepfake identification. 
The AI Awards - Winner 2025

2025 Tech Ascension Awards 

Winner, Best AI/ML Powered Cybersecurity Solution, recognizing real-time protection across text, email, and video. 
Tech Ascension Awards

Together, these awards reinforce a consistent message from independent judges: consumer cybersecurity works best when advanced technology is paired with clarity, usability, and trust. 

What Is McAfee’s Scam Detector? 

McAfee’s Scam Detector is an AI-powered scam protection feature designed to spot and stop scams across text messages, emails, and videos. Built in response to the rapid rise of AI-generated fraud, Scam Detector automatically analyzes suspicious content, blocks dangerous links, and identifies deepfakes, while explaining why something was flagged so users can make more confident decisions online. 

What Scam Detector Does 

Detects text message scams across popular apps and messaging platforms 

Flags phishing and suspicious emails with clear explanations, helping users learn what to watch for

Identifies AI-generated or manipulated audio in videos, including potential deepfakes

Offers on-demand scam checks, allowing users to upload a message, link, or screenshot for analysis

Runs primarily on-device, helping protect user privacy without sending personal content to the cloud 

Scam Detector is designed to work quietly in the background, providing protection without requiring constant decisions or technical expertise. Scam Detector is included at no extra cost with all core McAfee consumer plans. Learn more here. 

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McAfee Earns 29th Consecutive AAA Rating From SE Labs

McAfee earns AAA rating from SE Labs

McAfee has once again earned the highest possible AAA rating from SE Labs, marking the 29th consecutive time our consumer protection has received this top-tier recognition. 

In SE Labs’ latest Q4 Home Anti-Malware Test, McAfee Total Protection achieved 100% protection with zero false positives, reinforcing a streak that has remained unbroken since December 2018. 

SE Labs AAA Security Evaluation EPS Protection Home December 2025

What the SE Labs AAA Rating Measures 

SE Labs is an independent, UK-based security testing organization known for evaluating products against real-world threats, not just controlled lab samples. Its test results are therefore referenced and trusted by numerous journalists and product reviewers alike.  

Their Home Anti-Malware tests simulate the types of attacks people actually face, including: 

  • Email-based threats 
  • Malicious websites 
  • Targeted attacks designed to appear relevant or trustworthy 
  • Common malware encountered during everyday online activity 

To earn an AAA rating, products must demonstrate: 

  • Strong threat detection 
  • Effective prevention before harm occurs 
  • Minimal false positives that disrupt normal use 

Why This Recognition Matters for Consumers 

For people choosing security software, independent testing helps answer a simple question: Does this protection actually work when it matters? SE Labs’ results show that McAfee continues to block threats accurately, without over-flagging safe activity. 

Independent recognition like this reinforces McAfee’s ongoing commitment to consumer-first security that is tested, proven, and trusted over time. 

Learn more about McAfee’s core protection plans and how we can help keep you safe online. And find the full SE Labs report here. 

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McAfee Named ADVANCED+ in Real-World Protection — What That Means for You

When it comes to online safety, independent testing matters. And in the latest AV-Comparatives Real-World Protection Test, McAfee earned the highest possible rating, ADVANCED+, with a 99.5% protection rate. It’s the kind of recognition that helps shoppers understand which tools truly hold up in real-life conditions, not just in controlled lab environments.

For anyone navigating today’s mix of emails, downloads, suspicious links, and AI-driven scams, independent results like these are a clear signal: strong protection still makes a real difference.

What Is the AV-Comparatives Real-World Protection Test?

The Real-World Protection Test is an independent evaluation run by AV-Comparatives, a trusted third-party security testing lab. The test measures how well antivirus and online protection tools block real threats that people encounter every day, including dangerous URLs, malicious downloads, phishing pages, and harmful files attempting to run on a device.

This type of testing is widely cited by major tech publications and review sites because it reflects actual user behavior rather than controlled lab simulations.

Why This Recognition Matters

According to AV-Comparatives, their Real-World Protection Test is designed to measure how security products perform in situations people face every day: clicking a link, opening a file, visiting a site for the first time.

It’s one of the most widely cited sources in tech journalism and consumer product reviews, and it often shapes how online shoppers evaluate cybersecurity tools.

Here’s why tests like these are used in tech reviews, buying guides, and search engine rankings:

  • They compare multiple brands under the same conditions
  • They use real-world threats, not theoretical malware
  • They measure false positives, which impact everyday usability
  • They influence third-party reviews and product roundups
  • They help shoppers choose trustworthy protection without guesswork

McAfee has earned an ADVANCED+ rating in all tests since June 2022, demonstrating our consistency and reliability in the moments that matter most: when a threat appears disguised as something routine.

About the AV-Comparatives Real-World Protection Test

The latest evaluation included 19 consumer security products, each tested across the full attack chain, from the moment a malicious URL is accessed to the instant a dangerous file tries to execute.

Unlike benchmark tests that focus on one part of the process, this assessment mirrors real user behavior. AV-Comparatives notes that the methodology is meant to be “as realistic as possible,” and the results often reveal meaningful differences in both protection and false positives.

With this round of testing, McAfee maintains its cycle of highest ratings in every Real-World Protection Test, while several well-known competitors were downgraded due to high false-positive counts.

What This Means for Everyday Users

A high protection score matters most when you’re simply going about your day — shopping, banking, downloading a file, or clicking a link you think is safe. Independent recognition signals three core things:

1. Trustworthy Protection

Strong results indicate that advanced threats, misleading links, and malicious downloads are blocked before they can cause harm.

2. Fewer False Alarms

With only four false positives out of nearly 500 samples, McAfee flagged less than 1% of clean files incorrectly. For context: the industry average in this test was 10 false positives, and one competitor even misidentified 75, meaning it labeled nearly 16% of harmless activity as a threat.

The takeaway is simple: strong protection shouldn’t get in your way, and these results show it doesn’t.

3. Innovation That Keeps Pace With Scammers

Criminals now use AI to make fake emails, websites, and support messages look real. Testing that mirrors those real-world conditions helps consumers see which tools stay ahead of that curve.

A Note on McAfee Protection Tools

McAfee’s threat protection, the same technology validated in this test, is built into McAfee+ Premium, McAfee+ Advanced, McAfee+ Ultimate, McAfee Total Protection, and McAfee LiveSafe.

McAfee’s built-in Scam Detector, included in all core plans, automatically detects scams across text, email, and video, blocks dangerous links, and identifies deepfakes—stopping harm before it happens.

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Holiday Shopping 2025: US Fact Sheet 

The holidays are supposed to be about joy and generosity — but this year, they’re also peak season for AI-powered scams. New research from McAfee, a global leader in online protection, shows how fraudsters are using artificial intelligence to create more convincing lures — from deepfake endorsements to cloned delivery messages — as Americans head online to shop.

US – Holiday Shopping 2025 Fact Sheet 

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McAfee Wins “Best Use of AI in Cybersecurity” for Scam Detector

Graphic announcing that McAfee has won the 2025 Best Use of AI in Cybersecurity Award for McAfee Scam Detector. The image shows a crystal trophy labeled 'The A.I. Awards Winner 2025' on a red gradient background with McAfee’s logo and text celebrating the honor

We’re proud to share that McAfee has won “Best Use of AI in Cybersecurity” at The 2025 A.I. Awards for our groundbreaking work on McAfee’s Scam Detector, which automatically identifies risky texts and emails, and also includes the world’s first automated deepfake detection. 

Scams Are Growing 

Online scams have reached an all-time high, with 1 in 3 Americans reporting they’ve fallen victim, losing an average of $1,500 each. From fake job offers and text messages to AI-generated deepfakes, these threats are evolving faster than ever. 

Using Good AI to Fight Bad AI 

That’s where McAfee’s Scam Detector comes in. Using advanced artificial intelligence, it automatically detects scams across text, email, and video, blocks dangerous links, and identifies deepfakes, stopping harm before it happens. 

Scam Detector is also included with every core McAfee plan, and is available on PC, mobile, and web. In just its first few months, Scam Detector crossed the million-user milestone, underscoring the urgent need for smarter, faster protection in the AI-powered world. 

Industry Recognition 

As one of the judges, Rakesh Datta, noted: 

“McAfee’s Scam Detector is leading the fight against digital deception, harnessing advanced AI to identify scams, deepfakes, and fraud in real time. By combining exceptional accuracy with proactive protection, it restores confidence and redefines trust in the modern digital era. The A.I. Awards is proud to recognize McAfee’s innovation in safeguarding users worldwide.” 

This recognition highlights McAfee’s commitment to building responsible, consumer-first AI that empowers people to live safer, more confident lives on and offline. 

Looking Ahead 

We’re honored to be recognized alongside other global innovators, and we’re even more motivated to keep pushing forward, creating technology that helps people stay one step ahead of online threats. 

Check out all The 2025 A.I. Awards winners and learn more about McAfee Scam Detector. 

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McAfee Again Certified as “TOP PRODUCT” by AV-TEST

McAfee Total Protection has once again been named a TOP PRODUCT by the independent test lab AV-TEST, earning perfect scores in all three categories for the July–August 2025 test cycle.

This marks the 31st consecutive TOP PRODUCT certification for McAfee since June 2020, proof that our consumer protection consistently meets the highest independent standards.

While many security tools can slow your computer or trigger false alarms, McAfee keeps impact minimal and alerts meaningful, giving you reliable protection without getting in your way.

What the Scores Mean for You

  • Protection efficacy (100%): Stops the latest and most dangerous threats, including zero-day attacks and widespread malware, before they can infect your PC.
  • Performance impact (below industry average): Runs quietly in the background so your computer stays fast while you work, stream, and game. Many of our competitors’ security tools can slow things down, but McAfee keeps impact minimal.
  • Usability (no false positives): Alerts you only when it matters, avoiding annoying or confusing warnings about safe files and programs.

Together, these results mean you’re getting lab-verified security that beats industry averages and stays ahead of major competitors, without sacrificing speed or ease of use.

You can read the full AV-TEST report here.

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Keep It Real: How McAfee Is Using AI to Fight AI—and End Scam Stigma

Was that spinning head a mistake—or the whole point?

When McAfee dropped a new digital ad showing a woman lounging on a beach, only to have her head rotate a full 360 degrees, the internet lit up. Some viewers thought it was a post-production error. Others assumed it was a weird deepfake gone wrong. And while a few sharp-eyed commentators caught the joke right away, most were left wondering: was this brilliant marketing or a complete fail?

Spoiler: it was on purpose.

AI on Purpose

You may have seen the ad—the calm beach scene, the casual vibe, and then, the fully rotating head. Reactions ranged from confused to amused, with a handful of keen observers nodding in understanding.

We didn’t mess up.

With the help of our creative agency VSA, we developed a series of digital ads using generative AI to blur the line between real and surreal. The goal? To make a bigger point: AI is now capable of mimicking reality in subtle, clever ways that are increasingly hard to detect. That’s exactly why tools like McAfee’s Scam Detector matter more than ever.

“While the ads are clearly AI, the implication is that AI isn’t always so easy to spot,” said Anne-Marie Rosser, CEO of VSA. “It’s funny, and it creates empathy for the user since we’re all susceptible.”

And don’t worry—we didn’t hand everything over to the machines. McAfee and VSA’s full creative and design teams were instrumental in shaping every detail, from concept to execution. The AI was a tool. The vision came from real people.

These creative choices reflect our philosophy at McAfee: take cybersecurity seriously, but don’t always take yourself too seriously. Humor has the power to break through fear and shame—and ultimately, help people protect themselves better.

 

Scam Stories, Real People

Alongside these eye-catching ads, we’re launching Scam Stories, a social campaign built around real voices. From concert ticket scams to spoofed customer service texts, people across the country are sharing their experiences using #KeepItReal and #MyScamStory—and we’re listening.

Some of those individuals, like actor Chris Carmack (of Grey’s Anatomy and The O.C.), have joined our campaign to share their own moments of being duped. Others, like cyber student Henry or life coach Cory, are helping us educate others by turning personal pain into public empowerment.

Partnering for Impact

This campaign isn’t just about awareness—it’s about action. That’s why we’ve partnered with FightCybercrime.org, a nonprofit that helps people recognize, report, and recover from scams. We’re donating $50,000 worth of McAfee protection to people in FightCybercrime programs and to the volunteers who support them.

We’re also teaming up to expand education efforts through our Online Safety for Kids initiative—because building a safer internet starts early.

What’s Next

Scammers rely on silence, shame, and speed. But when we slow down, speak up, and share our stories, we take away their power.

The Keep It Real campaign is more than just a product launch. It’s a movement to stop the stigma around scams, help people protect their peace of mind, and remind you: if it can happen to Chris Carmack, it can happen to anyone.

So what’s your scam story? We’re listening.

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Introducing Scam Stories: A McAfee Campaign to End Scam Stigma

When Grey’s Anatomy actor Chris Carmack and musician Erin Slaver tried to order custom patio cushions from what seemed like a trustworthy small business, they thought they were making a simple home upgrade.  

But after clicking and paying through a special link, the cushions never arrived. Delays turned into excuses, messages went unanswered, and the seller’s account eventually disappeared—along with their money. 

It was a scam. And like so many others, they were left frustrated, embarrassed, and unsure of what to do next. 

Now, Chris and Erin are sharing their story—not just to warn others, but to help launch Scam Stories, a McAfee-led movement to end the stigma around being scammed, remind people that it can happen to anyone, and help keep everyone safer online. 

Real People, Real Stories 

Scammers win when we stay silent. At McAfee, we believe speaking out about your experience is a brave way to support your community and help others stay safe from scams. 

Built-in partnership with FightCybercrime.org, the Scam Stories movement invites people to share their scam experiences, end the stigma around being scammed, and build a more informed, supportive community. 

And Chris and Erin aren’t the only ones speaking up. Our campaign features stories from everyday people who’ve been scammed—and are now helping others by sharing what happened. 

These scams happened fast—and could happen to anyone. Each one involved tactics that McAfee Scam Detector is designed to catch:

  • Brittany, an elementary school teacher, lost Taylor Swift tickets after clicking a phishing email that looked like a ticket confirmation. Scam Detector could have flagged the email as suspicious and warned her before she engaged.
  • Cory, a wellness coach, tapped a convincing text that appeared to be from his mobile provider. Almost instantly, scammers hijacked his number and shut him out of his accounts. Scam Detector’s text scanning could have alerted him to the malicious link before he clicked.
  • Henry, a college student, was tricked by a fake concert ticket seller on social media. The message looked urgent and real—but Scam Detector could have flagged the text as suspicious due to common scam language and pressure for fast payment, before it reached him.
  • Bradley, a sleep-deprived new dad, received a threatening call from someone posing as the IRS. When they followed up with a phishing email, he panicked—and sent nearly $1,000. Scam Detector could have flagged the impersonation and helped him pause before acting. 

These stories are powerful reminders that scam prevention starts with awareness. And when people share what happened, it helps others recognize red flags and feel less alone. 

Why We Partnered With FightCybercrime.org 

FightCybercrime.org is a nonprofit dedicated to helping people recognize, report, and recover from cybercrime. Their tools, educational materials, and survivor support network make them an ideal partner in our mission. 

Together with FightCybercrime.org, we’ll be expanding online safety education —and helping more people recover from scams with real support.  

As part of our collaboration, McAfee is donating $50,000 worth of protection products to individuals going through FightCybercrime.org’s recovery programs and to the staff and volunteers who support them every day. 

Let’s End the Stigma, Together 

At McAfee, we believe that scam protection isn’t just about tools—it’s about empowering people with knowledge and support. And that starts by ending the stigma. 

Scam Stories is here to change the narrative—from shame to strength. With help from public figures like Chris and Erin, and brave individuals across the country, we’re turning painful moments into teachable ones—and helping everyone stay safer online. 

How to Get Involved 

McAfee is collecting scam stories and encouraging people to share their experiences on social media using #MyScamStory and #KeepItReal.  

  • Use #MyScamStory and #KeepItReal on social media 
  • Follow along as we amplify survivor voices and help others stay safer 

Learn more and join the movement at www.mcafee.com/en-us/scam-stories

No one should feel alone or ashamed after being scammed. And the more we talk about scams, the harder it is for scammers to succeed. 

Scam Stories is here to change the narrative—from shame to strength.

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Introducing McAfee’s Scam Detector – Now Included in All Core Plans

In today’s online world, scams are everywhere—and they’re harder to spot than ever. From sophisticated phishing texts and deepfake videos to emails that look just like messages from your bank or delivery provider, scammers are constantly evolving. And so are we. 

Introducing McAfee’s Scam Detector: advanced scam detection technology built to spot and stop scams across text messages, emails, and videos. It’s included at no extra cost in all core McAfee plans for customers in the U.S., UK, and Australia—helping millions stay safer online without having to upgrade. 

Why We Built Scam Detector 

Scam messages are getting smarter and more frequent. McAfee Labs saw scam text volumes nearly quadruple between February and March 2025. Nearly half used cloaked links to disguise malicious intent. Scams mimicked toll charges, deliveries, payment services, and even messages from loved ones. 

Scammers use urgency and fear to push people into quick decisions—and it’s working. That’s why Scam Detector was designed with AI-powered detection, educational guidance, and coverage that works across multiple platforms and devices. 

McAfee’s Scam Detector flags ~1.5% of text messages analyzed as potential scams and ~1.8% of email messages analyzed as potential scams. The text scam detection model included in the initial release achieves greater than 99% accuracy.

What McAfee’s Scam Detector Can Do

1) Smarter text scam detection

  • Detects suspicious messages across apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and others. 
  • On Android: Messages are scanned as they arrive and flagged before you open them. 
  • On iPhone: Suspicious texts are filtered into a separate folder, with manual scam check available. 

2) AI-based scam analysis for email

  • Flags phishing and other suspicious emails across Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo. 
  • Adds a “McAfee Alert” label and explains why an email was flagged, helping you learn as you go. 
  • Supports up to 10 email addresses per account. 

3) Deepfake detection for video

  • Detects AI-generated or manipulated audio in videos on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook. 
  • Works in seconds, using on-device processing to protect your privacy. 
  • Requires just six seconds of audio to analyze authenticity. 

4) On-demand Scam Check

  • Unsure about a message? Upload a screenshot, message, or link for instant analysis. 
  • Scam Detector offers context so you understand the “why” behind each result. 

5) Custom Sensitivity Settings

Choose the level of detection that works for you: 

  • High: Maximum caution, more alerts 
  • Balanced (default): Strong protection, fewer interruptions 
  • Low: Flags only the most obvious threats 

6) Safe Browsing Layer

  • If you do click a suspicious link, McAfee Safe Browsing can help block dangerous sites before they load. 

Privacy Comes First 

Scam Detector uses on-device AI wherever possible. That means your messages and data aren’t sent to the cloud for analysis. And because scam protection is now included in all core McAfee plans, there’s no need for additional purchases. 

Included at No Extra Cost 

Scam Detector is now included in all core plans: 

  • McAfee+ 
  • McAfee Total Protection 
  • McAfee LiveSafe 

Available for customers in the U.S., UK, and Australia, this new feature rolls out automatically in the McAfee app. No upgrade required. 

Learn More About Scam Detector 

McAfee’s Scam Detector is designed to help people stay safer by identifying scams, explaining why they were flagged, and giving users more confidence in their digital decisions. 

In a time when scams are harder to detect than ever, it’s one more way McAfee is protecting people—not just devices. 

Learn more at https://www.mcafee.com/en-us/scam-detector.

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McAfee Wins AV-TEST Awards for Best Advanced Protection and Best Performance

We’re thrilled to share that McAfee has earned two prestigious AV-TEST Awards: Best Advanced Protection and Best Performance for Consumer Users. 

“We are honored to receive both the Best Advanced Protection and the Best PC Performance awards,” said McAfee’s Chief Technology Officer, Steve Grobman. “AV-TEST is a renowned institute with an excellent reputation for independent analysis and quality assurance, and this recognition reinforces our leadership in online protection. As our digital world continues to evolve, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. With McAfee’s AI-powered threat protection, we can stay one step ahead and keep our customers safe from scams without compromising PC performance.”

These awards recognize our commitment to delivering powerful protection from malware, data stealers, and other threats—without slowing down your devices. Throughout 2024, McAfee consistently excelled in AV-TEST’s rigorous evaluations, standing out for both threat detection and system efficiency. 

As the only vendor to top both categories in 2024, McAfee is proud to provide trusted protection that enhances—not hinders—your PC’s performance. 

What’s Included in McAfee Total Protection?

McAfee Total Protection isn’t just antivirus software—it’s an all-in-one digital safety solution designed to keep your identity, devices, and privacy protected across unlimited devices. Here’s a breakdown of what’s inside:

AI-Powered Security on All Your Devices

With McAfee Total Protection, you get real-time defense powered by artificial intelligence to block viruses, malware, and phishing scams before they can reach you. It works across all your compatible devices—Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android—so you’re covered wherever you go.

Privacy Protection at Home and On the Go

Our Secure VPN uses bank-grade encryption to shield your personal info and browsing activity, especially on public Wi-Fi.

Easy-to-Use Password Management

Keep your online accounts secure with our built-in password manager, which stores, generates, and auto-fills strong passwords across devices. That means one less thing to remember—and a lot more peace of mind.

Find Out Why We’re #1

Protect yourself and your loved ones with the award-winning solution that topped both protection and performance rankings in 2024. Start your free trial of McAfee Total Protection today.

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