McAfee Labs has discovered a massive, ongoing malware campaign called WeedHack that disguises itself as free Minecraft mods and game clients to infect players’ computers. Since January 2026, it has logged more than 116,000 victim infections, averaging 2,000 to 3,000 new hits every single day. 

What makes WeedHack different from most malware is how cheap and easy it is to use. 

Typically, a hacker would pay hundreds of dollars per month to access attack tools through underground criminal networks. WeedHack offers a free version to anyone with a Discord account and an internet connection. A premium upgrade, which includes the ability to secretly watch victims through their own webcam, starts at just $5 a month. 

This low barrier has attracted a younger crowd of would-be attackers, many of them appear to be teenagers or young adults. Our researchers were startled to discover teens using these tools not just for financial theft, but to harass and bully their peers, a pattern we’ve documented and that makes this campaign especially concerning. 

The good news for McAfee users: Web Protection actively blocks the sites distributing WeedHack, and Threat Explainer tells you exactly why a flagged file is dangerous, so you’re never left guessing. 

Key Facts at a Glance 

What	Details
Campaign name	WeedHack
Active since	January 2026
Total victims logged	116,464+
New infections per day	~2,000–3,000
Malicious files discovered	3,820+ unique files
Malicious download URLs	240+
Free tier available?	Yes. Anyone can sign up
Premium price	Starting at $5/month; $24.99 lifetime
Who is being targeted	Minecraft players worldwide
Most affected country	United States, followed by Germany, India, the UK, Italy, and others
What attackers can access	Once installed, it can steal passwords, hijack accounts, and, for paying customers, it can give the attacker live access to the victim’s screen, webcam, and files.
The financial impact	It can steal Discord tokens, crypto wallet credentials, Minecraft account credentials.   Hackers will hold your information for ransom, requiring a large payment in exchange for your data.

Read our research team’s full report here.

What Is WeedHack? 

WeedHack is a Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) campaign, meaning it’s a criminal business that sells hacking tools to customers, the same way a legitimate software company sells subscriptions. 

The “product” is malware that gets secretly installed on a victim’s computer when they download what they think is a Minecraft mod or client. Once installed, it can steal passwords, hijack accounts, and, for paying customers, it can give the attacker live access to the victim’s screen, webcam, and files. 

The campaign operates a polished, professional-looking dashboard hosted openly on the internet (not the dark web). That dashboard lets customers track their victims, download stolen data, and launch remote access features, all from a browser. 

The Cyberbullying Problem 

One of the most disturbing findings from our investigation is how WeedHack is being used. 

While monitoring the campaign’s Telegram channel, which had over 850 members during the time of our research, we observed that many customers appear to be teenagers and young adults, and a significant portion are using the remote access tools not for financial gain, but to harass and intimidate other players.  

We observed attackers recording victims through their webcams without consent and sharing those recordings in the Telegram channel as trophies. Others used knowledge of victims’ IP addresses and system access to threaten them. 

It’s important to note that, at the current time of publishing, the Telegram channel has been taken down, and no replacement channel has appeared. McAfee is continuing to monitor any new channels that may be established by the threat actors for further communication. 

Still, what we observed is a form of cyberbullying with unusually invasive tools behind it. If you or your child has been contacted by someone online claiming they have hacked your computer, have your webcam footage, or know your IP address, take it seriously. 

What to do if this happens: 

• Do not follow the attacker’s instructions, it makes things worse 
• Tell a trusted adult immediately (parent, guardian, school counselor) 
• Contact your local law enforcement, this may constitute criminal conduct.  
• Do not engage with the attacker or attempt to negotiate 

How Do People Get Infected? 

WeedHack spreads in two main ways, and the campaign even provides its customers with step-by-step tutorials on how to carry out both. 

1. Fake YouTube Videos

Attackers create convincing YouTube videos reviewing or demonstrating Minecraft clients and mods.  

The videos are well-produced, some include voiceover narration, and link to malicious download sites in the description and comments. 

One video McAfee identified had over 7,500 views before being flagged. Comments are also sometimes planted by the attackers claiming the files are safe. 

2. Fake Mod Websites

WeedHack instructs customers to build convincing-looking websites that mimic official Minecraft mod pages. These sites are deliberately designed to show up high in search engine results for popular mod names, a tactic called SEO poisoning.  

Some fake sites include fake security warnings, Discord links, and GitHub references to appear legitimate. In one case, a site warned players to “only download from us,” while actively distributing malware. 

Minecraft clients and mods specifically targeted include: Meteor Client, Radium Client, Wurst Client, LiquidBounce, Impact Client, Future Client, and others. 

What Happens When You’re Infected? 

Infection happens in four stages that happen silently in the background after a victim opens the downloaded file. 

Stage 1 – First Contact: The malicious file launches quietly (without showing a console window), connects to a hidden network, and phones home to receive further instructions. It uses a sophisticated technique involving the Ethereum blockchain to locate its command server in a way that’s difficult to block or take down. 

Stage 2 – Taking Hold: The malware disables Windows Defender protections, gathers detailed information about the victim’s computer (processor, graphics card, RAM, operating system), and takes a screenshot of their screen. It then steals Discord tokens and browser passwords and cookies. For McAfee users, this is where Web Protection would prevent users from visiting the site, and where our Antivirus would prevent any downloaded malware from taking hold. 

Stage 3 – Digging In: The malware installs itself so that it automatically restarts every time the victim logs into their computer. It sets up a hidden scheduled task that runs continuously, even at the highest system privileges. 

Stage 4 – Full Access: For premium customers, an additional component is installed that connects the attacker to the victim’s computer in real time. This includes live screen sharing with keyboard and mouse control, webcam access, keylogging (recording every keystroke), a reverse shell (full command-line access to the computer), and the ability to upload or download any files. 

A separate component specifically hunts for Telegram credentials and cryptocurrency wallets, sending that data to a different server every five minutes. 

What if I’m Infected? 

Visit our guide: How to Quickly Remove Malware in 2026.  

What Can Attackers Steal? 

Free tier steals: 

• Minecraft session IDs (used to hijack Minecraft accounts) 
• Saved passwords and cookies from 36 different browsers 
• Credentials from Discord, Steam, and Telegram 
• Browser-based crypto wallets (56 supported) and desktop crypto wallets (12 supported) 
• Files matching 24 different search keywords 
• Screenshots of the victim’s screen 
• System information (computer name, IP address, hardware specs) 

Premium tier adds: 

• Live webcam access 
• Live screen sharing with keyboard and mouse control 
• Keylogging (every key the victim types) 
• Full remote shell (command-line control of the computer) 
• File management (upload, download, delete files remotely) 

What Parents Need to Know 

Minecraft’s mod ecosystem is enormous and largely unregulated. Kids routinely search YouTube and Google for performance-boosting clients, cosmetic mods, and gameplay cheats, exactly the kinds of things WeedHack exploits.  

Here’s a practical guide for families: 

Red Flag	Safe Practice
The mod isn’t on the developer’s official website	Only download from CurseForge, Modrinth, or the mod’s verified GitHub
A site or video tells you to disable your antivirus to run the file	Never disable antivirus for a game mod. Legitimate mods don’t ask you to
A site you’ve never heard of claims to be the “only official” source	If you can’t verify the site is official, don’t download from it
Download links are in YouTube comment sections	Treat comment section links as a red flag, always
Your antivirus flags a file as malware, but they try to tell you to ignore it, it’s a “false alarm”	Use McAfee’s Threat Explainer to find out why this is malicious. Don’t disable antivirus

One of the best ways parents can protect their families is with McAfee’s award-winning antivirus and Web Protection, which are specifically designed to detect threats like WeedHack and help block malicious downloads before a device can be compromised. 

Are McAfee Users Protected? 

McAfee has been actively tracking WeedHack samples and detects this threat under the following signatures: 

• Trojan:Win/Weedhack.AA through Trojan:Win/Weedhack.AE 

McAfee provides multiple layers of protection against threats like WeedHack. 

• Web Protection helps block access to malicious websites distributing infected Minecraft mods, stopping the threat before a file is ever downloaded.  
• Award-winning antivirus detects and blocks malware if a malicious file does make it onto your device.  
• Threat Explainer shows exactly why a file was flagged, helping users understand what happened and avoid similar scams in the future.  

Together, these protections help proactively block risky downloads, reactively stop malware, and explain what to watch for next. 

McAfee Labs continues to monitor WeedHack and will update coverage as new samples and domains are identified. For the full technical report including indicators of compromise, see the McAfee Labs analysis. 

Key Terms Explained 

Term	What it means
Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS)	A criminal business model where hackers sell or rent attack tools to other people, just like a software subscription
RAT (Remote Access Trojan)	Malware that gives an attacker remote control over a victim’s device — screen, files, camera, and more
Infostealer	Malware designed to silently collect and transmit passwords, cookies, and account credentials
SEO Poisoning	Manipulating search engine results so a malicious website appears near the top when someone searches for a legitimate product
Minecraft Client/Mod	Third-party software that modifies or enhances the Minecraft game experience. Legitimate ones are common; WeedHack fakes them
Minecraft Session ID	A token that proves you’re logged into Minecraft. Stealing it lets an attacker take over your account without your password
Keylogger	Software that secretly records every key a person types — including passwords, messages, and search queries
Reverse Shell	A connection from the victim’s computer back to the attacker that gives the attacker full command-line control
EtherHiding	A technique that hides a malware’s server address inside the Ethereum blockchain, making it very difficult to block
Discord Token	A credential that lets someone access your Discord account. Stealing it gives attackers full access without needing your password

 

The post New Malware Targeting Minecraft Infects 2K Daily, and Teens are Becoming Attackers appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Authored by Aayush Tyagi 

Introduction  

Minecraft is a 2011 sandbox game developed and published by Mojang Studios. It is the best-selling video game in the world and has sold over 350 million copies worldwide. Its popularity has spanned over a decade due to its versatile gameplay, offering multiple game modes, including one of the most memorable Story Mode in gaming history.

It allows players to create and host multiplayer servers with a variety of gameplay options and offers a wide range of custom launchers, game mods, and cheats to choose from.

Its massive popularity and widespread use of third-party tools have also given rise to a dark side of the Minecraft ecosystem, which is filled with Remote Access Trojans (RATs), credential stealers, keyloggers and other malware threats.   

McAfee Labs has recently uncovered a colossal Minecraft-focused Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) campaign named ‘Weedhack’, that allows threat actors to remotely access and manipulate the victims’ screen, webcam and file system through a dashboard hosted on the clear net, making it easily accessible to anyone with a Discord account and an internet connection. 

Key Findings 

• ‘Weedhack’ has been active since January 2026 and masquerades as genuine Minecraft clients and mods to infect users.  
• We’ve discovered over 3820 unique malicious JAR files that are part of this attack and over 240 URLs responsible for distributing this malware.  
• This campaign utilizes SEO poisoning and YouTube to generate traffic to these malicious URLs. We also found two YouTube channels and multiple videos that demonstrate Minecraft Mods and Clients and redirect viewers to these URLs. 
• The campaign has accumulated a total of 116,464 hits, averaging approximately 2000 to 3,000 hits per day. 
• The campaign provides an enterprise-grade dashboard that allows customers to view stolen credentials and system information, download the payload, configure notifications, access tutorials, and remotely monitor their victims.  
• This campaign deploys EtherHiding, a technique that uses Ethereum blockchain to fetch its latest C2 domain. The responses are RSA-signed and verified before execution, helping protect the network from campaign takeover attempts. 
• We’ve uncovered 10 domains that host the next stage payloads and host the malware dashboard for the Weedhack campaign.  
• We’ve identified 11 domains that hosted similar MaaS campaigns in the past, orchestrated by the same threat actor.  
• We’ve unearthed the threat actor’s Telegram account and uncovered a Telegram channel for customers, with over 850 members, as of writing this blog. 
• This campaign offers two service tiers: free and premium.  
• The free tier includes a comprehensive infostealer capable of targeting Minecraft session IDs and four Minecraft launchers, collecting system information, and stealing cookies and passwords from 36 different browsers. It also targets 56 browser-based crypto wallets and 12 desktop crypto wallets, along with Discord, Steam, and Telegram credentials. It can search for files using 24 different keywords and includes screenshot capture capabilities. 
• For premium users, with subscriptions starting at $5 per month, it offers additional remote-access capabilities such as webcam access, keylogging, reverse shell execution, screen sharing with keyboard and mouse access, and file management features for uploading and downloading files.  
• While monitoring the Telegram channel, we found that WeedHack malware is a major catalyst for cyberbullying. Many of its customers appear to be teenagers and young adults and are using remote access capabilities to threaten, harass and monitor their victims, which are around the same age.
  

The post Game Over: WeedHack – The Rise of Minecraft Malware-as-a-Service Campaigns appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or just hoping to catch a match while it’s in your city, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is already driving a surge in ticket searches, travel bookings, and last-minute plans. 

But where there’s high demand and big money, scammers aren’t far behind. 

Let’s break down the new McAfee research, what scams to watch for, and how McAfee’s tools help you stay safe.

New McAfee Research Finds a Gap Between Awareness and Risk 

New research from McAfee shows that while most fans are aware of World Cup-related scams, many are still willing to take risks to secure tickets.  

In fact, 40% say they would consider buying from an unofficial source if they can’t get tickets through the official FIFA site, as many expect tickets to sell out and hope to find affordable resale options. 

That tension is what makes events like the World Cup especially vulnerable for scams. 

With limited ticket availability, rising prices, and the pressure to act quickly, even informed fans can find themselves making decisions they normally wouldn’t, like buying tickets from a reseller on TikTok.  

And scammers are counting on it. 

Survey takeaways: 

• 76% of fans are interested in getting World Cup tickets 
• 35% have already started searching online 
• 43% are willing to spend over $500 on tickets 
• 66% say they’re aware of World Cup-related scams 
• 66% say they’re concerned about being scammed 
• 40% would consider buying tickets from unofficial sources 

The Most Common World Cup Scams to Watch For 

Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the most common scams tied to major global sporting events like the World Cup, including how they work and what to look for. 

McAfee’s Scam Detector,  Safe Browsing tools, VPN, and Password Manager work together to help you spot scams like these as they happen by flagging suspicious messages, blocking risky websites, and helping you make safer decisions before you click, pay, or share information. 

Scam Type	What It Is	How It Works	Red Flags
Fake Ticket Resale Scam	Fraudulent tickets sold through unofficial sites or individuals	Scammers create fake listings or duplicate real tickets and sell them to multiple buyers	Prices far below or above market, refusal to use official transfer systems, pressure to act fast
Social Media Ticket Scam	Tickets sold through platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or X	Fake or hacked accounts post “last-minute” ticket offers and move conversations to DMs	Urgent language (“only 2 left”), new or suspicious profiles, requests to pay outside the platform
Duplicate QR Code Scam	One legitimate ticket is resold multiple times	Multiple buyers receive the same QR code, but only the first scan works	Screenshots instead of official transfers, identical tickets sold repeatedly
Fake Ticket Website Scam	Websites designed to look like official ticket platforms	Victims enter payment info or purchase tickets that don’t exist	Slightly misspelled URLs, unfamiliar domains, lack of official branding verification
Travel & Accommodation Scam	Fake hotels, rentals, or travel packages	Listings appear legitimate but either don’t exist or are already booked	Prices that seem unusually low, requests for upfront payment, lack of verified reviews
Booking Impersonation Scam	Fraudsters pose as airlines, hotels, or booking platforms	Victims receive messages about “issues” with bookings and are asked to click links or provide info	Unexpected messages, requests for login or payment details, links that don’t match official sites
Public Wi-Fi & Phishing Scam	Data theft through unsecured networks while traveling	Scammers intercept data or create fake login portals on public Wi-Fi	Open networks with no password, login pages asking for unnecessary information
Fake Giveaway Scam	Promotions claiming free tickets or VIP access	Victims are asked to enter personal data, click links, or pay “processing fees”	“You’ve won” messages you didn’t enter, requests for payment to claim prizes
Betting & Prediction Scam	Fake betting tips or “guaranteed wins” tied to matches	Scammers sell fake predictions or direct users to malicious betting sites	Claims of guaranteed outcomes, requests for upfront payment, unfamiliar platforms
Merchandise Scam	Counterfeit World Cup gear sold online	Buyers receive low-quality or no product at all	Unverified sellers, poor site quality, deals that seem too good to be true

How AI is Making These Scams More Convincing

Unfortunately, with the continued improvement of AI, these scams are becoming more convincing. 

AI tools allow scammers to create: 

• More realistic websites and messages 
• Personalized outreach that feels legitimate 
• Fake endorsements, images, or promotions 

That means traditional advice like “look for typos” is no longer enough on its own. 

Today’s scams often look polished, professional, and believable. 

What “Official” Actually Means (and Why It Matters) 

For the World Cup, official ticket sales happen through designated FIFA sales phases and platforms. 

Buying outside those channels increases the risk of: 

• Invalid or duplicate tickets 
• Inflated pricing without guarantees 
• No recourse if something goes wrong 

Even if a ticket looks legitimate, it may be: 

• Sold to multiple buyers 
• Already voided 
• Rejected at the gate

When in doubt, go directly to the official FIFA website instead of clicking links from messages or ads. You can also visit their comprehensive FAQ section for all your ticket and event questions. 

How to Stay Safe When Buying Tickets or Traveling 

Here are practical steps fans can take to reduce risk: 

Safety Check	What To Do
Buy from official sources	Use FIFA’s official ticket platform whenever possible
Avoid clicking links in messages	Navigate directly to official websites instead. McAfee’s Safe Browing tools help prevent you from opening malicious links.
Be cautious with resale offers	Verify platforms and avoid direct peer-to-peer payments
Check QR codes before you scan them	You can check for QR code scams on-demand with Scam Detector
Don’t pay with untraceable methods	Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, or crypto-only payments
Double-check URLs	Look for misspellings or unusual domains
Use secure connections	Avoid making purchases on public Wi-Fi, or use a VPN like McAfee’s.
Protect your accounts	Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Consider a password manager like McAfee’s.
Verify before you buy	If something feels off, pause and check before sending money

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed 

If you think you may have purchased a fraudulent ticket, clicked a suspicious link, or shared information with a scammer, acting quickly can help limit the impact. 

Immediate steps to take 

Stop communication immediately
Do not send additional money or information, even if the sender claims you need to “complete” a transaction. It’s also a good idea to take screenshots of messages in case the scammer disappears. 

Contact your bank or payment provider
Report the transaction as soon as possible. Many institutions can help reverse charges or flag fraudulent activity if caught early. 

Secure your accounts
Change passwords for any accounts that may be affected, especially email, banking, and ticketing platforms. Our password manager and free password generator help create unique passwords every time.  

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Adding an extra layer of security can help prevent unauthorized access, even if your password was exposed. 

Scan your device for threats
If you clicked a suspicious link or downloaded a file, run a security scan to check for malware or malicious software. Check out our free security scan. 

Monitor for unusual activity
Keep an eye on financial accounts, email logins, and any services tied to your personal information. Our free WebAdvisor helps protect you from malware and phishing attempts while you surf. 

How McAfee Helps You Spot Scams in the Moment 

McAfee offers more than traditional antivirus, combining multiple layers of digital protection in one app to help you stay safer while searching, clicking, and buying online. 

Scam Detector helps flag suspicious texts, emails, and videos automatically, so you can spot a scam before it hits you and your wallet 

Safe Browsing tools help block risky websites, alert you to phishing attempts, and guide you away from malicious links 

VPN helps keep your connection private on public Wi-Fi, protecting your personal and payment information 

Password Manager helps create and store strong, unique passwords to reduce the risk of account takeover 

Identity Monitoring and Alerts notify you if your personal information appears where it shouldn’t, so you can quickly take steps to fix it 

Personal info removal helps find and remove your personal info from data broker sites and close out old forgotten accounts 

Device and Account Security helps protect the devices and accounts you use every day 

Final Thoughts 

The World Cup isn’t just another event, it’s a moment when millions of people are making fast decisions involving real money, travel plans, and personal information. 

What McAfee’s research makes clear is that the biggest risk isn’t a lack of awareness. Most fans already know scams exist. The risk is what happens next. 

When tickets are scarce, prices are high, and the pressure to act is real, even informed consumers may take chances they normally wouldn’t. That’s where scammers succeed: not by tricking people who aren’t paying attention, but by catching people in moments of urgency. 

As demand continues to build toward the tournament, more fans will be searching, comparing, and purchasing online.  

The takeaway is simple: Staying safe isn’t just about knowing scams exist. It’s about slowing down, verifying before you buy, and using tools that help you make informed decisions in the moment. 

*McAfee is not affiliated with or endorsed by FIFA. 

The post Are Your World Cup Tickets Legit? 40% of Fans May Risk Unofficial Sellers appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Trevor Lawrence didn’t actually cut his hair. 

But millions of people thought he did. 

The Jacksonville Jaguars recently released a viral schedule announcement video that appeared to show their star quarterback chopping off his signature long blond hair. The clip spread quickly online, pulling in nearly 4 million views on X and triggering reactions from fans, friends, and even Lawrence’s grandmother. 

The catch? It wasn’t real. 

The team later confirmed the moment was partially staged, partially AI-generated and part of the joke. Even Lawrence admitted the fake looked convincing. 

And that’s exactly the problem. 

What started as a harmless sports prank is also a reminder of how realistic AI-generated videos have become and how easily scammers can use the same technology to fool people online. 

Why Deepfake Scams Are Growing Fast 

Deepfake scams use artificial intelligence to clone someone’s face, voice, or likeness to create fake videos, ads, phone calls, or social media posts that appear real. 

And increasingly, scammers are using celebrities, influencers, athletes, and trusted public figures to do it. 

According to McAfee research: 

• 72% of Americans say they’ve seen fake celebrity or influencer endorsements online 
• 39% say they’ve clicked on one 
• 1 in 10 victims lost money or personal data 
• Average losses reached $525 per person 

Why does it work? Because scammers know familiarity lowers our guard. 

When people see a recognizable face, whether it’s Trevor Lawrence, Taylor Swift, Tom Hanks, or a favorite influencer, they’re more likely to trust what they’re seeing before stopping to question it. 

From Funny Sports Videos to Real Financial Scams 

The Jaguars video was meant as entertainment. 

But scammers are already using the same technology for fraud. 

McAfee researchers recently identified a growing wave of celebrity deepfake scams involving fake giveaways, investment schemes, romance scams, and fraudulent ads. 

Some recent examples include: 

• Fake videos of TV personalities promoting “miracle” products 
• AI-generated celebrity investment ads pushing crypto scams 
• Romance scammers using deepfake video calls to impersonate celebrities 
• Fake emergency videos designed to create panic and urgency 

In one high-profile case, a woman reportedly lost nearly $900,000 to scammers impersonating Brad Pitt using AI-generated images and messages. 

The technology is getting good enough that “seeing is believing” no longer applies online. 

How to Spot a Deepfake Scam 

Here are some of the biggest red flags to watch for: 

Red Flag	What to Watch For
Emotional urgency	“Act now,” “limited time,” or panic-driven messaging
Too-good-to-be-true offers	Free giveaways, investment promises, miracle products
Slightly unnatural video details	Off-sync lips, robotic speech, strange blinking, awkward lighting
Fake verified-looking accounts	Usernames with extra characters or copied profile photos
Requests for money or personal data	Especially through DMs, crypto links, gift cards, or wire transfers

How McAfee Helps Protect You 

AI scams are evolving fast, but layered protection can help you stay ahead of them. 

McAfee’s Scam Detector, included in all core McAfee plans, can help identify suspicious links, messages, videos, and deepfake-related scams across texts, email, and social platforms before you click. 

Additional protections like Web Protection and Identity Monitoring can also help reduce your risk if scammers attempt to steal your credentials or personal information. 

Other Scam News This Week 

Charter Confirms Data Breach 

Charter Communications confirmed a data breach tied to a third-party vendor, exposing customer information. Whenever breaches like this happen, scammers often follow up with phishing emails and fake customer support calls pretending to help affected users. 

7-Eleven Data Breach Reports Surface 

Reports surrounding a potential 7-Eleven data breach are circulating online. Consumers should stay alert for fake password reset emails, loyalty account phishing attempts, and scam texts impersonating retailers. 

‘Tom Selleck’ Celebrity Scam Highlights Rise of AI Impersonation Fraud 

A tragic case tied to an alleged Tom Selleck impersonation scam is drawing attention to the growing threat of celebrity AI fraud. Experts warn that scammers are increasingly using fake celebrity profiles, AI-generated messages, cloned voices, and deepfake videos to build trust with victims online, especially older adults.  

The case underscores how emotionally manipulative and financially devastating these scams can become. 

Hackers Are Exploiting AI Chatbot “Personalities” 

Researchers told The Verge that attackers are beginning to manipulate chatbot behavior and personalities to trick users into unsafe actions, highlighting growing concerns around AI trust and social engineering. 

Fake Inheritance Email Scams Are Getting More Convincing 

A phishing scam making headlines this week uses fake inheritance notices and “unclaimed estate” emails to pressure victims into sharing personal information. 

Unlike older scam emails full of spelling mistakes, newer versions look polished and professional, often using legal-sounding language, fake reference numbers, and urgent 48-hour deadlines designed to trigger panic before people stop to verify the message. 

McAfee Safety Tips This Week 

The next deepfake won’t always look fake. That’s what makes these scams dangerous. 

Here are some practical, go-to tips  

• Pause before clicking celebrity endorsements or viral videos 
• Verify accounts through official sources before trusting promotions 
• Never send money or personal data based on social media messages alone 
• Be skeptical of urgency, especially “limited time” threats 
• Use AI-powered scam protection tools to help identify suspicious content before you engage 

And we’ll be back next week with more.

The post Trevor Lawrence’s Viral “Haircut” is a Lesson in Deepfakes: This Week in Scams appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Your Windows PC or Mac already includes built-in security features, and that’s a good thing. These tools provide an important first layer of protection against malware and other common threats users encounter every day. 

But today, staying safe online is about much more than blocking viruses.  

Scam texts arrive daily. Phishing emails imitate trusted brands. Fake websites are designed to steal passwords and payment information. Personal details can appear on data broker sites. AI Deepfakes are more convincing than ever. And most households use multiple devices, from laptops and phones to tablets and Chromebooks. 

That’s why McAfee+ Advanced combines device security with scam protection, identity monitoring, personal info removal, web protection, and secure VPN to help protect the many parts of your digital life. 

Let’s break down what built-in security does, and what McAfee does differently: 

What Built-In Security Does Well 

Both Windows 11 and macOS include a range of built-in security features designed to help protect your device. Depending on your operating system and the apps you use, these may include: 

• Malware detection and removal  
• Firewalls  
• Browser warnings about suspicious websites  
• Password management tools  
• Privacy and app permission controls  

Together, these features provide an important first layer of protection and help many users stay safer online.  

Why Many People Want More Than Basic Device Protection 

Built-in security tools are primarily focused on protecting the device itself. However, today’s online threats often target something even more valuable: your identity, your money, and your personal information. 

Recent McAfee research found that Americans receive an average of 14 scam messages every day, and more than three in four have encountered an online scam. 

Threats now commonly include: 

• Scam texts pretending to be banks, toll agencies, and delivery companies  
• Fake job offers via text, email, or social media 
• Phishing emails  
• QR code scams  
• AI-generated voice and video impersonations  
• Identity theft via smishing and quishing, including hijacking entire social profiles 
• Exposure of personal information on data broker sites  

These risks can follow you across all your devices, not just the computer sitting on your desk. 

Built-In Security vs. McAfee Protection 

Here are the key differences between built-in security alone, vs additional protection like McAfee.  

Built-In Security Has	McAfee+ Advanced Adds
Detecting viruses and malware	Scam protection for suspicious texts, emails, links, QR codes, and deepfakes
Basic privacy controls	Secure VPN to protect your connection on public Wi-Fi
Saving passwords	Password manager with unique password generation and storage.
Warning about some risky websites	Web Protection to help block dangerous sites before they load
Security on one device	Antivirus coverage across your PCs, Macs, phones, and tablets
Doesn’t have this support	Identity monitoring, so you know when your SSN and other info is exposed. Plus personal info removal, so your old data isn’t left spread out across the web.

Why McAfee Stands Out: Speed and Comprehensive Protection 

Unlike the old stereotype that stronger protection means a slower computer, independent testing shows McAfee is also the lightest on performance.  

In the latest AV-Comparatives PC Performance Test, McAfee Total Protection posted the lowest system impact score of all 20 products tested: just 3.3, compared with the industry average of 12.8.  

It also earned the highest possible rating, ADVANCED+. That means McAfee is not just adding more layers of protection. It is doing so while staying out of your way. 

For consumers looking for security that goes beyond basic antivirus to help protect against scams, identity theft, privacy risks, and threats across all their devices, that combination is hard to ignore. 

Protection Across All Your Devices 

Most people no longer rely on a single computer. A typical household may use: 

• Windows PCs  
• Macs  
• iPhones  
• Android phones  
• Tablets  
• Chromebooks

Managing security separately on every device can be difficult. McAfee+ Advanced is designed to provide coverage across your devices under one subscription, helping simplify online protection for individuals and families. 

How McAfee+ Advanced Goes Beyond Built-In Security 

With McAfee+ Advanced, multiple layers work together before any damage is done:  

• Scam Detector flags suspicious texts, emails, links, QR codes, and even deepfake videos before you engage 
• Secure VPN keeps your data private, especially on public Wi-Fi  
• Web Protection helps block risky sites, even if you do accidentally click  helps block risky sites, even if you do accidentally click   
• Password Manager doesn’t just help you make unique, strong passwords, it keeps them stored and organized for you
• Device Security helps detect malicious apps or downloads   
• Identity Monitoring alerts you if your personal info shows up where it should not, so you can act fast   
• Personal Data Cleanup helps remove your information from sites selling it. 
• Online Account Cleanup assists in taking down your old, forgotten accounts across the web 
• Social Privacy Manager helps you monitor and change privacy settings across your social platforms in just a few clicks 

Together, these protections are designed to address the broader range of online risks people face every day. 

So, Do Windows PCs and Macs Need Antivirus Software? 

Built-in security tools provide an important starting point, but with scam attempts becoming more convincing and personal information more widely exposed, many people need a more comprehensive approach to staying safe online. 

McAfee+ Advanced combines device security, scam protection, identity monitoring, privacy tools, and VPN coverage to help you browse, bank, shop, and connect with greater confidence. 

The post Do Windows PCs and Macs Need Antivirus Software? How McAfee Goes Beyond Built-In Security appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Memorial Day weekend officially kicks off summer, and for millions of Americans, that means road trips, flights, cookouts, and a little online shopping for the deals. 

Unfortunately, scammers know this. They count on the fact that you’re distracted, you’re moving fast, and you’re probably connected to a network you don’t own. 

Here are five scams surging this holiday weekend, what they look like, and how to stay ahead of them.

1. Fake Travel Alerts from “Your Bank” or Hotel

You’re packing your bag when a text arrives: “Unusual activity detected on your account. Verify now to avoid suspension.”  

It looks like it’s from your bank, or maybe your hotel loyalty program. There’s a link. There’s urgency. And that’s exactly the point. 

These are brand impersonation scams, and they’re a dominant tactic year-round, but they spike around travel holidays when people are actively monitoring reservations and accounts.  

According to McAfee research, trusted brands like banks, airlines, and hotels are among the most commonly impersonated, and email scams impersonating retail and financial brands have surged up to 85% as major holidays approach. 

The message will typically ask you to click a link and “confirm your details” to secure your account or honor a reservation. That link leads to a convincing-looking fake site designed to capture your login credentials, payment info, or both. 

How to Avoid Travel Alert Scams:  

• Don’t click links in unsolicited texts or emails.  
• Go directly to the company’s app or website by typing the URL yourself.  
• Remember: pressure is a tactic, not customer service.  

McAfee’s Scam Detector can flag suspicious messages before you interact with them, whether they come via text, email, or social media. 

2. Fake Memorial Day Weekend “Deals”

Memorial Day is one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year. Scammers treat it like an open invitation. 

Fraudulent retailers flood social feeds with too-good-to-be-true deals on everything from patio furniture to electronics, often impersonating legitimate brands with copycat websites and paid ads. 

According to McAfee’s holiday shopping research, 91% of shoppers see ads from unfamiliar retailers, 37% say they might buy from a brand they don’t recognize, and a full 40% of consumers have abandoned a purchase out of fear that the deal wasn’t real. 

The most impersonated brands in McAfee’s research span luxury labels (Coach, Dior, Gucci) to mainstream favorites (Apple, Samsung, Nintendo, Disney), exactly the kind of items that show up in “blowout sale” ads. Fake storefronts have grown significantly, with technology URL scams rising nearly 50%. 

Once shoppers enter their payment details on a fraudulent site, that information goes directly to criminals. The average scam loss during the holiday shopping period runs around $840 per victim. 

How to Avoid Shopping Scams:  

• Type retailer URLs directly into your browser instead of clicking through ads or social posts.  
• Look for HTTPS and double-check the domain carefully before entering any payment info.  
• If a deal looks unbelievably good, verify it on the retailer’s official app before buying.  

McAfee’s Web Protection blocks malicious and suspicious sites before they load, including fake checkout pages. 

3. QR Code Scams at Gas Stations and Travel Stops

If you’re road-tripping this weekend, you may scan a QR code somewhere. It could be at the gas pump, a rest stop, a parking meter, or a roadside attraction. Scammers know this too. 

Criminals increasingly place fake QR codes over legitimate ones on gas station pumps, parking kiosks, and public signs. When you scan, you’re redirected to a convincing-looking payment or login page that captures your financial information. This is known as “quishing” or phishing via QR code. 

McAfee research shows just how widespread this risk has become: 68% of people scanned a QR code in the past three months, and 18% ended up on a suspicious or unsafe page after scanning. Among those who did, more than half took a risky action like entering personal information, installing an app, or connecting a digital wallet. 

How to Avoid Sketchy QR Codes:   

• Before scanning any QR code in public, look closely at the sticker or sign.  

• If it looks like it’s been placed over something else, skip it.  

• If you do scan, check the URL before proceeding.  

McAfee’s Scam Detector now includes instant QR code safety checks that assess risk before you tap, so you’re not flying blind at the gas pump. 

4. Public Wi-Fi Traps at Airports, Hotels, and Coffee Shops

Whether you’re waiting at the airport or grabbing coffee before hitting the highway, free Wi-Fi can feel like a gift. But not every “free Wi-Fi” network is what it appears to be. 

Hackers set up what are called “evil twin” networks, hotspots with names designed to look exactly like the legitimate network at the airport, hotel, or café you’re in.  

The moment you connect, they can use tools called packet sniffers to capture the data you send and receive: passwords, banking credentials, credit card numbers, email logins.  

According to McAfee’s travel research, 63% of travelers connect to public Wi-Fi, and 49% use airport Wi-Fi, making these among the riskiest behaviors travelers engage in without realizing it. 

Some of these fake networks go further, presenting a phony login screen that captures your username and password for popular services like Google or Apple before you even realize you’ve been compromised. 

How to Avoid Malicious Wi-Fi : 

• Always confirm the exact Wi-Fi network name with staff before connecting.  
• Turn off auto-join for Wi-Fi on your devices.  
• And most importantly: use a VPN.  

A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic, so even if a hacker intercepts it, they’ll only see scrambled data. McAfee’s VPN is included in McAfee+ plans and automatically connects when you join public Wi-Fi, exactly the protection you want when you’re traveling and connecting everywhere.

5. Toll Road and Parking Text Scams (Expect a Surge After the Weekend)

You may have seen these already: a text that says you owe an unpaid toll or parking fee, with a link to pay before penalties kick in. These scams have been circulating for a while, and there’s a good chance Memorial Day weekend is about to make them worse. 

Scammers track news cycles and know that millions of Americans will be driving this weekend, many of them through toll roads and unfamiliar areas.  

That means they can blast out fake “unpaid toll” texts after the holiday and a significant percentage of recipients will think: “Actually, I did drive somewhere new this weekend.” That uncertainty is exactly what they’re counting on. 

These texts typically impersonate EZPass, SunPass, or state transportation departments and create urgency around a small fee to avoid larger fines. The link leads to a fake payment page designed to steal your credit card details. 

How to Avoid Toll Scams:   

• Don’t click links in unsolicited toll or parking texts.  
• If you think the charge might be legitimate, go directly to your state’s official toll authority website and look up your account there.  
• Real toll agencies will not threaten immediate penalties over text with a payment link.  
• If you receive one of these texts after this weekend, treat it as suspicious by default. 

Have a Safe Memorial Day Weekend 

Scammers don’t take holidays. If anything, long weekends are peak season. The good news: a little awareness goes a long way. Slow down before you click, verify before you scan, and protect your connection before you log on. 

McAfee+ Advanced comes with layered protection across all the moments where scams are most likely to strike, from the gas station to the hotel lobby to your inbox.  

Stay safe out there. 

The post 5 Scams to Watch for This Memorial Day Weekend appeared first on McAfee Blog.

You’re comparing airfare on your phone, watching prices climb by the hour, when a deal pops up that feels just good enough to grab. The timer’s ticking. The price looks right. You don’t want to miss it. 

You’re comparing airfare on your phone, watching prices climb by the hour, when a deal pops up that feels just good enough to grab. The timer’s ticking. The price looks right. You don’t want to miss it. 

That moment, when you’re rushing to lock something in, is exactly where scams thrive. 

New McAfee research shows that more than 1 in 3 Americans have encountered a travel-related cyberthreat, and 41% of those impacted lost money, often exceeding $500. 

At the same time, rising travel costs and time pressure are pushing people to make faster, riskier decisions. Those are the exact conditions scammers rely on. 

That’s where protection has to show up earlier. 

McAfee’s Scam Detector lets you check suspicious links, messages, and booking sites before you click, so you can pause and verify instead of giving scammers the edge. 

Travel Scams, Red Flags, and How McAfee Protects You 

Travel Scam Type	Key Red Flags	How McAfee Helps
Fake travel deals	Prices far below market, pressure to “book now,” sites you’ve never heard of	Scam Detector flags suspicious links and explains why they’re risky, so you can avoid fake deals before you book
Fake booking confirmations	Unexpected messages about bookings you didn’t make, mismatched sender details	Scam Detector analyzes messages before you engage, helping you avoid fake confirmations
Fake airline/hotel websites	Slight URL changes, poor design, being pushed to pay immediately or off-platform	Safe Browsing helps block risky sites before you enter payment details, reducing the chance of fraud
Payment requests outside platforms	Asked to pay via wire transfer, crypto, or direct payment instead of official platforms	Scam Detector flags suspicious payment requests, helping you avoid sending money to scammers
QR code scams	QR codes posted in public with no clear source or context	Scam Detector checks QR links before they open, so you don’t land on malicious sites
Customer service impersonation	Calls or messages asking for login credentials or payment info	Scam Detector detects deepfake AI audio impersonation attempts, helping you avoid sharing sensitive information
AI-generated listings	Photos that look overly polished, details that don’t quite match up	Scam Detector identifies suspicious content patterns, helping you spot listings that aren’t real
Public Wi-Fi attacks	Open networks with no password or security prompts	VPN helps protect your data on public networks, keeping your personal information private

The Findings From Our 2026 Travel Research 

McAfee Labs found that many travel scams work because they look familiar and spread fast.  

TripAdvisor was the most commonly impersonated travel app, cloned at roughly three times the rate of other major platforms like Kayak, Expedia, and Booking.com.  

In some cases, thousands of scam detections traced back to just a handful of fake apps, showing how quickly a convincing scam can take off when travelers are racing to book. 

Top 5 Ways Rising Travel Costs Are Driving Risky Decisions 

Our 2026 travel survey shows how rising prices and last‑minute pressure are changing traveler behavior, often in ways scammers exploit. 

1. Booking faster than usual
90% feel pressure to act quickly  

2. Choosing cheaper deals without verifying
32% would book before confirming legitimacy  

3. Ignoring red flags
33% admit they’ve done it  

4. Trusting messages that look legitimate
41% trust airline/hotel messages without verifying  

5. Clicking links without checking the source
20% click first, verify later (or not at all)  

The post 1 in 3 Targeted by Travel Scams and Rising Costs are Making it Worse appeared first on McAfee Blog.

McAfee Total Protection just took first place in the latest AV-Comparatives PC Performance Test, the gold standard for measuring how much (or how little) security software slows down your computer.  

With an overall impact score of 3.3 out of a possible 100, McAfee outperformed all 19 other security products tested and earned the highest possible rating: 3 Stars ADVANCED+. 

The industry average? 12.8. McAfee came in nearly 4x lower than that. The lower the impact score, the less the software gets in your way 

What Is the AV-Comparatives PC Performance Test? 

AV-Comparatives is an independent cybersecurity testing lab that has been rigorously evaluating security software since 1999. Unlike a review written by a single journalist or a score based on a company’s own claims, AV-Comparatives tests are: 

• Independent: delivers unbiased, data‑driven evaluations of security products  
• Standardized: every product is tested under the same conditions 
• Widely trusted: regularly cited in product roundups, expert reviews, and buying guides that shape how consumers choose security software 

The PC Performance Test specifically measures how much a security product impacts your computer’s everyday speed. Testing is conducted on a real Windows 11 machine (Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM, SSD) with all default settings enabled and an active internet connection. That’s the same setup millions of everyday users have at home. 

AV-Comparatives evaluates real-world tasks including: 

• Copying and moving files 
• Installing and launching apps 
• Downloading files from the web 
• Browsing websites 

The lower the impact score, the less the software gets in your way.

What McAfee’s Score Actually Means 

McAfee Total Protection scored 3.3, the lowest impact score of all 20 products tested, and well below the industry average of 12.8. 

Here’s a simple way to think about it: if the average security product takes a measurable toll on your machine while it works in the background, McAfee barely registers. You get full, always-on protection without the sluggishness that frustrates so many users. 

This result earned McAfee the ADVANCED+ rating, the highest tier AV-Comparatives awards, reserved for products that deliver top-tier performance with minimal system impact. 

Why “Lightweight” Protection Matters More Than You Think 

There’s a common misconception that stronger protection means a heavier, slower product. McAfee’s results prove otherwise. 

When your security software is slow, you notice it: 

• Apps take longer to open 
• Downloads feel sluggish 
• Your machine lags during everyday tasks 
• You’re tempted to disable protection to get your speed back, leaving yourself exposed 

A lightweight product means protection that works quietly in the background, without making you choose between safety and performance. That’s the promise behind McAfee’s result, and it’s now independently verified. 

 

First Place, But Not for the First Time 

This isn’t a one-off result. McAfee has earned the ADVANCED+ rating consistently across multiple rounds of AV-Comparatives testing, demonstrating that this level of performance isn’t luck. It’s the result of deliberate, sustained engineering. 

Independent, repeatable results like these are what separate marketing claims from proven performance. 

With McAfee, you get award-winning protection and award-winning performance, so your devices stay secure without slowing you down. 

Which McAfee Plans Include This Protection? 

The same AI-powered threat protection validated in this test is built into every major McAfee plan: 

• McAfee+ Premium 
• McAfee+ Advanced 
• McAfee+ Ultimate 
• McAfee Total Protection 
• McAfee LiveSafe 

Whether you’re protecting one device or an entire household, you’re getting the same industry-leading, independently verified performance under the hood. 

Ready to get protection that doesn’t slow you down? Explore McAfee+ Plans → 

The post McAfee Ranks #1 in AV-Comparatives PC Performance Test — Again appeared first on McAfee Blog.

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

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

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

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

This court notice scam has ramped up and changed shape since we first covered it in March. So let’s get into how it works: 

How the scam works 

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

From there, one of two things usually happens: 

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

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

The red flags in this message 

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

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

What to do if you scanned the QR code 

First, don’t panic. Then: 

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

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

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

Deepfake Celebrity Ads Are Targeting Seniors on Social Media. Here’s What a New Study Found.  

If you saw our story last year about Al Roker speaking out after scammers used an AI-generated version of him to promote a fake hypertension cure, or the shocking case of a French woman who lost nearly $900,000 to fraudsters posing as Brad Pitt, you already know just how convincing celebrity deepfake scams have become. 

Now, new reporting suggests these scams are reaching older adults at enormous scale. 

According to a new study from the Center for Countering Digital Hate, just 30 of the most active scam advertisers on Facebook generated an estimated 215 million ad impressions over the past year. Nearly 73% of those impressions were shown to adults over 65. 

The fake ads used AI-generated versions of well-known figures including Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Oprah Winfrey, Steve Harvey, and Brad Pitt to promote fake government benefits, miracle health products, and bogus financial offers. 

What McAfee’s Data Says About Celebrity Deepfake Scams 

This aligns closely with McAfee’s 2025 Most Dangerous Celebrity: Deepfake Deception List. 

Our research found that: 

• 72% of Americans have seen a fake celebrity or influencer endorsement online  
• 39% have clicked on one of these ads or posts  
• 1 in 10 lost money or personal information  
• Average losses reached $525 per victim  

The celebrities most commonly exploited in the U.S. included Taylor Swift, Scarlett Johansson, Jenna Ortega, and Sydney Sweeney, while Brad Pitt also ranked prominently on the global list.  

Why These Scams Work So Well 

Celebrity deepfake scams exploit something simple: trust. 

When a familiar face appears in your social feed, whether it is Al Roker recommending a health product or Brad Pitt asking for help, your guard naturally drops. 

And AI is making these fakes harder to detect. 

McAfee’s 2026 State of the Scamiverse found that Americans now encounter an average of three deepfakes every day, yet more than one in three say they are not confident they can identify one. 

In other words, scammers are weaponizing the faces people know best to make fraud feel familiar. 

How to Spot a Deepfake on Social Media 

Celebrity deepfakes are designed to look convincing, but there are still clues that something is off. If you see a video of Oprah Winfrey, Al Roker, or Brad Pitt promoting a miracle cure, government benefit, or investment opportunity, pause before you click. 

Here are some of the biggest red flags to watch for: 

Red Flag	What to Look For
Too-good-to-be-true offers	The video promises free grocery money, secret Medicare benefits, guaranteed investment returns, or miracle health cures.
Out-of-character endorsements	A celebrity appears to promote a random supplement, financial opportunity, or government program that seems unrelated to their normal work.
Robotic or unnatural voice	The speech sounds overly smooth, lacks natural pauses, or has strange pacing and tone.
Lip-sync issues	The celebrity’s mouth movements do not perfectly match the words being spoken.
Unnatural facial expressions	Blinking, smiling, and head movements appear stiff, overly polished, or slightly off.
Urgent language	The ad pressures you to “Act now,” “Claim your benefits today,” or “Limited spots available.”
Suspicious links	Clicking leads to a website you do not recognize or that does not match the company or organization being referenced.
No confirmation elsewhere	Trusted news outlets and the celebrity’s verified accounts do not mention the same announcement or offer.

When in doubt, go directly to the celebrity’s verified social account or search trusted news sources to confirm the information. And if something feels off, trust your instincts. In the age of AI, seeing is no longer believing. 

How McAfee Helps You Stay Ahead of These Scams 

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

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

Safety tips to carry into next week 

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

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

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

The post How to Spot Fake Court Texts and Celebrity Deepfake Ads: This Week in Scams appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Authored by Harshil Patel and Sakshi Jaiswal 

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

Sinkholing 

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

Key Findings 

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

C2 Sinkholing and Geographical Prevalence  

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

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

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

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

Conclusion 

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

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

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

Technical Analysis 

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

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

Once executed, it performs several tasks: 

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

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

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

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

The payload execution chain consists of several stages: 

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

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

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

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

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

Stage 1– Exe 

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

Stage 2 – PowerShell 

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

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

Stage 3 – CountLoader 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The table below shows the command codes and their actions. 

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

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

Spreading via USB drives (taskType – 9) 

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

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

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

Deploying payload using powershell (taskType – 11) 

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

CountLoader launches the next stage using the following command line: 

Payload Launcher 

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

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

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

In the task configuration: 

“url” specifies the url of the payload. 

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

Powershell Packer 

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

Injector 

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

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

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

And injects in one of these legitimate processes: 

Shellcode 

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

Final Payload 

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

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

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

It then continuously monitors the clipboard contents. 

McAfee Coverage 

McAfee provides extensive coverage against CountLoader:  

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

Indicators Of Compromise 

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

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

Graduation season should be about launching your career, not dodging scams.

But for many new grads, the job search now comes with a hidden risk: fake recruiters, fraudulent job offers, and convincing messages designed to steal money, personal information, or both.

The threat is larger than many people realize. According to McAfee’s 2026 State of the Scamiverse report, 76% of Americans have encountered a scam, and the average person receives 14 scam messages every day through text, email, and social media. Americans now spend an estimated 114 hours each year trying to figure out what is real online and what is not.

Young adults are among the most heavily targeted groups. Nearly 3 in 10 people ages 18 to 24 (28%) report receiving conversational scams that begin with casual outreach such as “Hey, how are you?” or a “wrong number” text. Those same tactics increasingly appear in fake recruiter messages, LinkedIn outreach, and texts promoting remote job opportunities.

Today’s job scams can look highly professional. Scammers build polished LinkedIn profiles, clone legitimate company websites, and even use AI-generated interviews to appear credible. Many scams unfold quickly, with nearly half completed in less than an hour, creating pressure to act before candidates have time to verify what is real.

That’s where tools like McAfee’s Scam Detector come in—flagging suspicious emails, texts, links, and messages before you engage, so you can tell what’s real before you click. 

Here’s how to avoid job scams and stay safe with McAfee: 

How Job Scams Actually Work

Step	What Happens	Red Flags	What Scammers Want
1. The Outreach	You’re contacted via email, text, or social media about a job	Unsolicited offer, vague role, overly enthusiastic recruiter	Your attention
2. The Build-Up	They walk you through interviews or onboarding steps	No video calls, inconsistent details, fast timeline	Your trust
3. The Ask	They request personal info or payment	SSN requests, bank info, “training fees”	Identity + money
4. The Trap	They escalate the situation or disappear	More payment requests or sudden silence	Continued financial gain

A Real Example: How People Get Pulled In

Even experienced professionals fall for these scams.

In one case, a tech expert with decades of experience lost $13,000 after accepting what looked like a legitimate part-time role reviewing products.

The opportunity seemed real:

• A polished website
• Structured onboarding
• A small initial payout

Then came the shift. He was told he needed to deposit money to continue working and kept paying more to “unlock” earnings that never came.

This type of advance fee scam is increasingly common in job fraud, and it works because it builds trust first.

What the Data Says

Recent graduates are entering the workforce at a time when scams are more sophisticated, more personalized, and harder to spot than ever before. McAfee’s 2026 State of the Scamiverse report highlights why younger job seekers should be especially cautious.

Young Adults Face Higher Risk

• Younger adults report the highest rates of repeat scam victimization. McAfee’s research found that scam victims under 35 are more likely than older adults to be targeted again, suggesting that early-career professionals may be especially vulnerable as they navigate job searches, salaries, and onboarding for the first time.

Scam Messages Are Constant

• Americans receive 14 scam messages per day on average.
• 76% of Americans say they have encountered an online scam.
• People spend 114 hours per year, nearly three full workweeks, trying to determine what is real and what is fake online.

Professional Platforms Are Not Immune

• 7% of respondents reported encountering scams on LinkedIn.
• 44% have replied to suspicious messages that contained no link at all.

Many modern scams begin with a simple message such as “I came across your profile” or “We’d like to discuss an opportunity,” rather than an obviously suspicious URL.

Job Scams Move Fast

• The average scam unfolds in just 38 minutes.

Scammers often create urgency by claiming a role is limited, an offer will expire quickly, or onboarding must begin immediately.

AI Makes Fake Recruiters More Convincing

• 35% of Americans are not confident they can spot deepfake scams.
• McAfee predicts job scams will become increasingly personalized as scammers use AI to create tailored outreach, onboarding documents, and contracts that closely match a candidate’s background.

Job Scams Are a Growing Financial Threat

• FTC-reported job scam losses rose nearly 40% year over year, increasing from $543 million in 2024 to $752 million in 2025.

For new graduates eager to land their first job, the lesson is simple: if an opportunity seems rushed, asks for money, or feels too good to be true, take a step back and verify before you respond.

Where McAfee Comes In

Job scams don’t just happen in one moment. They unfold in stages—first a message, then a conversation, then a request for information or money.

That’s why protection needs to work the same way: across the entire experience. McAfee’s comprehensive protection helps you stay ahead of job scams at every step:

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

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

The Biggest Red Flags to Watch For

These patterns show up again and again in job scams:

Red Flag	What It Looks Like	Why It’s a Problem	What to Do Instead
Requests for Sensitive Information Too Early	Asked for your Social Security number, banking info, or ID details early in the process	Scammers use this to steal your identity or access your accounts	Only share sensitive info after accepting a verified job—and through secure onboarding systems
You’re Asked to Pay to Work	Fees for training, equipment, onboarding, or background checks	Legitimate employers don’t charge candidates to get hired	Walk away immediately—this is one of the clearest signs of a scam
The Job Sounds Too Good to Be True	High pay, low hours, minimal experience required, vague responsibilities	Designed to hook attention and lower your guard	Research typical salaries and ask detailed questions about the role
The Hiring Process Moves Too Fast	Immediate job offers or rushed decisions without interviews	Real hiring processes involve multiple steps and evaluations	Be cautious of offers that skip standard hiring steps
No Real Interaction	Communication only via email or chat, refusal to do video or phone calls	Scammers avoid real-time interaction to stay anonymous	Request a video call or verify the recruiter through official company channels

How to Protect Yourself

You don’t need to overcomplicate it. Stick to a few grounded habits:

• Verify the company independently: Search the company, check official sites, confirm recruiter identities
• Keep communication on trusted platforms: Be cautious with offers coming from unexpected channels
• Never pay upfront for a job: That’s a dealbreaker
• Pause before sharing personal information: Especially early in the process
• Use tools that flag risks automatically: Scam Detector helps catch what looks legitimate, but isn’t

What to Do If You Think It’s a Scam

If something feels off:

• Stop communication immediately
• Do not send money or personal information
• Report the scam to the FTC
• Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity

If you’ve already shared sensitive information, act quickly to secure your accounts.

With McAfee’s comprehensive protection, you’re not left to figure it out on your own.

From blocking risky links to monitoring your identity and helping you respond quickly, it’s designed to help you stay one step ahead, and recover faster if needed. Because job searching is stressful enough without scammers, and you deserve to land your next job with confidence.

The post The New Grad’s Guide to Job and Recruitment Scams appeared first on McAfee Blog.

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

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

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

Who Is Behind the Canvas Breach? 

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

How Did the Canvas Cyberattack Happen? 

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

What Information Was Stolen in the Canvas Breach? 

The stolen data reportedly includes: 

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

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

How Could the Canvas Data Breach Impact Families and Students? 

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

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

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

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

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

What To Do Right Now 

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

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

---

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

---

Fake Amazon Recall Texts Are Targeting Shoppers  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Red Flags To Watch For 

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

What To Do If You Get One 

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

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

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

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

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

McAfee Safety Tips This Week 

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

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

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

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

Scam messages are getting smarter and faster. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What You Can Do with ChatGPT + McAfee 

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

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

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

Here’s how it works: 

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

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

Add the app to your ChatGPT account here. 

Built on McAfee’s Threat Intelligence 

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

When you submit something for review: 

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

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

A New Way to Stay Ahead of Scams 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So you click. 

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

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

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

How Social Media Ad Scams Work 

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

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

Red Flags To Watch For 

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

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

Let’s keep digging in: 

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

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

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

Where Scams Are Happening And What’s Changing 

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

How Scams Play Out Across Platforms 

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

 How McAfee Protects You from Scams and Cyber Threats 

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

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

McAfee Safety Tips This Week 

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

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

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

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

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

But don’t be fooled. 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

How the scam works 

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

What To Do If You Get This Message 

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

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

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

A Major Health Data Breach Exposes 500,000 Records 

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

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

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

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

What This Breach Says About Data Privacy 

Scams are no longer isolated events. They are layered. 

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

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

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

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

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

McAfee Safety Tips This Week  

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

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

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

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

Co-Authored by Luiz Parente 

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

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

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

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

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

What “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” Means 

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

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

A Simple Way to Think About It 

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

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

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

Key Terms Explained 

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

Why This Matters Right Now 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But HNDL introduces a new layer of complexity. 

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

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

What Quantum Computing Changes 

Traditional computers process information in a linear way. 

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

That’s why attackers are willing to wait. 

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

What McAfee’s VPN Team is Working On 

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

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

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

Because with HNDL, waiting isn’t an option. 

What You Can Do Now 

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

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

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

How McAfee Helps Protect You 

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

FAQ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It looks routine. Maybe even urgent enough to click. 

That’s exactly the point. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How the scam works (step-by-step) 

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

 Why This Scam Works 

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

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

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

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

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

In 2025 alone: 

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

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

How McAfee Protects You From Scams and Cyber Threats 

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

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

McAfee Safety Tips This Week 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From there, things can go sideways fast. 

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

How The Scam Works 

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

Once you click: 

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

The Red Flags In These Emails 

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

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

What To Do If You Get One 

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

If you already clicked: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why This Matters 

Healthcare data is incredibly valuable. It can include: 

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

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

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

What To Watch For Next 

After incidents like this, scammers often move quickly: 

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

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

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

How To Protect Yourself 

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

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

Scams today are layered. 

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

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

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

Safety Tips To Carry Into Next Week 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Are the Webby Awards? 

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

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

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

How McAfee’s Scam Detector Uses AI to Stop Scams 

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

It uses AI to analyze and flag suspicious: 

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

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

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

Vote for McAfee’s Scam Detector 

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

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

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

Winners will be announced on April 21, 2026. 

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

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

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

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

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

What Happened in Oklahoma 

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

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

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

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

Red Flags of a Scam After a Breach Like This 

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

Watch For: 

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

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

What To Do If You’re Impacted 

First, don’t panic. Then: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why This Scam Works

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

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

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

The Red Flags in This Message

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

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

What To Do if You Get One Of These Messages

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

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

How McAfee Helps You Stay Ahead of Scams and Breaches 

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

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

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

Safety tips to carry into next week 

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

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

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

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

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