McAfee, a global leader in online protection, has unveiled its new tool, McAfee Scam Detector, at CES 2025. This advanced artificial intelligence-powered system is designed to detect and stop scams in emails, text messages, and fake videos. With this solution, McAfee aims to protect users from the growing digital threats that are becoming increasingly sophisticated each day.
A solution to an alarming landscape
According to a study by McAfee Labs, 59% of Americans report having fallen victim to an online scam or knowing someone who has in the past 12 months, with average losses of $1,471 per victim. Moreover, the rise of deepfakes, which can be created for as little as $5 in under 10 minutes, has increased the complexity of these scams.
The McAfee Scam Detector aims to restore control to users by identifying suspicious messages and videos in real time that attempt to steal personal information or money. This service will be available to McAfee customers at no additional cost starting this spring.
How McAfee Scam Detector works
The tool uses McAfee Smart AI™ technology, known for its reliability and accuracy, to provide comprehensive protection across various platforms:
- Email Detector: Analyzes messages in Gmail and Outlook inboxes to identify suspicious emails before they are opened. It also provides clear explanations of why an email may be dangerous.
- Text Message Detector: Examines incoming texts to alert users about potential fraud, such as malicious links or fake requests.
- Deepfake Detector: Identifies AI-generated videos that may be fake, whether it’s a supposed message from a boss or a false promotional video of a celebrity.
Easy setup and use
McAfee Scam Detector integrates easily into users’ devices:
- Straightforward setup: Users simply need to link email accounts and activate protection through the McAfee app on Android or iOS devices. No additional tools need to be downloaded, and no manual scans are required.
- Clear notifications: Alerts are discreet and easy to understand, explaining why a piece of content has been flagged as suspicious.
- Available for all devices: It works on phones, tablets, laptops, and Chromebooks, ensuring security anytime and anywhere.
The impact of digital scams
Scams are affecting the lives of millions of people. Americans report receiving an average of 14 fraudulent messages per day, and 19% of those affected lose more than $1,000 by falling for a scam. Losses can be even greater with deepfakes, which in some cases have led victims to lose over $500,000.
Some testimonials highlight the magnitude of the problem:
- Tina, 31, South Carolina: “I’ve received so many fraudulent text messages and emails in the past year. It’s overwhelming.”
- Alexandria, 46, Georgia: “I thought I was updating my address with UPS, but I ended up authorizing a charge to my credit card.”
- Haley, 24, New Jersey: “Deepfake technology scares me; they can look so real that it’s hard to tell them apart.”
Education and awareness
In addition to providing protection, McAfee Scam Detector has an educational focus. It explains why certain messages or videos are dangerous, helping users develop skills to identify common scams. According to Steve Grobman, Chief Technology Officer of McAfee, “the combination of technology and knowledge is key to beating scammers.”
Free for McAfee customers
The McAfee Scam Detector will be available as part of the McAfee+, Total Protection, and LiveSafe plans at no additional cost. Current users will be able to enjoy this protection starting spring 2025, with automatic integration in their McAfee app.
Towards a safer internet
With this tool, McAfee reinforces its commitment to protecting users in an increasingly complex digital world. For more information on how to avoid scams and stay safe online, McAfee offers additional resources on its Smart AI™ Intelligence Hub and on the State of the Scamiverse blog.