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.
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:
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
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.
First, don’t panic. Then:
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.
Anime streaming platform Crunchyroll is investigating claims of a data breach involving customer support ticket data, potentially impacting millions of users.
According to TechCrunch, access appears to involve a third-party vendor system, a reminder that even strong security setups still rely on people and partners, which can introduce risk in everyday moments.
Even if you’ve never entered your credit card into a support form, these tickets can still include:
That’s more than enough for scammers to build highly believable follow-ups.
When breaches like this surface, scammers don’t wait. They use the moment to send emails and messages that feel timely, relevant, and legitimate.
For example, scammers might send messages pretending to be Crunchyroll and suggesting you “click this link to secure your account” after the breach. In reality, that “security check” exposes your information.
This is where tools like Scam Detector come back into play, flagging suspicious links and messages even when they reference real companies or real events.
McAfee+ Advanced gives you multiple layers working together so you’re not left figuring it out in the moment:
Plus our instant QR code scam checks will flag suspicious QR codes before you scan them.
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 Got a “Court Notice” Text? Ignore It. Plus, the Crunchyroll Breach: This Week in Scams appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Today marks the start of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere, and with warmer weather setting in summer trips are vacation planning are starting to take shape.
But before you respond to that message about your hotel booking or payment confirmation, it’s worth asking: is it actually legit?
This week in scams, we’re breaking down a travel phishing scheme making the rounds through realistic booking messages, as well as new McAfee research on betting scams and AI-driven malware.
We’ll walk through what happened, what to watch for, and how McAfee’s tools can help you stay safe.
A new phishing campaign targeting travelers is exploiting hotel booking platforms like Booking.com, and it’s convincing enough to fool even cautious users.
According to reporting from ITBrew and Cybernews, attackers are running a multi-stage scam:
| Scam Stage | How It Works | What You’ll Notice | How to Protect Yourself | Where McAfee Helps |
| Stage 1: Hotel account gets compromised | Attackers phish or hack hotel staff to access booking platforms and guest reservation data. | You won’t see this part — it happens behind the scenes. | Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication on your own accounts to reduce risk of similar breaches. | Identity Monitoring can alert you if your personal information appears in suspicious places or data leaks. |
| Stage 2: You receive a realistic message | Scammers use stolen booking data to send messages via WhatsApp, email, or even booking platforms. | The message includes your real name, hotel, and travel dates, making it feel legitimate. | Be cautious of unexpected outreach, even if the details are correct. Don’t assume accuracy means authenticity. | Scam detection tools can help flag suspicious messages and identify potential phishing attempts. |
| Stage 3: Urgency is introduced | The message claims there’s an issue with your reservation and pushes you to act quickly. | Phrases like “confirm within 12 hours” or “risk cancellation” create pressure. | Pause before acting. Legitimate companies rarely require urgent payment changes without prior notice. | Scam detection can help identify high-risk messages designed to pressure you into quick decisions. |
| Stage 4: You’re sent to a fake payment page | A link leads to a convincing lookalike site designed to steal your payment details. | The page looks real but may have subtle URL differences or unusual formatting. | Always navigate directly to the official website or app instead of clicking links in messages. | Safe Browsing tools can help block risky or known malicious websites before you enter sensitive information. |
March Madness brings brackets, bets, and a flood of bad actors.
New McAfee research found that 1 in 3 Americans (32%) say they’ve experienced a betting or gambling scam, and nearly a quarter (24%) say they’ve lost money to one. On average, victims reported losing $547.
That’s not surprising when you look at the environment around the tournament. More than half of Americans are watching, more than half are participating in some form of betting, and 82% say they’ve seen betting promotions in the past year.
Some of the most common setups this season include:
The takeaway:
If a betting offer promises guaranteed results, demands the use of bizarre apps and sites, asks for money upfront, or pushes you to act quickly, it’s not an edge. It’s a scam.
Not all scams start with a message. Some start with a search.
McAfee Labs uncovered a large-scale malware campaign hiding inside hundreds of fake downloads, including game mods, AI tools, drivers, and trading utilities.
In January alone, researchers identified:
These weren’t hosted on obscure corners of the internet either. The files were distributed through platforms people recognize, including Discord, SourceForge, and file-sharing sites.
Here’s how the attack typically works:
Then, behind the scenes, malware loads quietly and begins pulling in additional code. In some cases, victims are shown fake error messages while the real infection happens in the background.
From there, attackers can:
What makes this campaign stand out is that some of the code appears to have been generated with help from AI tools.
That doesn’t mean AI is running the attack on its own. But it does suggest attackers are using AI to:
In other words, the barrier to building malware is getting lower.
The takeaway:
If a download is unofficial, hard to find, or feels like a shortcut, it’s worth slowing down. The file may look right, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe.
Whether it’s a message about your booking, a betting offer that looks legitimate, or a download that appears to be exactly what you were searching for, these scams all rely on the same thing: they blend into everyday moments.
That’s where having backup like McAfee+ Advanced comes in. It includes:
Stay skeptical, verify before you click, and we’ll see you next week with more.
The post This Week in Scams: Why That “Booking Confirmation” Message Might Be Fake appeared first on McAfee Blog.
McAfee Labs has uncovered a widespread malware campaign hiding inside fake downloads for things like game mods, AI tools, drivers, and trading utilities.
In January 2026, researchers observed 443 malicious ZIP files impersonating software people might actively search for online. Across those files, McAfee identified 48 malicious WinUpdateHelper.dll variants used to infect devices. The campaign was spread through a mix of file-hosting and content delivery services, including Discord, SourceForge, FOSSHub, and mydofiles[.]com.
What makes this campaign especially notable is that some parts of it appear to have been built with help from large language models (LLMs). McAfee researchers found signs that certain scripts likely used AI-generated code, which may have helped the attackers create and scale the campaign faster.
That does not mean AI created the whole operation on its own. But it does suggest AI may be helping cybercriminals lower the effort needed to build malware and launch attacks.
Want the full research? Dive in here.
We break down the top takeaways below.
| Finding | What it means |
| 443 malicious ZIP files | Attackers created many different fake downloads to reach more victims |
| 48 malicious DLL variants | The campaign used multiple versions of the malware, not just one file |
| 1,700+ file names observed | The same threat was repackaged under many different names to look convincing |
| 17 distinct kill chains | Researchers found multiple attack flows, but they followed a similar overall pattern |
| Hosted on familiar platforms | The malware was distributed through services users may recognize, including Discord and SourceForge |
| AI-assisted code suspected | Some scripts contained explanatory comments and patterns that strongly suggest LLM assistance |
| Cryptomining and additional malware observed | Infected devices could be used to mine cryptocurrency or receive more malicious payloads |
In this case, “AI-written malware” does not mean an AI system independently invented and launched the attack.
Instead, McAfee Labs found evidence that the attackers very likely used AI tools to help generate some of the code used in the campaign, especially in certain PowerShell scripts.
Put simply:
| Term | Plain-English meaning |
| Large language model (LLM) | An AI system that can generate text and code based on prompts |
| AI-assisted malware | Malware where attackers appear to have used AI tools to help write or structure parts of the code |
| Vibe coding | A style of coding where someone describes what they want and an AI does much of the writing |
This matters because it can make malware development faster, easier, and more scalable for attackers.
The attack begins when someone searches for software online and downloads what looks like the tool they wanted.
That tool might appear to be a game mod, AI voice changer, emulator, trading utility, VPN, or driver. But behind the scenes, the ZIP archive includes malicious components that start the infection.
| Step | What happens |
| 1. A user downloads a fake file | The ZIP archive is disguised as something useful or desirable, such as a mod menu, AI tool, or driver |
| 2. The file appears normal at first | In some cases, the package includes a legitimate executable so it feels more convincing |
| 3. A malicious DLL is loaded | A hidden malicious file, often WinUpdateHelper.dll, starts the real attack |
| 4. The user is distracted | The malware may display a fake “missing dependency” message and redirect the user to install unrelated software |
| 5. A PowerShell script is pulled from a remote server | While the user is distracted, the malware contacts a command-and-control server and runs additional code |
| 6. More malware is installed | Depending on the sample, the device may receive coin miners, infostealers, or remote access tools |
| 7. The infected device is abused for profit | In many cases, attackers use the victim’s system resources to mine cryptocurrency in the background |
McAfee found that the attackers cast a very wide net. The malicious ZIP files impersonated many types of software, including:
| Bait category | Examples |
| Gaming tools | game mods, cheats, executors, Roblox-related tools |
| AI-themed tools | AI image generators, AI voice changers, AI-branded downloads |
| System utilities | graphics drivers, USB drivers, emulators, VPNs |
| Trading or finance tools | stock-market utilities and related downloads |
| Fake security or malware tools | fake stealers, decryptors, and other risky-looking utilities |
That broad range is part of what made the campaign effective. It was designed to catch people already looking for shortcuts, unofficial tools, or hard-to-find software.
One of the strongest clues came from the comments inside some of the attack scripts.
McAfee researchers found explanatory comments that looked more like AI-generated instructions than the kind of shorthand attackers usually leave for themselves. In one example, a comment referred to downloading a file from “your GitHub URL,” which suggests the code may have come from a generated template and was not fully cleaned up before use.
These details do not prove every part of the campaign was AI-made. But they do support McAfee’s assessment that certain components were likely generated with help from large language models.
In many cases, the malware was used to turn victims’ computers into quiet crypto-mining machines.
McAfee observed mining activity involving several cryptocurrencies, including:
Some samples also downloaded additional payloads such as SalatStealer or Mesh Agent.
For victims, that can mean:
| Possible effect | What it may look like |
| Slower performance | apps lag, games stutter, system feels unusually sluggish |
| High CPU or GPU usage | fans run constantly, laptop gets hot, battery drains faster |
| Background malware activity | unknown processes, suspicious downloads, unexpected behavior |
| Potential data theft | if an infostealer or remote access tool is installed |
McAfee was also able to trace several Bitcoin wallets tied to the campaign. At the time of the report, those wallets held about $4,536 in Bitcoin, while total funds received were approximately $11,497.70. Researchers note the real total could be higher because some of the currencies involved are harder to trace.
This campaign was observed most heavily in:
That does not mean users elsewhere were unaffected. These were simply the countries where researchers saw the highest prevalence.
Even though the campaign used advanced techniques, the warning signs for users were often familiar.
| Red flag | Why it matters |
| You found the file through a random link | Unofficial forums, Discord links, and file-hosting pages are common malware delivery paths |
| The download is a ZIP for something sketchy or unofficial | Cheats, cracks, mod tools, and unofficial utilities carry higher risk |
| You get a “missing dependency” message | Attackers may use this to push a second download while the real infection happens in the background |
| The file name looks right, but the source feels wrong | Familiar names can be faked easily |
| Your PC suddenly slows down or overheats | Hidden cryptominers often abuse system resources |
| You notice new, unrelated software installed | The campaign sometimes used unwanted software installs as a distraction |
This campaign is a reminder that not every convincing file is a safe one. A few habits can reduce your risk significantly.
| Safety step | Why it helps |
| Download software only from official sources | This lowers the chance of accidentally installing a trojanized file |
| Avoid cheats, cracks, and unofficial mods | These categories are common bait for malware campaigns |
| Be skeptical of dependency prompts | Unexpected requests to install helper files or missing components can be part of the attack |
| Keep your security software updated | Current protection can help detect known threats and suspicious behavior |
| Pay attention to system performance | A suddenly hot, loud, or slow PC may be a sign something is running in the background |
| Review what you download before opening it | Even a familiar file name does not guarantee a file is legitimate |
McAfee helps protect against malware threats like these with multiple layers of security, including malware detection and safer browsing protections designed to help stop risky downloads before they can do damage.
If you think you downloaded and ran a suspicious file like one described in this campaign:
| Action | Why it matters |
| Disconnect from the internet | This can help interrupt communication with attacker-controlled servers |
| Run a full security scan | A trusted scan can help identify malicious files and behavior |
| Delete suspicious downloads | Remove the file and avoid reopening it |
| Check for unfamiliar software or startup items | The infection may have installed additional components |
| Change important passwords from a clean device | This is especially important if data-stealing malware may have been involved |
| Monitor accounts for unusual activity | Keep an eye on email, banking, and other sensitive accounts |
If your computer continues acting strangely after a scan, it may be worth getting professional help.
This campaign highlights how cybercrime is evolving.
The core risk is not just fake downloads. It is the fact that attackers are using AI tools to help generate code, create variations, and speed up parts of the malware development process.
That can make campaigns like this easier to scale and harder to ignore.
For everyday users, the takeaway is simple: if a file seems unofficial, rushed, or too good to be true, pause before opening it. A fake download may look like a shortcut, but it can quietly turn your device into a target.
| FAQs |
| Q: What is AI-written malware?
A: AI-written malware generally refers to malicious code, or parts of a malware campaign, that appear to have been created with help from AI coding tools or large language models. |
| Q: Did AI create this entire malware campaign?
A: McAfee Labs did not say that. The research suggests that certain components, especially some scripts, were likely generated with help from large language models. |
| Q: What was this malware disguised as?
A: The malicious files impersonated game mods, AI tools, drivers, trading utilities, VPNs, emulators, and other software downloads. |
| Q: What can happen if you open one of these fake files?
A: Depending on the sample, the malware may install coin miners, steal data, establish persistence, or download additional malicious tools. |
| Q: Can malware really use my computer to mine cryptocurrency?
A: Yes. McAfee observed samples in this campaign that used victims’ CPU and GPU resources to mine cryptocurrency in the background. |
| Q: What is the safest way to avoid this kind of malware?
A: Download software only from official or trusted sources, avoid unofficial tools and cheats, be cautious of fake dependency prompts, and keep your security protection up to date. |
Want to learn more? Dive into the full research here.
The post New Research: Hackers Are Using AI-Written Code to Spread Malware appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Whether you’re a hardcore basketball fan or the office colleague who gets roped into filling out a bracket every year, March Madness is the season for brackets, office pools, and last-minute picks.
More than half of Americans (57%) plan to watch the NCAA basketball tournament, and 55% say they participate in some kind of betting or bracket activity during March Madness, from office pools to licensed sportsbook wagers.
But where there’s excitement and money, scammers aren’t far behind.
New research from McAfee finds that 1 in 3 Americans (32%) say they’ve experienced a betting or gambling scam, and 24% say they’ve lost money to one, with victims losing an average of $547.
Big events like March Madness create the perfect storm: massive attention, constant betting promotions, and fans searching online for predictions, tips, and an edge.
Scammers know it, and they’re exploiting the moment.
Sports betting promotions are everywhere during major events like March Madness.
According to McAfee research, 82% of Americans say they’ve seen sports betting promotions or offers in the past year, often on social media, streaming broadcasts, and sports websites.
That flood of promotions makes it easier for scams to blend in with legitimate content.
Many scams start the same way legitimate offers do, through messages, ads, or links promising bonuses or tips. But once someone clicks or responds, the situation can escalate quickly.
For example:
In many cases, victims are then asked to send money to unlock winnings, activate accounts, or access premium betting picks.
The payout rarely exists.
Betting scams come in several forms, but many follow familiar patterns.
Here are some of the most common tactics reported in McAfee’s research:
| Scam Type | Definition | How It Works | Red Flags |
| Guaranteed Win Scam | A betting scam where someone promises a “guaranteed win,” “sure bet,” or “can’t lose” outcome in exchange for money, clicks, or sign-ups. According to McAfee Findings, about 1 in 6 Americans say they’ve received these kinds of messages, which are designed to lure fans looking for an edge. | Scammers send private messages, emails, or social posts claiming they have insider knowledge or a lock on a game. The goal is usually to get the victim to pay for picks, join a private group, or click a malicious link. | Claims that a bet is guaranteed, pressure to act fast, requests for payment to access picks, and promises that sound risk-free. |
| Fake Free Bet Promotion Scam | A scam that pretends to offer bonus bets, deposit matches, or free credits through a fake sportsbook promotion. | The victim sees what looks like a real sportsbook offer, often through social media, email, or text. Clicking may lead to a fake site that steals login details, payment information, or deposits. | Unfamiliar brand names, unofficial links, urgent sign-up language, and promotions that seem unusually generous. |
| Winnings Release Fee Scam | A scam where a victim is told they have winnings waiting, but must first pay a fee, deposit, or processing charge to collect them. | The scammer claims the user has won money, then invents a reason payment is required before the funds can be released. Once the fee is sent, the payout never arrives. | Requests to pay before receiving winnings, vague “processing” or “verification” fees, and pressure to send money immediately. |
| Fake Betting App or Website Scam | A scam involving a fraudulent app or website designed to look like a real sportsbook or betting platform. | Victims are directed to a fake platform where they may create an account, enter personal information, or deposit money. The site may appear legitimate, but withdrawals are blocked or impossible. | Slightly misspelled URLs, strange app download paths, poor website quality, and platforms that make deposits easy but withdrawals difficult. |
| Sportsbook Impersonation Scam | A scam in which someone pretends to represent a legitimate betting platform or sportsbook support team. | The scammer contacts the victim claiming there is an issue with an account, a bonus, or winnings. They then ask for login credentials, payment details, or personal information. | Requests for passwords, bank details, or identity information; unexpected outreach; and messages pushing you to resolve an “account issue” through a link. |
| Fake Insider Tip Scam | A scam that uses claims of insider information, fixed games, or special access to make a betting offer sound exclusive and trustworthy. | Scammers position themselves as experts, insiders, or connected sources who can help the victim beat the odds. The real goal is usually payment, account access, or enrollment in a scam betting channel. | Claims of fixed outcomes, “insider” knowledge, exclusive access, and offers that rely on secrecy or urgency. |
| Celebrity or Influencer Endorsement Scam | A betting scam that uses fake or misleading celebrity, athlete, or influencer endorsements to make an offer seem legitimate. | Scammers create ads, videos, or posts that appear to feature a public figure recommending a betting platform, app, or tip service. In some cases, AI-generated content makes these endorsements look more convincing. | Endorsements that seem off-brand, videos or graphics that look unnatural, unfamiliar accounts, and promotions tied to fake urgency or suspicious links. |
| Private Betting Group Scam | A scam that tries to move betting conversations into private channels like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal. | After initial contact on social media or another public platform, the scammer encourages the victim to join a private group for “exclusive picks,” “VIP bets,” or “premium insights.” These groups are often used to pressure victims into sending money or clicking malicious links. | Pressure to move off-platform quickly, promises of VIP access, requests for payment to join, and little proof that the group is legitimate. |
McAfee’s research found that Americans under 45 are significantly more likely to encounter betting scams, with 44% saying they’ve experienced one compared with 19% of those over 45.
Men also report higher exposure, with 40% saying they’ve experienced a betting scam, compared with 25% of women.
Men and younger adults are also more likely to participate in brackets, fantasy sports, or sportsbook betting, the same spaces where scams often appear.
Artificial intelligence is beginning to change how scams look and sound.
About 1 in 5 Americans say they’ve encountered betting scams that appeared more realistic because of AI, and 27% believe they’ve seen AI-generated betting content such as fake promotions, images, or videos.
Among those who encountered AI-driven scams:
As these tools improve, scam messages are becoming smoother, more convincing, and harder to distinguish from legitimate promotions.
| Safety Check | What To Do |
| Be skeptical of “guaranteed wins” | No bet is risk-free. Ignore messages promising sure bets, insider picks, or guaranteed outcomes. |
| Use only licensed sportsbooks | Stick to official betting apps and well-known sportsbooks. Avoid unfamiliar websites or apps. |
| Don’t click betting links from unknown messages | If you receive a betting offer via email, text, or social media, go directly to the official site instead of clicking the link. |
| Never pay fees to unlock winnings | If someone says you must send money to claim winnings or activate a betting account, it’s almost certainly a scam. |
| Be cautious of private betting groups | Invitations to “VIP betting groups” on apps like Telegram or WhatsApp are often used to promote scam picks or collect payments. |
| Protect your accounts | Use strong passwords and turn on two-factor authentication wherever possible. Try our free strong password generator. |
| Use scam detection tools | Tools like McAfee’s Scam Detector can flag suspicious links, websites, and messages before you engage. |
March Madness is meant to be fun, filling out brackets, debating picks with friends, and cheering for the next big upset. Betting can be part of that excitement, but it’s worth remembering that scammers are watching the tournament too.
A simple rule of thumb can go a long way: if a betting offer promises guaranteed wins, asks for money upfront, or pushes you to act quickly, take a step back and verify it first.
The safest plays are the ones where you slow down, stick to trusted platforms, and keep your personal information protected.
Sports betting can be fun, but for some people it can become difficult to manage. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available through the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-MY-RESET), operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling.
The post 1 in 3 Has Experienced a Betting Scam. What March Madness Fans Should Know appeared first on McAfee Blog.
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