online scams Archives

Tech Optimizer

March 12, 2026

Score! One of our favorite antivirus apps is up to 58% off right now

Norton is currently offering a 58% discount on its Norton 360 Deluxe plan, which covers up to five devices for a reduced price of .99 per year. The plan includes features such as file backup, a rescue disk for system restoration, and scam protection. Norton 360 Deluxe provides various types of scans, including a quick antivirus scan, a full system scan, and a deep scan. Its ransomware protection feature backs up crucial files, including those in UEFI. The promotional pricing is limited-time, encouraging prompt action for those interested in enhancing their digital security.

AppWizard

March 12, 2026

Meta Upgrades Safety Features of Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp to Protect Users From Fraud

Meta is implementing new safety measures to enhance user protection against online scams on its platforms, including Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp. The company is expanding its use of artificial intelligence (AI) for scam detection, integrating a system that analyzes text, images, links, and account behavior to identify impersonation attempts. User alerts will be introduced to warn Facebook users about suspicious friend requests and to flag risky messages in Messenger. WhatsApp users will receive notifications for suspicious device linking requests. Meta has removed over 159 million scam advertisements and disabled 10.9 million accounts. It is collaborating with global law enforcement to combat scam networks, including a recent effort that led to the disabling of more than 150,000 accounts linked to scam centers in coordination with the Royal Thai Police.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

Meta outlines improved scam protection in Messenger app

Meta has introduced a Safe Browsing feature in Messenger to protect users from harmful links in direct messages, responding to the rise in online scams. The FBI projects online fraud losses in the U.S. to exceed billions from 2020 to 2024, with over a billion expected in 2024 alone. The Safe Browsing feature, launched in October, warns users about malicious links in encrypted messages. Meta has also launched an Advanced Browsing Protection setting that uses a constantly updated database of harmful websites, enhancing user security by combining on-device processing with external data retrieval. This system alerts Messenger users about potential threats before they click on links, allowing them to assess the safety of the links.

AppWizard

March 2, 2026

Meta makes changes following a Solon man’s $1 million loss in scheme police say started on Facebook Messenger

A 63-year-old resident in Solon, Ohio, lost over a million dollars to a scammer posing as a cryptocurrency investment guru. The scam began with a friendly outreach on Facebook, which transitioned to WhatsApp for private conversations. Over several months, the victim was convinced to invest in what he thought was a legitimate opportunity. This incident reflects a broader trend, as the FBI reported that Ohioans aged 60 and older lost over a million to fraud in 2024. Meta Platforms is enhancing tools to detect and disrupt fraudulent activities on its platforms, including new warnings for screen sharing requests on WhatsApp. In the first half of 2025, Meta removed eight million accounts suspected of scams and shut down 21,000 pages impersonating legitimate businesses. Warning signs in the Solon case included initial contact from a stranger, a quick shift to cryptocurrency discussions, and unusually high promised returns.

Tech Optimizer

February 11, 2026

Malwarebytes and ChatGPT team up to check all of those suspicious texts, emails, and URLs with one simple phrase

Malwarebytes has partnered with ChatGPT to enable users to verify the authenticity of suspicious communications by asking, “Malwarebytes, is this a scam?” This integration allows for rapid assessments of potentially fraudulent messages, URLs, domains, and phone numbers. The tool is accessible to ChatGPT Free, Plus, Team, and Enterprise users and aims to enhance user safety and cybersecurity awareness. Users can also submit suspicious content directly to Malwarebytes to improve threat intelligence.

Tech Optimizer

January 30, 2026

NordVPN blocks 92% malicious sites in independent phishing test

NordVPN successfully blocked 92% of phishing websites in an evaluation by AV-Comparatives, highlighting the effectiveness of its anti-malware tool, Threat Protection Pro. The assessment, conducted from January 7 to January 19, 2026, analyzed 250 phishing URLs, with NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro ranking fourth among tested products. The tool is designed to protect users from various online threats and operates at the network level, scanning traffic directly on the user's device. Threat Protection Pro is available to higher-tier subscribers on the Plus, Complete, and Ultra plans, and is compatible with Windows and macOS. Despite slipping from previous podium finishes, Threat Protection Pro has consistently ranked high in evaluations and was the first VPN service to receive AV-Comparatives' approval for anti-phishing protection in 2024. It also received accolades from AV-TEST and West Coast Labs for its phishing detection capabilities.

Tech Optimizer

December 24, 2025

Be confident online with 30% off at ESET with our exclusive code

ESET is offering a limited-time 30% discount on their cybersecurity plans with the code WINTER302025. Their security solutions include a secure VPN, advanced anti-phishing technology, and proactive ransomware protection. ESET provides tiered plans to cater to various user needs, allowing for easy selection of appropriate packages for digital protection.

AppWizard

October 22, 2025

Meta rolls out warnings to help protect older WhatsApp and Messenger users from scams

Online scams are evolving, particularly on social media platforms like WhatsApp and Messenger, with older individuals being especially vulnerable. In response, Meta is implementing new warning systems in its messaging applications during Cybersecurity Awareness Month to encourage users to be cautious. On WhatsApp, users will receive warnings when attempting to share their screens with unknown contacts during video calls, aimed at preventing sensitive information disclosure. Meta is also promoting Security Checkup and Privacy Checkup tools, along with encouraging the use of Passkeys to enhance security. For Messenger, Meta is testing advanced scam detection features that alert users about potential scams from new contacts and allow users to submit messages for AI reviews. Users will receive details on identified scams and suggested actions. Meta is collaborating with various organizations, including the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center, to combat fraud targeting older adults and share resources for investigations. Additionally, Meta has partnered with Match Group to dismantle fraudulent Facebook Groups posing as dating support services. They have provided tips for older adults to avoid scams, including being cautious with unsolicited communications, consulting trusted individuals before acting, and using official customer service channels for assistance.

AppWizard

October 22, 2025

Meta Introduces New Security Tools to Protect Messenger and WhatsApp Users

Meta has introduced safety tools for Messenger and WhatsApp to enhance account security and support older adults against online scams during Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Since January, Meta's security teams have disrupted nearly 8 million scam-related accounts on Facebook and Instagram. The new tools allow users to easily report suspicious messages and automatically block scam-like accounts. Meta has partnered with the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center to improve information sharing and responses to scams targeting older Americans. Scams identified include fraudulent home services and impersonation of money recovery services. In 2023, Americans aged 60 and older lost .8 billion to fraud. Older adults are advised to pause before acting on unexpected messages, avoid sharing personal information, and use official customer service channels.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

WhatsApp And Messenger Include Scam Warnings For Seniors

Meta is enhancing user safety on WhatsApp and Messenger by introducing protective measures aimed at curbing scams, particularly targeting older adults. WhatsApp will display a warning when users share screens during calls with unknown contacts, discouraging the sharing of sensitive information. Messenger is piloting a scam detection system that alerts users to potential fraud indicators, allowing them to block or report suspicious contacts. Research shows that timely alerts can reduce compliance with fraudulent requests. Meta has disrupted around 8 million scam accounts and removed over 21,000 impersonating profiles. The company is also collaborating with the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center, which includes various major corporations, to combat scams across platforms.